Briefly tell us about your book.
The Half Brother is a Psychological Thriller.
Hannah and Stef, sisters who have grown up in comfort and security, are stunned to discover their mother adopted out a child long before their parents met.
When Alex walks into their lives, the sisters are seduced by his charm, wealth and social status. He seems to fill the familial fissures and becomes their number one confidant, pushing away those closest to them.
But it soon becomes apparent that their new brother’s agenda is more complicated and sinister than the sisters could have imagined.
What inspired the idea behind this book?
I was still writing for the extremely popular Go Girl! series (Junior Fiction) when I set myself the challenge of writing short stories for adults. Hannah and Stef emerged as relatable protagonists and started speaking their truths. So, I decided to make them sisters from a functional family (like my own real one). Alex, the half-brother, evolved over time as the way to truly rock the status quo.
What are you hoping the reader will take away from reading your book?
I’d like the reader to consider how they view themselves as opposed to how others see them. Also, to mull over the age-old question of what’s more significant, nature or nurture. But, mainly, I’d like them to feel they’ve been on a bumpy ride with layered characters they really know.
What’s some great advice you’ve received that has helped you as a writer?
In later drafts, when things were (almost) coming together, Alex Craig, Publisher at Ultimo Press, suggested I go through the manuscript again and set my intent from the beginning. It sounds simple, but you enter a maze when you’re writing a full-length novel. This advice steered me through.
What’s your daily writing routine like and what are you working on at the moment?
I write each morning from 9am-12pm, when my creative brain is freshest. In the afternoons, I switch to left brain and research and plan for the next day.
I’m currently writing another Psychological Thriller, working title Plus One, which explores the devastating effects of sex crimes.
Luckily, my protagonists have started speaking to me!
Can someone explain the ending of this book to me, please. I am missing something. Thanks in advance.
I had trouble putting the book down. I was totally trans fixed, but the ending left me wondering if there might be a sequel given that Heath looks like following in his uncles foot steps?
Dear Christine, I finished “The Half Brother “ last night and I was very disappointed with the ending. I did relate to Hannah and Stef and was waiting for them to DO something consistent with the character descriptions at the start of the novel. No mother would shrug off a child exchanging expensive items for a spot on the team and no one would let someone get away with resigning on their behalf just because the daughter had had a hissy fit. That was the time to let him have it. Basically, it’s another story about an arrogant, conceited man and three women who become his door mats.
You’re a good writer. Write something about women who succeed and help change society’s gender vulture.
Regards,
Maree
Not vulture, ‘culture’