The Refugee------------------------------------------------------
Author Interview
Tell me about yourself. Where are you from?
KH: I was born in North London and from a young age enjoyed writing poetry and stories.I'm trained in journalism and worked on women's magazines in London. When I had a family, I discovered a love for teaching and became an infant school teacher. Later, I became a deputy head and headteacher and spent twenty years in education. I retired early to concentrate on my writing and moved to Sussex where I lives with my family. This is my first book, and I spends her time writing, raising sheep and enjoying my granddaughters.
What genre do you read? Who's an author you read? Name your top 5 authors.
KH: Thrillers; Freida McFadden, Nora S, Claire Douglas, Jayne Austen, Lee Child
What's the best book you've read, and what do you like about it?
KH: Ooh, such a tough one, but I’d have to say The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas. The reason I liked this book, was that I was fascinated by the relationship between the sisters and how little they really knew about each others lives. I found the storyline gripping and couldn’t wait to find out how it ended...I wasn’t disappointed. I am looking forward to reading Claire Douglas’ latest book the New Neighbours. As much as I love writing, I’ll always be a reader first and discovering new stories like this keeps me inspired to keep creating my own.
Favorite sports.
KH: Not really into sports. Like going to the gym. Classes; Chi Tai, Zumba, Body Balance
Favorite thing about the state/country that you live in.
KH: Since moving to the countryside, life has felt a lot slower, in the best possible way. Surrounded by fields, fresh air and nature at its best… I’ve come to appreciate the simple moments more than ever.
How long have you been writing?
KH: From a young age (see the answer for the Tell me about yourself)
Where did you get the idea for your book, The Refugee?
KH: People often ask me where the idea for The Refugee came from. Growing up in London and now living in the Sussex countryside, I’ve always been fascinated by the contrasts between places, the stories people carry and how seemingly ordinary lives can hide extraordinary secrets. That curiosity became the heart of my first novel.
What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?
KH: A plotter
How did you come up with the ideas for your series? (If your book is a
standalone or nonfiction, please skip)
KH: Standalone
How do you celebrate finishing a book?
KH: Went to a local restaurant
How do you organize everything and find the time to sit down and write?
KH: I retired which gave me the time to write
Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
KH: My husband
How do you name your characters?
KH: No method, it's random. But if stuck, I look online for a book of names
Can you describe a typical day in your writing life?
KH: Juggling housework, looking after my granddaughters, going to gym and writing in between. Nothing glamorous!
Tell us about your current release.
KH: Putting the final touches to my current novel. It's about the daughter of a crime boss who gets kidnapped. It's a story of revenge, betrayal, and the pursuit of power, don't want to give to much away at this stage.
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