Book: Serial Dater
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I write psychological thrillers, having always been fascinated by stories with ‘unreliable narrators’. I used to be an independent filmmaker and turned by hand to writing a few years ago. I live in Surrey, England with my husband and son and I love to run, swim, walk and get out into our lovely countryside. And craft beer. I love that too.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Serial Dater’ book?
Serial Dater is the first novel-length story I’ve written, so my key challenges were keeping track of its twisty storyline – I had lots of planning and plotting sheets! Aside from that it was mainly battling my own lack of confidence, which is something I think every writer struggles with.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I grew up on the books of James Herbert and Stephen King, being a diehard horror fan. These days I enjoy Gillian Flynn, Sarah Pinborough and Will Carver. But films have been a huge influence – David Cronenberg especially, he’s the master at creating heroes with warped perception.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I’m lucky to live on the doorstep of the North Downs. We can step outside our door and be in the most beautiful rolling countryside within minutes. The Lake District is also dear to me from my childhood. The Screes at Wast Water are breathtaking.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I’m a plotter rather than a ‘pantster’ so I prefer to write a scene plan before I start. I’ve just finished the first draft of my second novel and have found it better to just get the story down, using the plan as my guide, but resist editing. I’ll then fill in any gaps in my research as I do my edits.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Serial Dater’ book?
Five years to get to the first draft! Finding time to write is always a challenge, but I do as much as I can when I can. Writing is a constant learning journey and one that I do for the ride, more than for the destination.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Serial Dater’ book to buy?
Serial Dater is available worldwide on Amazon.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Serial Dater’?
The title came before the book. The story is about a guy who uses a dating app to meet women who, unbeknownst to him, then go missing, so Serial Dater was perfect for it. For the cover, I’m very lucky that one of my amazing friends is also a print and web artist. She read the book so knew the story and its tone. We sat down together and threw some ideas around, but the credit for the fantastic cover art is entirely hers. Thank you Hiromi.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think reading within and outside of your genre is the secret to that – also watching quality films and TV series. Learning how to write great stories is best done by studying how others have done it before you. Plus it sparks your imagination. Then when you come to write it down, draw on personal experiences.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Well, I’m not going to give away any twists – but there are a fair few! All I will say is that my intention in writing this story was to create a main character that you really want to trust, but are just not sure you can. The rest I will leave to readers to make up their own minds about!
Book Is Available On Amazon
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