Today I’m joining the blog tour for Sunny Skies And Summer Kisses. I’m sharing my Q&A with the author with thanks to Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me on the blog tour and to Eliza J Scott for answering my questions!

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO WRITE?

Yes, as far back as I can remember I’ve always wanted to write. I used to make little books and write my stories in them – usually about a family of mice living in a tree trunk!

WHAT WERE YOUR PREVIOUS JOBS? HAVE THEY HELPED YOU WITH YOUR WRITING PROCESS?

My previous jobs were secretarial, so being able to type quickly has definitely been a bonus in the writing process.

HOW DO YOU CONSTRUCT YOUR CHARACTERS? DO THEY HAVE TRAITS OF PEOPLE YOU KNOW?

I start with a character profile and build from that. I usually have a pretty good idea of how I want that person to behave and hopefully match their traits to their personality. I don’t consciously use traits from people I know.

WHAT DOES YOUR WRITING PROCESS LOOK LIKE? ARE YOU A PLOTTER OR A PANTSER?

In answer to the second part of your question, I’ve had several discussions with other authors about this and have come to the conclusion I’m a bit of a mixture – a plotty-pantser or a pants-plotter!

In answer to the first part of your question, I start off with an idea and build a rough plan of how I want the story to progress. I always know what the ending will be and vaguely how my characters will get there, but all sorts can happen when I’m writing. I tend to let my characters lead the way – to a point!

HOW DID YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH? DID YOU ENJOY IT?

My research for my Life on the Moors series is mostly about the location. I’m very lucky in that I live on the moors where the stories are set, so I just have to look out of the window, or step into the garden when I’m looking for ways to describe the scenery. And, yes, I definitely enjoy it.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS? ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY THEM?

Oh, my goodness! This is a really tricky question. There are so many wonderful authors out there, my list of favourites is very lengthy. To start with, I’d have to say I love Jane Austen and Emily Bronte but my more contemporary favourites would have to include Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain, Victoria Henry, Phillipa Gregory, Karen Swan, Jill Mansell, Cathy Bramley, Jo Thomas, Jessica Redland, Sharon Booth, Helen J Rolfe, Daisy James and Caroline Roberts. Phew! I think I’d better stop there!

IF YOU COULD INVITE THREE PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, TO DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?

First of all, I’d love to have Jane Austen as a dinner guest. I think her observations would be hugely entertaining. Milly Johnston would be another. I sat at the same table as her for the RNA York Tea  last year and she was just lovely. Finally, I’d have to say Richard Armitage because I thought he was amazing in the North and South series.

WHO WOULD YOU LEAST LIKE TO BE STUCK IN A LIFT WITH AND WHY?

Someone who’d had a huge amount of garlic in their meal the previous evening. Not good.

WHO WOULD PLAY THE MAIN CHARACTER/S IN A FILM VERSION OF SUNNY SKIES AND SUMMER KISSES?

Ooh, I think Lily James would be perfect as Anoushka, and the Irish actor Paul Mescal (from Normal People) would be brilliant as Gabe, especially since he’s got a lovely singing voice.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I love being in the garden, whether it be pulling weeds or planting roses. The first thing I do when I get up is make a cup of tea and take it out into the garden.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU?

I’m currently working on the next book in the Life on the Moors series which should be out for Christmas. After that, I’ll focus on book 2 in my Welcome to Micklewick Bay series.

FAVOURITES:

BOOK

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

FILM

The Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law. My husband and I watch it every Christmas Eve.

BAND/SINGER

The teenage me would say Duran Duran – I was (and still am) a huge fan. I saw them recently at Castle Howard in York and they were amazing. But right now, I’d say it’s Foals.

TV SHOW

I’ve just finished watching the second series of Sanditon which I loved.

COLOUR

I love purple.

PLACE

The North Yorkshire Moors, without a doubt.

BISCUIT

Ginger snaps. There’s a local bakers who make the best. They definitely help the writing process, dunked in a cup of good, strong tea.

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Sunny Skies And Summer Kisses is available from Amazon.

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