In this virtual thriller author interview that I recently had at my local library, I had the privilege of answering a series of questions about my writing journey.
In this Q&A session, I'll share insights into my inspirations, creative process, and the stories that fuel my literary works.
How did you become interested in writing thrillers?
I've always been fascinated by suspense and mystery, through film, TV and books. It naturally translated into my passion for writing. The adrenaline of writing intense plots and keeping readers on the edge of their seats inspired me to step into the world of writing thrillers.
What sets your thrillers apart from others in the genre?
I'm still finding my way as a new author, but I strive to create a blend of suspense and unexpected twists in my thrillers through my favourite unreliable narrator trope. I love to challenge readers' expectations and hope to take them on a journey they won't forget.
How do you approach developing suspenseful plots?
I begin by brainstorming concepts and developing characters and then I weave together clues, secrets, and unexpected revelations that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The key is to create a balance of anticipation and surprises, whilst also moving the story along at a good pace.
How do you create memorable and relatable characters in your thrillers?
This is crucial to for any novel, and very, very important to me. I invest time in fleshing out their backgrounds, motivations and fears, and then I try and get into their minds before I write. By giving my characters relatable traits, flaws, and desires, readers can emotionally connect with them, heightening the suspense and investment in the story.
My characters are far from perfect - like all of us. When I wrote Seven Sins, I told it through the point of view of Kai, a hired-killer. The novel has been described by some readers, as 'brutal' and 'extremely dark,' where Kai's thoughts, and the things that take place in the book, are so raw, it has made some readers uncomfortable because of how 'inside their head' it is. It also terrified me to see the elements of darkness I was able to write.
Do you draw inspiration from real-life events for your stories?
Yes! Real-life events serve as a wellspring of inspiration for my thrillers. I'm fascinated by the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of the world we live in. While my stories are fictional, they often incorporate elements or themes that reflect aspects of the real world.
What can readers expect from your upcoming projects?
Hopefully more suspense, plot twists and addictive narratives. I'm constantly challenging myself to push the boundaries of the thriller genre wherever I can.
Are there any particular themes or messages you explore in your thrillers?
Themes of trust, betrayal, and the dark sides of human nature often find their way into my thrillers. I like to explore moral dilemmas and psychological complexities, inviting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values. Ultimately, I aim to entertain and provoke thought through my storytelling with a goal to leave a lasting impression.
How do you balance your writing career with other commitments?
This is definitely a challenge. I work a full-time in a marketing role, and I write during weekends, after work, and when I take annual leave. Essentially, it's all about effective time management and prioritisation. I dedicate specific blocks of time to writing, while also ensuring I have time for family, work, and other aspects of life.
It's a juggling act that requires discipline and focus. I've never really been good at juggling, so sometimes I drop the ball and fail. I can go months without writing but during that time, I've planned a range of new thrillers in my head and across scraps of paper around the house. Sometimes I just need to sit down and write, but sometimes my brain won't let me. As long as I'm doing something book related in that time, whether it's reading, writing a blog for my website or marketing, I won't punish myself by feeling guilty.
Tell us about your work in progress?
I'm currently in the planning stages of a free suspense thriller novella for my newsletter subscribers which I'm so excited about. This one comes with a good lesson and I hope it sends strong message to readers. I obviously can't say what this message is, as that'll be a big spoiler. Actually, perhaps I can say 'don't judge a book by it's cover'.
I'm also writing the second installment of the Seven series, so I'm in and out of the dark hole I've created for this series.
Who and what are some of your favourite authors and titles?
There are so many fantastic authors and titles out there that it's hard to pick a favourite. Alice Feeney is a brilliant author - I thoroughly enjoy her work and would happily read every one of her books, one after the next if I had the time to.
Verity by Colleen Hoover, The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell, The Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, No Exit by Taylor Adams... I can go on forever.
I have also come across some amazing novels by independent authors too, like There She Lies by Michelle Young, and No One I Knew by A J McDine - do check them out for your next read.
What message would you like listeners to take away?
If I could send one message to book lovers out there, I would encourage you all to venture into uncharted territories and explore new authors, independent authors, banned books, or even unfamiliar genres. You never know - you might be surprised.
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