Valerie: That it’s a marathon and not a sprint. Only a few writers strike it lucky with their first book. Most need to write several before they make a living. I wish someone had told me – so I tell everyone – it’s persistence, and the ability to keep getting up when you’re knocked down that brings success. On the plus side, what an absolutely amazing community it is – how writers help and support one another, and the amazing friends I’ve made.
Me: I couldn't agree and the friendships made (including ours!) have become some of the best and closest friends I've ever had.
Is there any subject you’d never write about as an author?
Valerie: Child abuse. And Erotica. I also don’t write graphically violent or graphically sexual scenes. Since I write psychological thrillers, there will always be a certain amount of violence but I don’t think it’s ever gratuitous.
Me: I agree, child abuse will never happen in my books - I've written a certain amount of neglect and hardship but nothing any darker. I have your book, The Wives, on my kindle waiting for me and I can't wait to get started.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Valerie: An absolute pantser. I sometimes start writing with only a wisp of an idea in the hopes that it’ll turn into a story. I tried planning – got as far as writing Chapter One, then couldn’t go any further. My brain simply refuses to work like that.
Me: We are the complete opposite! I am a full on plotter who needs every chapter summarised before I begin to write. That's why I love writing, there is no right or wrong way.
If you could be the original author for any book, which book would it be and why?
Valerie: JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series – (not just for the money!) but because I loved that adults and children could read and enjoy them equally. I read them the same time as my 11-year-old nephew. As for my favourite – I would love to be able to write as beautifully and as well as EF Benson – his Mapp and Lucia series is simply perfect.
Me: What an imagination JK Rowling had with the Harry Potter series... mindboggling.
So, what are you working on at the moment?
Valerie: I have just this afternoon finished my 31st, yet unnamed book, and I’ve sent it off to my lovely editor, Emily – only one day late which is good for me!
Me: Yay, congrats! Such a fabulous feeling - I look forward to hearing more about it the next time you visit. I hope it flies!
Do you work on one book at a time?
Valerie: It’s more a constant cycle – so I’m either writing, waiting for edits to come in, and while I’m waiting I’m thinking of my next, hoping some idea will pop into my head. Sometimes, I’ll start writing my next while waiting for edits to come.
Me: Same here - I think this is what aspiring writers don't realise. It's amazing to be published, but then the fun and games of juggling writing projects begins!
Let's talk about your latest release - do you have a favourite character?
Valerie: My latest release, out July 15th, is one of my favourite books. I really had fun writing it – it is my 30th novel, so I decided to write about a writer who was struggling to come up with an idea for a story. I had fun writing Cara, the writer, but all of my characters tend to be more unlikeable than likeable.
Me: This sounds great... especially for us writers! I will be heading off to Amazon as soon we're done here. Why don't we finish off by you sharing the blurb and buy link for The Writer?
It was great having you here this evening, Valerie!
Blurb:
Cara Jenkins is a successful author about to embark on her
thirtieth novel. But as she sits at her desk to write, she realizes that she
has no ideas left. And as the pressure mounts for her to deliver, she begins to
fear that her career is over.
Then the letters start.
At first, they seem harmless. But as the messages grow
darker, Cara becomes convinced that someone is watching her, waiting for their
moment to strike.
Her husband, Artie, dismisses the notes as stupid pranks,
but Cara feels them pulling her back to a past she can't escape. With no easy
answers, Cara does what she does best and begins to write. But the more words
that come, the more fantasy and reality begin to blur and soon her imagination,
and her accusations, begin to run wild.
With reality blurring into fiction, Cara struggles to see
the truth. Is someone really watching her, or is her unravelling mind feeding
her paranoia? And how will this story - her story – end?
This time her deadline has never felt more deadly….
BUY: https://mybook.to/TheWriterSocial
Valerie Keogh is the best-selling author of The Nurse. She lives in Wiltshire with her husband and a huge black cat, Fatty Arbuckle. She grew up reading Agatha Christie and initially wrote crime novels - she now writes psychological thrillers.
The Little Lies was shortlisted for the Crime Fiction Lovers Award 2021
Valerie has a BA in English and an MA in American Literature.
She is currently published with Boldwood Books.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeriekeoghnovels
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriekeogh2/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
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