Tuesday 30 July 2013

Interview With An Author Sarah Louise Smith & Her New Novel

Today I'm delighted to welcome fellow Crooked Cat author Sarah Louise Smith to my blog. Earlier this year Sarah's debut novel Amy & Zach was launched and is one of my favouite books of 2013, her second novel Izzy's Cold Feet was launched on July 12th and is another fantastic read. Learn more about Sarah in my interview with her and discover more about her books....
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I have been writing stories since I was a child, but it was only in my early twenties that I realised I wanted to actually become a published author.
Where is your favourite spot in which to write? Garden? Study? Kitchen table? In bed?
Usually the dining table, with a cat on the chair beside me and my dog by my feet!
Do you prefer to write with pen and paper or straight to the computer?
I write LOTS of notes with pen and paper but the actual story is always on the laptop; I couldn’t be doing with typing it all up after the fact! :)
Do you plan a plot out in great detail before writing or start with the basics and let the book evolve that way?
I let the book evolve to a point and then I start to write a plan and think about each chapter and the structure of the story.
Do you ever get part way through writing a book and find the characters are leading the story off in a different direction to how you had envisaged?
Yes, that’s exactly what happened with Izzy’s Cold Feet, I had planned a different ending but Izzy had different ideas! So I rewrote it...and I think she was right.
Who is your favourite character from all the books you have written and why?
I guess I have small crushes on most of the heroes in my books! But Izzy is probably my favourite. She goes on a journey and matures throughout the book and I admire her bravery.
Is there such a thing as an average writing day for you and if so what is it?
Not really... sometimes I get up early and write, others I feel inspired later in the day. I always feel I should have more of a routine but I usually have to be in the right mood to write.
What is your favourite book of all time?
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. I reread it every year.
What is your favourite film of all time?
It’s hard to pick just one! Love Actually is one of my favourites. I also loved Inception (and most films with Leonardo DiCaprio!) :)
What was your journey to being a published author?
Just finishing Amy & Zach was a huge achievement for me; for years I’d started novels and never actually finished them. I then went about looking at agents and publishers (and received my fair share of rejections). When Amy & Zach was accepted by Crooked Cat, I was over the moon.
Biggest myth about being a novelist?
That you get rich fast ;)
Advice to aspiring novelists?
Write, write, write. Don’t get distracted by the internet, or television, or anything else. Just write.


Izzy’s Cold Feet –  
One bride to be. Three ex-boyfriends.

Izzy is engaged to Greg, who is everything a girl could want.
The trouble is – all she can think about is the men she loved before she met him: sexy Ewan, the first love of her life; dependable Jason, who loved her more than she deserved; and irresistible Dexter, who broke her heart…
Then there’s the fact that her sister has been missing since Izzy was twelve. After such a traumatic childhood all Izzy wants is a normal, happy, settled life, but love is never simple.
In the week leading up to her wedding day, Izzy is forced to ask herself who she loves the most. And, given the choice, who would she want to spend her life with?
Links:
Sarah’s website/blog: www.sarahlouisesmith.com
You can purchase the paperback or e-versions from all the usual online book sellers.

About Sarah Louise Smith
Sarah Louise Smith lives in Milton Keynes, UK, with her husband, two cute cats and a loopy golden retriever. She has an extremely lovely step-daughter and spends most of her free time writing, reading, cooking, and taking long walks.
She’s the author of two chick-lit novels: Amy & Zach and Izzy’s Cold Feet, both published by Crooked Cat. Read Sarah’s blog at: www.sarahlouisesmith.com.

Discover Sarah's first novel, Amy & Zach:
Amazon UK:
Amazon US:

1 comment:

  1. Great interview, Zanna and Sarah! Glad I'm not the only one whose characters take over my stories. I'll try to take your advice about not getting too distracted by the Internet today. :-)

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