Interview with NJ Barker, Author of The Family Secret

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Family Secret?

I wanted to write a thriller based on a family business, but I didn’t know which industry to choose. I was listening to music and Perfume by Paris Angels came on. That inspired me to write the book. The book was called Perfume for a long time before a last minute switch to The Family Secret. I had to research the industry which involved reading a stack of books and attending a perfume creation session at Floris, London.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Family Secret, what would they be?

Probably, “Only Love Can Break Your Heart”, and probably the version by Saint Etienne. ‘He hides his head inside a dream’ could apply to Jesse!

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Yes, I enjoy reading thrillers.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The House of Mirrors by Erin Kelly and also a couple of non-fiction books which are quasi-research for my next but one thriller.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Probably the opening scene where Jesse is pitching for the top job. Writing (and rewriting) that scene helped me get to know him better as a character.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Nothing quirky. Music and coffee. Simple as that. Sunshine also helps but I have to keep my fingers crossed for that.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Not really. As far as writing goes, I think perseverance is critical. Unless you are insanely talented, or outstandingly lucky, you just have to keep going. That isn’t meant to make it sound like a chore – writing is great fun, most of the time. But being an author can be bruising. There’s a lot of rejection at every level (even those levels I haven’t reached) so all you can do is go back to the page and write some more. Well, you could stop, I guess. But where’s the fun in that?

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Applying perfume and rubbing your wrists together crushes the top notes. This is bad. Don’t do that.

NJ Barker is the author of the new book The Family Secret

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