Interview with Jenny Morton Potts

About the Book:

A gripping psychological thriller with chilling twists, from a unique new voice.

Keller Baye and Rebecca Brown live on different sides of the Atlantic. Until she falls in love with him, Rebecca knows nothing of Keller. But he’s known about her for a very long time, and now he wants to destroy her.

This is the story of two families. One living under the threat of execution in North Carolina. The other caught up in a dark mystery in the Scottish Highlands. The families’ paths are destined to cross. But why? And can anything save them when that happens?

Book Links:

Goodreads * Amazon

Interview

1. Is being a writer a gift or a curse?

For me it has been both. I feel that I would have had a happier life if I had chosen another profession but then again, I think writing chooses the person. It happens to someone mostly, rather than being on a list of career choices. It’s a compulsion. So what can one do?

2. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I find the social media and marketing a challenge. There is so much of it that I find myself not writing fiction for weeks on end, when a new book is coming out. That makes me feel guilty.

3. Who are your favorite authors?

I like North American authors like Donna Tartt, Elizabeth Strout, Jane Smiley, Margaret Attwood, E Annie Proulx, Lydia Davis and Siri Hustvedt. And I like very challenging men: Martin Amis, Kafka, Solzhenitsyn. Also I like soft, thoughtful authors like Paul Auster and E M Forster. I love humour in books. Life is funny, even in dark moments. But that’s a very British viewpoint, I think.

4. Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?

‘The 39 Steps’ by John Buchan had a huge effect on me. I just couldn’t really get my head around someone putting the plot together. I didn’t understand how this sort of cleverness could get down on pages. I was bowled over.

5. Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

I first wrote plays. The first I wrote was called ‘Murder at Barrington Place’. I was about ten. Me and my friends performed it at school. I directed, produced and starred in it too. I did theatre production again a few years ago and it is absolutely thrilling, getting the whole process to opening night.

6. When you develop characters do you already know who they are before you begin writing or do you let them develop as you go? 

I only have a vague idea of who they are and then they become themselves as they react to the circumstances I make for them. To me that is one of the most exhilarating parts of writing, seeing how your characters take off, watching who becomes stronger, who weaker. Love it!

7. How did you break into publishing?

I recently decided to make my own way as an indie author. I’m much happier now, free to make my own decisions.

8. What marketing strategies do you find most helpful? Any resources you would recommend to other authors or aspiring authors?

I would give each book a marketing budget and split that into: great bookjacket, blog tour costs, reviewer copies, advertising. You can build up relationships quickly on Facebook and Twitter. Try to spend a half hour each day on these two sites. It will pay off and is low to zero cost, except for your precious time of course!

About the Author:

Jenny Morton Potts was born in a smart, dull suburb of Glasgow where the only regular excitement was burglary. Attended a smart, dull school where the only regular excitement was the strap. Worked in smart, dull sales and marketing jobs until realising she was living someone else’s life.

Escaped to Gascony to make gîtes. Knee deep in cement and pregnant, Jenny was happy. Then autism and a distracted spine surgeon who wanted to talk about The Da Vinci Code, wiped out the order. Returned to wonderful England – and unlikely ever to leave again – Jenny, with assistance from loyal hound, walked and swam her way back to manageable health.

Jenny would like to see the Northern Lights but worries that’s the best bit and should be saved till last. Very happily, and gratefully, partnered for 28 years, she ought to mention, and living with inspirational child in Thaxted, Essex.

Contact the Author: 

Website * Twitter * Goodreads

Giveaway:

2 Digital Copies of Hiding by Jenny Morton Potts

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