THE BOOK AHEAD BLOG

Let’s say a big Book Ahead hello to book queen Essie Starling! Since hitting the bestseller lists in her twenties, über-writer Essie has scribed nineteen novels featuring her have-a-go heroine Georgia Rory. Let’s find out what makes her tick.

Q. Readers everywhere can’t wait for Georgia’s twentieth outing. Is it difficult to keep writing new, fresh adventures for her?

A. Georgia says what people are thinking and does what they’re afraid to do, so her readers expect more of the same. She’s more popular than I ever expected, maybe even outgrown me, but we both keep on going.

Q. Do you base your characters on anyone in your life? How can we find our own writing inspo?

A. I’m no different from other writers who draw upon their own lives for their work. I find inspiration from everywhere, including people I know. It’s not that difficult.

Q. Your characters are often emotionally damaged with hidden secrets in their past. Is there a particular reason you write about them?

A. My characters sometimes make big mistakes that shape their lives. They have to live with their guilt and try to make amends. Calling them “emotionally damaged” is unhelpful and insensitive.

Q. What’s a typical day in your life?

A. I get up, I write. Repeat.

Q. You’ve not been seen in public since winning the Constellation a decade ago. Are you planning to step back into the spotlight for your new release?

A. My job is to write the book, and my publisher’s role is to print and market it. I have no desire to tell everyone what wine I drink, or where I purchase my bed linen. My privacy and personal life are of no relevance to my work.

Q. If you had a time machine, where would you go and why?

A. The late eighties, to make different decisions.

Q. If you could give your younger self any advice what would it be?

A. Life is too short to answer inane questions.

8

GREEN PARAKEETS

After the weekend, Liv headed to Essie’s apartment and noticed the May sky had brightened as if Photoshopped. She even spotted green parakeets flying around the park. She bought a macchiato from the park café, rather than a flat white from a cheap coffee stand, and a new notebook and pen from a stationery shop.

She opened all the internal doors and window blinds in the apartment, to let light flood into the cavernous space. Sitting down at Essie’s desk, Liv took the manuscript from her bag. She wanted to spend the entire day reading it properly and making notes, and had warned Jake and Johnny she might be home late for dinner.