We talk to Elaine Everest about her book “The Butlins Girls”

Over the months ahead, we’ll be looking at new releases by some of our favourite authors. This month, Elaine Everest tells us about her book “The Butlins Girls” . . .

Q Can you tell us about the plot of the book?

A “The Butlins Girls” starts in 1946 with recently orphaned Molly Missons. Molly expects to continue her life in Erith where she grew up, living in the family home and running her father’s ironmonger’s shop. However, a woman and her grownup son turn up claiming to be beneficiaries of Molly’s father’s will. Molly has no choice but to run away when the son pushes his attentions on her and she is told she will lose her home. She fears what will happen. Her friend, Freda (from “The Woolworths Girls”), suggests she works at Butlins, which is just about to reopen after World War II, and it is there that she makes two new friends, who also have secrets, and meets the handsome matinee idol Johnny Johnson.

Q Who was your favourite character to write?

A I really enjoyed writing Molly’s story but another character I found myself drawn to was George, who now runs the ironmonger’s shop. There is something about elderly characters who take care of things and come out fighting at any opportunity to protect loved ones. They remind me of the much-missed older generation of my own family.

Q How did you go about the research for this one?

A I’ve always been a fan of Sir Billy Butlin and holiday camps. My maternal grandparents come from generations of travelling showmen. I grew up hearing stories of those times and also my mother’s memories of the hard life she had as a child during World War II. My ancestors knew Sir Billy. As Molly’s story started to form in my mind I realised I needed somewhere for her to flee when her life became hard in Erith. The holiday camp at Skegness was just reopening to holidaymakers. This gave me the perfect setting. My knowledge of holiday camps comes from family holidays in the Sixties – they hadn’t changed much since the Forties. We went to Warners Camps for many happy years.

Q As a published author, your creative-writing students must really value your opinion. What’s the one question you get asked most often, and your answer?

A My students are a hard-working group and many are published with short stories, series and novels – some with “The People’s Friend”! A common question I’m asked is how to find a publisher or agent for their novels. My answer is that before we seek publication we must learn our craft and be able to tell stories that engage with readers. Don’t expect to become published overnight and enjoy the journey as we learn our craft.

Q Are any of your characters based on your nearest and dearest?

A My stories, being set in a town where I grew up and which I love dearly, reflect the people of that area and yes, I do draw on the traits of strong women I’ve known. However, no single character is based on one person. As for the “baddies” – I’m not saying!

Q Do you read your own reviews?

A Yes, I do read book reviews and mainly they are generous comments from true readers. In a way I can learn from reviews when certain characters are mentioned. What I enjoy most is being able to chat with my readers on social media. So many people share their own memories of subjects I’ve covered – a most enjoyable part of being an author. I also receive photographs of my books in unusual places. Already a reviewer has taken her copy on holiday and it’s been pictured on a beach in Greece. “The Woolworths Girls” travelled to New York and visited the Woolworths Tower in downtown Manhattan. My books have more adventures than I do!

Join us again in our June 24 issue when we talk to Pam Weaver about her book “Always In My Heart”.