What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I'm a sponge for information and everything I read, hear or accidentally overhear gets filed away in my brain and pops back up at the just the right moment. A while ago I read an article in a newspaper property supplement about the rise of divorced couples continuing to live together due to financial reasons. And I remember thinking at the time - oooh wouldn't it be awkward if one brought a new love interest home! And, a year or so later, when I was thinking about the idea for this book, that idea resurfaced and was perfect.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
The main character, Steph, has a guilty-pleasure TV show: Gladiators. So her theme song would be the theme tune to that show, along with the iconic phrase "Contender ready! Gladiator ready! Three... Two... One!"
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love writing and reading psychological thrillers, but I also love reading other genres. I always have three books on the go at once - a psych thriller, a non-fiction and another genre, which is either mystery, romance, literary, classic, fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction or other types of thrillers. I read a lot!
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Books on my TBR are: psych thriller Not His Wife by L.G. Davis, urban fantasy Mark of the Fallen by Hale Mercer, and non-fiction We Need to Tax Billionaires by Gabriel Zucman
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favourite scene to write was when Steph is at a busy poetry reading at a bookshop and her phone rings. She's sat near the front and has to weave her way out, step on a few toes, and try not to disturb everyone. That awkward, tense atmosphere where everyone is tutting at you under their breath was so fun to imagine and bring to life through words.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I recently adopted a cat called Ernie who loves to sprawl across my keyboard just when I'm about to write a juicy moment! I can't possibly move him off, so I attempt to continue typing with one hand or by holding the keyboard out of the way. It's always lovely writing to the sounds of deep purring.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Recently, I've been reminding myself of the following: If you can overthink the worst that will happen, then you can just as easily overthink the best that can happen.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I'd love readers to remember that feeling of being gripped, stunned, and breathless while reading The Wife After Me. It has multiple jaw-on-the-floor twists and is sure to keep readers on their toes!
