What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I'm a big fan of Gothic literature, and I wanted to set a book on the Yorkshire moors with a Brontë feel, but also deliver all of the psychological and domestic twists that readers experience in my books. There are doppelgangers and uncanny themes all the way through the book, along with creepy poems and lots of atmosphere!
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
I listened to a lot of Portishead while writing this book; it definitely had the vibes I was emulating. "Glory Box" was my favourite and reminded me of Faye.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I've loved suspense fiction ever since reading Dracula as a teenager. Even if I'm writing something completely different from psychological suspense, I always come back to some sort of mystery or eerie atmosphere that comes through in the writing. But suspense can definitely cross through into many different genres, from horror to crime to literary fiction. I'm a mood reader, so I grab whatever takes my fancy, but suspense is always the part I love the most.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I'm listening to a short story collection by Daphne du Maurier at the moment. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is on my TBR, as I've come across many recent opinions about how good it is!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
It's probably the opening scene of the book. There's a mysterious character called The Gravedigger who is trying to bury a body, only to turn around and find the dead body has disappeared...
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Nothing too quirky, but I do like to write in a Word document and find writing software to be too complicated for a first draft. I also write in order and have a hard time writing isolated scenes. Others will write all the scenes and decide which order to put them in. The thought of doing that gives me a lot of anxiety!
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I was watching an old X-Files episode and came across: Today is worth two tomorrows. I do like that, though I must admit some days are definitely harder to make the most of than others!
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Faye is suffering from early-onset dementia, and that's definitely a difficult subject for many. I'd like people to remember they aren't alone and that there are communities and people out there who can help.
