Forgive Me
What can you tell us about your new novel Forgive Me?
Most families have secrets, but when Flora Patterson takes her own life leaving only a note saying ‘Forgive Me’, her daughter Eva is soon to discover that there are very big skeletons in the family closet.
The story relies heavily on the grief of Eva's mother dying, so how difficult is to write about this to make it feel as if it's happening?
I have to admit I love to write dramatic, emotional scenes. I just imagine it’s happening to me, and write. I often cry as I’m writing them.
Eva visits a psychic, is this something you had to do yourself first, before your character?
Many years ago I did go to a psychic who told me some very disturbing things. Some of them came true, and I’ve never forgotten it.
Who are your favourite reads?
I read very widely and almost at random but I like thrillers best.
What is your favourite novel?
Of all time, Gone With the Wind, but a more recent loved book was Last Letters from Your Lover, by JoJo Moyes.
If you could cast an actor to play your character of Eva, who would it be?
Amanda Seyfried She’s beautiful and feisty.
Can you still see other writers reflected in your own work or do you feel you have your own identity now?
I think I’ve always had my own identity, but I was influenced by Charles Dickens I think.
You have travelled extensively for your writing, so tell us a little bit about your adventures.
Driving the whole Oregon Trail from Kansas to Oregon was amazing. I was pulled over by the police at gun point for speeding, and ran out of petrol in the middle of the Nevada Desert, to be rescued by two bikers. I also got an infected wound in my foot and discovered that hospitals in the US are nowhere near as caring as the ones at home.
The book will be published on Valentine's Day, so do you feel this is a perfect gift to give a partner?
The title will be good for anyone who needs to ask for Forgiveness. But a perfect gift if your partner loves to curl up with a, engrossing read.
You do a lot of fundraising for the NSPCC, why is this?
Because I care passionately about protecting children, I suffered physical and mental abuse as a child and I know what it does to people.
This is your 21st novel, so what is next for you?
I’m working on the third of the Belle/The Promise trilogy. It hasn’t got a title yet, but I can tell you it’s set in WW2.
Female First Lucy Walton