Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

Hi, I’m Lainy Bradshaw and I’m 49 years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from a town called Huntingdon, in Cambridgeshire – famous for Oliver Cromwell and the inventor(allegedly)  of the sandwich – The Earl of Sandwich

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I left school at 16(it was allowed back then) and worked for the M.O.D. for a few years and then joined the RAF. I left when my son was born and have done many different jobs since, from sewing underwear for a department chain to being an optical dispenser at an opticians. My hobbies outside of writing are travel, photography and reading, of course.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Well, I have two novels with a small independent publisher and I am in the process of re-releasing one of my standalone novel Blind Faith. I also have several other works on the go.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing around April 2013. It was a diversion from a job I was in at the time

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I saw my first novel for sale on Amazon. That made it feel real

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I don’t know. Looking back and without wanting to sound too pretentious, it was a fairly intuitive thing. I just sat at my computer and wrote around four chapters.  The subject matter was again, something that happened quite organically. It was supposed to be a fantasy novel but it seems I’m better at romance.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

From Solitude and Shadows Past were a nightmare. They had different titles originally but I felt that the titles didn’t fit. I don’t like thinking of titles generally – its up there with writing blurbs, but Blind Faith was fairly easy, as it’s about a girl called Faith, who happens to be blind(not a great leap there). The other series Im working on is called The Midnight Tigers, which is a bit of a different take on the rock-star genre. Each individual book is the name of the lead character, one for each band member. So far there’s Drew and Cassio – both due for re-release as soon as the redesign is finished. Jonah and Jake will be coming hopefully in the new year.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I find it very hard to objectify my own work but I’ve been told that I’m a gentle and emotional writer that gets to the emotional heart of the story. I do think that life as a romance writer is difficult. There is so much out there, good and bad. Its getting harder to keep it fresh and original.  I do think I start each book afresh and let the characters dictate the tone of the story as it unfolds.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I’m pleased to say that there is very little in any of my books that are based on anything in my own life. There is one character in one of the books that is, physically at least, based on a real person. I needed a different kind of lead and he fitted the bill.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

Luckily, I don’t have to travel much, except when I start travelling to book signings.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

From Solitude and Shadows Past are designed by RL Weeks for Bella Tulip Publishing. The others are being re-designed by an amazing designer called Marmaduke the Spy Productions.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Gosh, I think that in most of them is everyone deserves a second chance.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

My all-time favourite author is the late, great genius Sir Terry Pratchett. He is histericallyfunny(I have snorted loudly on packed aircraft reading his work) but also he gets people. He gets society. New authors? There are a few that have come to my attention. Zizi Cole, Alana Greig and Phil Price.  Surprisingly(or not) none are romance. They are fantasy and horror. Alana has crafted a fabulous fantasy romp called the Aurora Stone which is great fun with some gasp out loud moments. Zizi and Phil are both paranormal/horror writers. Both had me on the edge of my seat and gave me late nights because the books are so gripping.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

Just one? I have had so much support from so many people. I suppose, originally I have to thank Ellie Clarke, who edited my early work for free, because I hadn’t got the money to pay for an editor. She has continued to be very supportive.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

It’s possible but it’s a hard world to get noticed in.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Hahaha, the whole thing? Gosh, that’s not an easy one. I think, in hindsight a lot of writers would change things.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

Not really, I do research for certain plot lines but then  I forget it all again…

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Oooh. Now theres a question. From Solitude, I think Nicolas Hoult would be perfect as Jacob.(From Solitude) Maybe Jamie Dornan for Cain(Blind Faith).

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Honestly, just write and read. You can’t write if you don’t read and the more you write, the better you get. Also, don’t get discouraged and if you need help, ask. Its out there.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Keep reading and if you read a book(not just mine) that you enjoy, please leave a review on amazon. Think of it as tipping a good meal at a restaurant.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Im just about to start ‘Love you in pieces’ by Alana Greig.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Vividly. I was seven and it was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It was like a whole new world had been laid out in front of me and I think I had my nose in a book ever since.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry.

I do have a wicked streak and things like Home Alone make me howl but

I cry at everything. Songs, the lion king. I cant watch Bambi because I blub. I was in pieces reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Terry Pratchett. He is my absolute writing hero.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I love photography. Not necessarily any good at it but I enjoy it.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I love the Harry Potter and Star Wars films. Got to love a good Musical too. TV, I don’t watch a huge amount but I like costume dramas(who didn’t enjoy Downton Abbey?)

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I love Italian food and a good curry. Favourite colour is electric blue, but I love all blues. Music, I prefer older stuff. 70s glam rock and 80s new romantic most from those decades.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

I don’t know. I can’t see me as never writing in some capacity. I suppose I would focus on photography more or maybe work on the publishing side.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

Ooh. I haven’t thought that far ahead…

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

I’m in the process of building my website. It’s there but theres not too much on it yet but if you want to have a look its www.lainybradshaw.com

I also have a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/lainybradshaw/

a twitter account  https://twitter.com/LainyBradshaw

and finally, an Instagram account  https://www.instagram.com/writerlainy/

https://www.amazon.com/Lainy-Bradshaw/e/B00FY80A12/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

You can pre-order Blind Faith on this link(except for kindle, but it will be live there on 4th December) https://books2read.com/blindfaith

From Solitude can be bought through this link https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solitude-Ghosts-Past-Book-ebook/dp/B01LWXGCJI

Shadows Past here  https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Past-Ghosts-Book-ebook/dp/B01N29ZN5C/?tag=smarturlebook-20