Hello!
Speaking in public is very firmly out of my comfort zone. I am an introvert, which is why writing books is the perfect career for me. I love that I get to spend all day alone at my desk with my characters and cats to keep me company. The thought of talking to a room full of people gives me the terrors.
So when the organisers of Maidstone LitFest asked if I would interview one of their authors for an event at this year's festival, I was about to very politely decline.
Then something stopped me.
It's all too easy to get stuck in your comfort zone, never pushing yourself to try something new, or do something that scares you. I know I'm guilty of sticking to stuff I feel safe with.
Enough is enough, I thought, and before I knew it I had replied saying I would love to take part in this year's festival. Bring it on!
I was delighted when I discovered the author I would be interviewing was the brilliant historical writer Gill Hornby, wife of the author Robert Harris and sister of Nick Hornby.
Gill has written two books set in the world of Jane Austen: Miss Austen - which is about to be dramatized by the BBC - and Godmersham Park.
Both are brilliant, evocative reads and I can't recommend them highly enough if you are a fan of Jane Austen, Downton Abbey or Bridgerton.
I was nervous, but I made sure I did my research, rehearsed my questions and had a couple of drops of Rescue Remedy before the talk began.
I needn't have worried: Gill was the perfect interviewee and the event, in the amazing Regency Maidstone Town Hall, was huge fun. Here are a couple of photos of the evening.
It just goes to show that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone every now and then is a good thing to do.
Another thing that makes me nervous is the wait for the first reviews of a new book to come filtering in. Well, I am very glad to report that the general consensus is that Everyone Has Secrets is a twisty, page-turning read. Phew!
Here are just a few of the lovely things book bloggers and reviewers have had to say:
‘AJ has SERIOUSLY outdone herself, every book just gets better and better.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘WOW!!!!!! is all I can say! This book was really amazing! The characters! The plot!! Everything!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning until the end.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘McDine is so gifted at crafting a perfect domestic thriller and this one is no exception! 5/5!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or new to the genre, Everyone has Secrets" this is a must-read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The book is out on Monday 21 October. If you're looking for something to read in the meantime, I have a couple of recommendations.
Adrian's new book, The Stranger at the Door, is out tomorrow, Tuesday 15 October, and you can pre-order it for the special launch price of 99p/99c here.
Harvey’s wife Gwyneth lies in a coma, the victim of a hit-and-run, which the police suspect was no accident.
When a stranger claiming to be Gwyneth’s mother appears at the hospital, Harvey welcomes the frail old lady, who is grateful to be reunited with her daughter after twenty years.
At first she seems harmless enough - but looks can be deceptive. Something about her story doesn't add up and as her lies begin to unravel, a chilling truth stares Harvey in the face.
The stranger at the door might not be who she claims to be...
I was lucky enough to be the first person to read this book - one of the perks of being the author's wife! - and I can safely say that I think you'll love this highly addictive, twisty read.
Don't forget, you can check it out here.
I also want to tell you about my friend and fellow psych thriller writer Sarah A. Denzil's new book, which came out last week.
The Woman in Coach D, which is next on my TBR pile, promises all Sarah's trademark twists and turns. I love Sarah's books, and I can't wait to dive in.
It’s been sixteen years since Jenny last saw Susie Patterson. Sixteen years since their ever-escalating dares and challenges finally went too far, and her best friend plunged into the icy waters of Hangman’s Cave never to be seen again.
She has spent every moment since trying to come to terms with what happened - and recover the memories she lost that night.
All Jenny knows for certain is that the night Susie died, the person she used to be died as well.
When Jenny sees her best friend getting off the same train as her she thinks her fractured mind must be playing tricks on her. There’s no way Susie could still be alive all these years later…
Then, the letter arrives. An envelope containing pages from Jenny's childhood diary, accompanied by a handwritten note.
Susie is alive, and she is asking Jenny a question: 'Are you ready to play our game again?'
It sounds right up my street. If you like the sound of it too, check it out here.
In other book news, while awaiting the launch of Everyone Has Secrets next week, I'm making good progress with the book after that.
When I last wrote to you, I was 33,000 words in. I've now notched up 63,000 words, which is just as well, as my deadline is four weeks today. Yikes!
Life is on hold until I get the first draft finished. So I will leave you now to crawl back into my writing cave.
I'll be in touch next week to let you know when Everyone Has Secrets is out.
In the meantime, take care and happy reading!
Amanda
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