Today I’m joining the blog tour for A Blend Of Magic. I’m sharing a Q&A with the author with thanks to Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me on the tour and to Kate Kenzie for answering my questions!

Have you always wanted to write?

I’ve written for as long as I can remember. One of my strongest childhood memories is writing stories based on Brambly Hedge characters with my Victoria Plum pencil and illustrating them. Later I’d scribble down the beginning chapters of novels on the school bus. Being an author was my dream job but I put it aside in adulthood when imposter syndrome and real life kicked in.

What were your previous jobs? Have they helped you with your writing process?

I’ve had many jobs from shop assistants, carer and a chiropodist. My favourite was working in the library service. It was the best of all worlds, books, dealing with customers and researching obscure things for them. Being surrounded by and discussing books all day made me want to write, I was always curious about the customers life stories, and the research whether it searching for an obscure book or documentation of a vaguely remembered event such as an elephant walking down the High St gave me inspiration for scenes.

What was your inspiration for A Blend of Magic?

A Blend of Magic began as an unfinished short story for my local writing group after someone brought in a sorry looking vintage teacup as a prompt. I imagined a witch choosing it from her extensive teacup collection. Willow Anderson and her ginger cat, Vincent were created.

How do you construct your characters? Do they have traits of people you know?

I usually see a snapshot of their lives such as Willow choosing a cup or another dancing in the kitchen. Curiosity of who they are and why they are doing things takes hold. Sometimes I use the technique of imagining you are sharing a drink and interrogating them. Occasionally characters seem to arrive in my head as fully formed personalities and I just go with them for the journey. 

I don’t think they are based on people I know but traits from those around you or you’ve met must seep in. Amber in A Blend of Magic was based on a character I wrote about as a teenager and she is how I always wanted to be at that age.

What does your writing process look like? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Characters and place come first and then the plot. Some stories seem to arrive with a firm foundation of a beginning, middle and end so I tried to be a plotter but I became bored and they didn’t get finished. So I now try to be a combination of both and allow the characters show me their tale as I write within a loose framework.

How did you research? Did you enjoy it?

I love research, perhaps too much as I’m prone to going off on a tangent and end up reading/watching things that have nothing to do with the original question but were interesting. Having a novel on the go is a good excuse to read about different topics in depth just in case there is a nugget of info a character may need to know such as the origins of tea and the ingredients historically used in love potions.

Who are your favourite writers? Are you influenced by them?

I have many favourite authors in different genres. Their influence depends on what I’m writing. I adore Barbara Erskine’s haunting epics with a touch of paranormal, Julia Chapman’s Dale Detective series for their sense of place and community but also romantic authors like Milly Johnson for the heart-warming observations of women’s lives and striving for a happy ever after.

If you could invite three people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be and why?

Milly Johnson because she would make everyone laugh and put everyone at ease. As an introvert, I’d be a useless hostess to people I didn’t know. 

Neil Gaiman because not only does he come across as approachable and wise, his narrative voice is perfect for storytelling. I’d love to tap into his knowledge of world building. 

Maia Toll. I’ve read a number of her books and use her oracle cards. I’d love to chat to her about herbal remedies and her life as a witch.

Who would you least like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

That is so hard as I’d hate to upset anyone but probably Jeremy Clarkson. We’d clash on many topics and I hate confrontation.

Who would play the main character/s in a film version of…. ? 

Willow: Carey Mulligan

Nate: Ben Barnes

Amber: Ruby Stokes

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Reading, reading and more reading. I enjoy crafts, but projects never get finished. I also enjoy nature so happiest in the countryside or by the sea.

What is next for you?

I’m editing a book based on intergenerational friendships and adult ballet but I’m also working on a potential sequel to A Blend of Magic focusing on Rosa and the Emporium’s ghosts.

Favourites:

Book? Do I have to just choose one? Hiding from the Light by Barbara Erskine.

Film? A 1980’s film Made in Heaven starring Kelly McGillis. I used to have it on video and watch it on repeat. 

Band/Singer? Pink. Her lyrics always hit home and conjure up emotions. Her angry songs are great to play loud.

TV show? Virgin River. I’m a sucker for a good romance and the sense of community in the programme makes me feel better about the world.

Colour? Purple -always.

Place? Whitby

Biscuit? Abernethy but I haven’t had one for ages because I can’t find somewhere that stocks them so after those, ginger stem cookies.

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A Blend Of Magic is available from Amazon.

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