Here is my interview with Emma Hornby

 

Name . Emma Hornby

 

Age. 33

 

Where are you from . Bolton, England

 

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc  

I live with my fiancé, our three children and a demanding cat named Jerry.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I signed a three-book deal last year with Transworld, Penguin Random House. My debut novel, A Shilling for a Wife, is out in paperback 4th May. Manchester Moll, my second saga, is also out the same day in eBook and hardback.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’v e always enjoyed writing. I began with poetry in my teens and eventually moved into fiction.

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I first saw my work in print. It was a short story for a magazine – I was over the moon.

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Researching my family history. I unearthed some fascinating people.

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

My writing is gritty; I enjoy tackling dark and difficult subjects.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

My agent. She thought it fitting and I agree wholeheartedly.

 

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

However hopeless life seems, there’s always something better waiting around the corner if you’ve the courage to go and find it.

 

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

The main hardships faced by my protagonist, Sally, is purely fictional, thankfully! Although I have used a few details from my family search with other characters (names, experiences, etc).

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

Sagas set me on the road to where I am today. They bred in me the love of this fascinating genre.

 

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

Sadly, I’m so busy writing, I don’t have as much time for reading as I used to. A favourite author of mine, however, has to be Catherine Cookson. Her books keep you gripped from the very first page. She was a born storyteller.

 

 Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Friends of writers’ groups helped me enormously. I learned so much and their encouragement meant the world.

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Oh definitely. I couldn’t image doing anything else, now.

 

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

They say a novel is never really finished, you just have to decide when to leave it alone! I’m happy with it.

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I can recall making up stories in my mind from a very early age. In my younger days, I wrote poetry as a means of relieving stress. I suppose my love of the written word blossomed from there.

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I’m currently writing my third book, which tells the story of three orphans struggling to survive in the mean slums of Victorian Manchester. This book will be out February next year.

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Historicals can be hard work. Sometimes, days and days of research is required for the tiniest detail, but it’s all worth it in the end.

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I do much of my research from home. I have books on most subjects, and the internet is a treasure trove of information.

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publisher. I just love them.

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

The editing! I much prefer creating the piece but hey, the polishing moulds it into the finished product – it has to be done.

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Mainly what a difficult lot and what so little rights women had in days gone by. Some of my research shocked me; I hadn’t realised just how tough life was for them. I’m glad we’ve moved on today!

 

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead

All authors like to dream we’ll someday see our work turned into film and when writing A Shilling for a Wife, I would picture Sally as British actress Anna Friel. She’d be perfect and is a fabulous performer.

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Do your research. I know all too well that burning need to hold your book in your hands, but don’t allow your impatience to sell yourself short. Read up on your genre. Hone your craft. Study the publishing world. And try and try again. Don’t lose faith. You can do this!

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you. Truly. Without you, it’s just words on a page.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

My own! I’m currently combing through my work in progress checking for inconsistences.

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Likely something by Enid Blyton.

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Soppy black and white films.

 

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

I’d quite like to meet the Queen. I think she’d be rather lovely.

 

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

I don’t mind so long as there are no grammatical mistakes in the inscription!

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I love genealogy. It’s surprising how close you become to people you’ve never known.

 

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

I like a bit of everything really. Depends on my mood. I have a particular soft spot for old comedies (Carry On films, stuff like that).

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Curry, Purple, Motown.

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

I wouldn’t mind running my own florist’s.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

My website is currently under construction. However, I am on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmahornbyauthor/

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmmaHornbyBooks

 

A Shilling for a Wife, Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Shilling-Wife-Emma-Hornby/0552173231/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1492297743&sr=1-1

 

A Shilling for a Wife, Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/Shilling-Wife-Emma-Hornby/dp/0552173231/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1492297813&sr=8-1

Manchester Moll, Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manchester-Moll-Emma-Hornby-ebook/dp/B01JNZ6F38/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

Manchester Moll, Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/Manchester-Moll-Emma-Hornby-ebook/dp/B01JNZ6F38/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

Here is my interview with Matt Dunn

 

Name Matt Dunn
Age How old do you think I am? No – don’t answer that.
Where are you from
Margate, Kent
A little about yourself i.e. your education Family life etc.
I have a degree in Sports Science (which is really useful for a writer). I’ve worked as a lifeguard, fitness equipment salesman, and even a headhunter in the IT industry.

 

 
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I have a new book out, called What Might Have Been. It’s my eighth romantic comedy novel, and it’s a love triangle, set in London.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
2001. I’d wanted to write since I was 12, but it wasn’t until I read Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity that I realised what I wanted to write. Unfortunately, he’d already written it, but even so, I thought I’d have a go at something in the same style/genre.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I started writing my first novel (Best Man). Once it was published (in 2005), I considered myself a novelist. Now I’m writing my ninth, I consider myself extremely lucky/privileged.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
If you mean the subject matter, it was a situation I found myself in. I’m saying no more…

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I dunno – light-hearted, easy to read (hopefully)? It’s just the way I write.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Of the new book? It’s kind of what the storyline’s about, in that I think everyone wonders at one time or another what might have been if they’d made a different decision or choice, whether that’s regarding an ex, or a career, or even a chance encounter. So I wanted to write about someone who knew that having that regret would eat them up for the rest of their lives, and the lengths they’d go to in order to avoid that.

 

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Apart from the subliminal message to go out and buy the rest of my books? No. I just want them to enjoy the story.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
That’s not really for me to say, is it? But hopefully it’s a dilemma that a lot of people will relate to.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
No. I make it all up. At least, that’s what my lawyer’s advised me to say.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity. If he hadn’t written that, we wouldn’t be having this conversation, and I doubt I’d have written one novel, let alone be starting on my ninth.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I’ve had no real mentors, though I suppose Nick Hornby’s been a major influence. Freya North, Mike Gayle, and Chrissy Manby were really helpful and supportive to me when my first novel came out.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
High Fidelity (again) – I read it at least once a year, as it reminds me how high the bar I’m aiming for is. Plus one about cycling (for research).

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Loads. In my genre, Jon Rance and Neal Doran are writing some very funny books. And I’m a little overawed by how good/funny a writer Mhairi McFarlane is.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?
I’m halfway through writing my ninth novel. I’m also working on the screenplay for my second book, The Ex-Boyfriend’s Handbook.

 

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My desk chair.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
It is my career. And has been since 2005. And there’s not a day when I don’t realise how lucky I am.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Probably quite a lot. Which is why I hate rereading any of my stuff. There’s a saying that goes something like “you never finish writing a novel, you just decide to stop working on it”. I think that’s true.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I wrote and read out something at a school assembly when I was twelve, which got a few laughs, and there and then I decided I wanted to write comedy. Though I didn’t do much about it until twenty or so years later, when I finally decided to sit down and give it a go. That ‘giving it a go’ became my first novel, Best Man.

 

 
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
No – sorry. I don’t like to talk about anything I’m working on until it’s finished (mainly because it might change!). You can download a free sample of What Might Have Been from Amazon, though.

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Every. Single. Word. No – not really. I generally enjoy it. Though my last book, A Day at the Office, was my first multi-viewpoint novel, and was set over the course of just one (Valentine’s) day, so it presented a few technical challenges.

 

 
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I won’t mention Nick Hornby again, But in terms of writing, David Mitchell. In terms of imagination, Haruki Murakami. But I read a lot, and as much as I like to read new books from my ‘favourites’, I also love discovering new authors.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
No. They’re set in places I know well, and have usually lived in at one time.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Too many people to mention. But I’ve had some stinkers in the past (as a novelist, you don’t always get to choose), so I’ve made sure I’ve had the final say on the last couple.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Not being distracted by twitter/facebook etc.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
To keep the internet switched off if I wanted to finish it on time.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Sit down and write. Read the best sellers in your genre and see how they achieve their page-turning quality. And edit, edit, edit.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thanks for buying my books. And please keep it up.

 

 
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Where The Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak.

 

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Loads. Mainly sport (tennis, running, cycling, skiing), which I think is important, since I spend my working day hunched over a laptop (and I’m not getting any younger, despite what my photoshopped author photo would have you believe)

 

 
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
My all time favourite TV show is Frasier. Things I’ve enjoyed most recently would include the first series of The Trip. I’m also the last person in the entire world to realize how good Breaking Bad is (I’m currently only on season 2). In terms of films, I love clever, light-hearted relationship comedy dramas (for example, I’ve just watched The Descendents, which I loved, plus What Maisie Knew, which was excellent. My all time favourite film is probably Gregory’s Girl.

 

 
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Curry (Thai or Indian), Italian (pasta and pizza), and my mum’s Sunday roast. I don’t have a favourite colour, and I listen (though not while I’m writing) to a wide variety of music (current favourites: Zero 7, Sia, Daft Punk).

 

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Ferrari test driver. Or Halle Berry’s personal masseur.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
I’m at http://www.mattdunn.co.uk – or you can follow me on twitter (@mattdunnwrites) or find me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/mattdunnwrites)

 

 

Uk What Might Have Been eBook: http://www.amazon.com/Matt-Dunn/e/B003ZY26PK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1407797687&sr=1-2-ent http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Might-Have-Been-Matt/dp/1477825029/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407797240&sr=8-1&keywords=Matt+Dunn

 

 
USA What Might Have Been Ebook http://www.amazon.com/What-Might-Have-Been-Matt/dp/1477825029/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407797687&sr=1-1&keywords=Matt+Dunn

 

 

Uk Matt Dunn: Amazon.co.uk: Books http://www.amazon.co.uk/Matt-Dunn/e/B003ZY26PK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1407797510&sr=8-2-ent

 

USA  Matt Dunn: Amazon.com; Books http://www.amazon.com/Matt-Dunn/e/B003ZY26PK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1407797687&sr=1-2-ent