5 Five quick questions

1. When and where did your journey as an author begin? When I was nine years old, my teacher Mr Winstanley announced to the class that, one day, I would be a writer. He asked me to send him a copy of my first book. He planted a tiny seed that grew from that moment, and that’s when my journey began. Last October, my 24th book was released. I still think about Mr Winstanley, and say a silent thank you for starting me on that journey.

2. What is (or has been) your proudest moment as a writer? I allow myself a proud moment on every publication day, simply because I got there! Writing for a living is wonderful, but it’s also incredibly hard, and takes so much self-discipline, which for a procrastinator like me is especially difficult. I have to reward myself with doughnuts just for turning up at my desk, and only when my creative juices are like syrup can I begin the next chapter. So holding that book in my hand on release day is always my proudest moment!

3. Who or what is your greatest inspiration?

After university I had to get a job and didn’t have time to write, but I continued to be an avid reader. I couldn’t afford to buy books, but at my local library I discovered a Canadian writer called Joy Fielding, whose brilliant psychological thrillers inspired me to write. I’m not in any way comparing myself to someone I consider to be the queen of the genre, but I’ll always be inspired by her amazing stories that compel me to read just one more chapter.

4. Please tell us a little about your most recent novel?

My psychological thriller The Lodge came out last October, and tells the story of a new wife and an old wife being forced to go on holiday together with their dysfunctional family in a beautiful winter lodge in Cornwall. Snow is falling, waves are thundering against the cliffs, but it soon becomes clear that it’s more dangerous inside the lodge than it is outside.

5. What is your top tip for writers still on the journey towards publication?

Never give up. I had held on to my dream from being nine years old.

You have to push on through negative feelings and rejections, and just stay focused on the light at the end of that often very long tunnel.