Daisy James
Sept 3rd, 2017
Please give a warm #Sundayblogshare welcome to Daisy James!
Hi Terry, thanks ever so much for having me as a guest on your blog. It's great to be here.
So, I'm Daisy James and I write contemporary romance and romantic comedy.
The best thing for me as an author is if a reader reaches The End in one of my novels and has a smile on their face.
I started writing in my teens, short stories mostly, all in a shoe box on the top of my wardrobe.
I wrote my first novel about twenty years ago and it too joined the shoe box because I didn't have the courage to send it out into the world.
I wrote The Runaway Bridesmaid, which is set in Manhattan, when we were holed up in a hotel room because of Hurricane Sandy. We were only supposed to be in New York (a milestone birthday treat) for 5 days but all flights were cancelled and we ended up being there for 11 so I got a couple of chapters written! When I got home I finished off the story and told myself - what was the worst that could happen? - so I sent the story out into the world. I now have 5 books published with HQ.
Did you read much as a child?
Are you an avid reader now?
Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?
I have always been an avid reader. Like many people I'm sure, I wish I had more time to read. I love stories in the same genre as I write, but I'm also an avid fan of travel autobiographies. I love reading about those brave, sometimes foolhardy, people who ditch the rat-race for a life in a new country and all that that entails. Is the grass greener? I don't know, but often the sun shines brighter!
I also enjoy those books which recount an epic journey. I've just finished reading about Anne Mustoe's journey around the world on a bicycle - 12,000 miles! I really enjoyed George Mahood's book called Free Country - A Penniless Adventure the Length of Britain in which he tells the story of walking from Land's End to John O'Groats without a penny in his pocket. I'm currently reading The Robber of Memories by Michael Jacobs which is about a journey he took down the longest river in Columbia, the Magdelena.
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
My books are published by HQDigital.
Which genre do you write in and why?
I write contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I suppose the reason I write in this genre is that I love to read fiction that provides me with a few hours of pure escapism and if there is a heart-warming element and some romance, then I'm happy. So, I chose to write stories that I hope make people happy.
Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?
I was born and brought up in Yorkshire, a county I still love. Whenever I have a weekend free, I like nothing better than to take a trip to where I grew up. I do miss the place and the people who ‘call a spade a spade'. I have set one of my books there - If The Dress Fits. It's about a little haberdashery shop, just like the one I passed every day on my way to school. I used to push my nose up against the window and dream of being let loose amongst the shelves. To this day, I love these kinds of shops, but they're fast disappearing.
What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?
Great question. Would you believe that one of the most difficult parts for me is naming the characters? It's so important to get that right. I sit for hours searching the baby names websites trying to decide on the name. It's everything! How do I overcome it? Well, I've just offered a pledge for a charity auction for the highest bidder to name a character in my next novel!
Do you have a favourite time of day to write?
I like to write in the mornings best. In the summer, I have a little writing retreat in the garden (shed), but I have to admit that it's too cold in there at the moment - even in August. So I've decamped to the kitchen table.
What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside - what is the worst?
I've always loved writing stories so the best thing is seeing them out in the world. The worst thing is deciding on everyone's names! And their surnames, and their children's names, and their pets' names.....
Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?
I enjoy social media, but it does have a habit of soaking up lots of time, doesn't it? I could spend hours chatting to fellow authors, especially when I have a chapter to finish, or the ironing to do! I like Facebook, but I'm starting to get into Instagram now.
If you weren't an author, what would you be up to?
I don't think it's a secret that I love baking. I'd love to make wedding cakes - and what fertile ground for the next story!
It's the last day and the earth is facing oblivion - what book would you read?
It would have to be one of my favourite travel autobiographies. Maybe Driving Over Lemons - love that title - by Chris Stewart or A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle.
Please tell us what you are working on at the moment.
I've just finished writing my very first Christmas Book - Christmas at the Dancing Duck. I'm really excited about sending this story out into the world. It follows a TV cookery show presenter who hates Christmas, and accidentally tells her audience whilst showcasing a Christmas extravaganza! I hope readers will fall in love with Kirstie and will be urging her on to find her festive happy-ever-after. Here's the blurb:
The most wonderful time of the year!
TV cookery show presenter, Kirstie Harrison, hates Christmas but she didn't want the whole country to know that! So, she is finally coming home for the holidays.
Ever since tragedy struck a few years ago, Christmas hasn't felt the same - but she's determined that this year will be different...
And staying at the family pub, The Dancing Duck, means it's impossible not to get caught up in the little village of Cranbury's festive traditions. And it's equally impossible to avoid her ex, Josh Turner!
Kirstie is torn between making this the best Christmas yet and knowing that she can't stay forever. Maybe it's time to make a holiday wish of her own...?
Buy Links:
Amazon UK
Social Media links:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009889775019
Twitter: https://twitter.com/daisyjamesbooks
|