In Conversation with Claire Allan

Today I am in conversation with Claire Allan, author of Her Name was Rose. So without further ado, let's ask Claire some questions....

Any advice to anyone dreaming of becoming an author?

 JUST DO IT! The best advice I can give is just to write. Sit down and open a file on your computer, or take out a notebook and write something.

If it feels like a big task, set yourself a goal. 200 words maybe. Don’t overthink it. No author gets it right the first time, even the most experienced authors go through countless drafts before they have the book you eventually read. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be written!

Where do you get your writing inspiration from?

From everything! I’m a people watcher (I think most writers are), so I love to watch people interact and imagine what their story can be. I can also hear a phrase or a song, or sit in the sun on a lovely day and have a scene come into my head that becomes something much more. There are  stories happening around us all the time, in everyone’s life. My 18 years in journalism taught that me that so many people have these incredible life experiences that they don’t tend to talk about, and that the most extraordinary stories come from “ordinary” people.

What are you working on next?

I’ve just submitted the first draft of my second thriller ‘Apple of My Eye’ to my publishers. It’s a story about a mother’s obsession with her daughter and the steps she will go to to protect her child. I had great fun writing it and letting my imagination run wild!

If, heaven forbid, there was a fire, what possession would you grab first to save?

Assuming my family and pets were safe and well, it would have to be my laptop. Mostly because I’m not half as good at backing up my work as I should be and the thought of losing work is horrendous! Also I form a certain bond with my laptops. I’ve gone through four in my writing career so far and my current is my favourite. It’s the nicest to work on and I’ve it customised just how I want, complete with a sticker my daughter chose for the cover.

What five people, living or dead, would you choose to invite to a dinner party?

I probably should pick writerly sorts? Shouldn’t I? But in truth, I’d love to sit around a table with Oprah Winfrey (and sure, if she wanted to choose me for her book club that would be lovely!) and Michelle Obama for the inspiration and political chat. Marian Keyes for the literary chat and a good laugh. Michael Buble as he is my one true love and Jane Austen, to see what her take on the modern dating world would be.

Thank you Claire for taking part with in conversation with. You can follow Claire on Twitter @Claireallan or visit www.claireallan.com to see what she is up to! My review of Her Name was Rose will be up shortly but if you can't wait, you can grab a copy now (and the kindle edition is only 99p)!

Happy Reading

Miss Chapters x

The New Girl

The New Girl by Ingrid Alexandra

Published by Avon Books

October 2018

When Rachel moves into the spare room in Mary’s flat, everyone is quick to jump to the conclusion that there’s something strange about her. Everyone apart from Mary.

And when Rachel starts sleepwalking, the flatmates’ fears grow. But there’s something about the new girl that Mary can’t help but trust, and having recently escaped a toxic relationship, she needs the support.

Rachel becomes a friend and an ally, and Mary soon discovers that they have more in common than she ever could have imagined.

In fact, Rachel seems to know more about Mary than she knows about herself…

Ingrid Alexandra's novel The New Girl comes out in paperback in October but you can grab a copy on your kindle right now for the bargain price of 99p; perfect for reading by the beach or pool this summer.

Mary is an orphan following her parents' disappearance when she was in her teens, resulting in a wealthy inheritance. She's recently moved across Australia in a bid to escape from her ex-boyfriend Mark who is violent and has been threatening to kill her. No one else knows of her location about from her Aunt who despite Mark's most recent visit, isn't about to reveal where she is staying. Mary now lives in a flat with Ben and her best friend Cat.  In order to raise more funds the friends advertise for a new flatmate and it is left to Mary to show around applicant Rachel.  They instantly hit it off and Rachel soon moves in, though it appears that Cat isn't so sure about her.

Rachel starts to confess in Mary, asking her to keep her past secret from Cat and the two become even closer, prompting disharmony between the former friends; add to that a blossoming relationship between Ben and Mary and some odd phone calls from a mystery caller who can only be Mark.  Rachel's behaviour becomes a little odd; sleepwalking into Mary's bedroom at night and watching her sleep. The problem for the readers is that Mary drinks - so how reliable is her narrative, can the reader actually trust her past or even her present?!

The ending comes with a twist and is certainly a cliffhanger!

Happy Reading

Miss Chapters x