Wednesday 25 July 2012

Author Interview & Giveaway: Anne Allen

Today's guest is author Anne Allen whose debut novel Dangerous Waters was released earlier this year.

Can you tell us a little bit about Dangerous Waters?
My novel, Dangerous Waters, is a romantic mystery.  The story focuses on a young woman Jeanne La Page as she returns to her homeland of Guernsey after an absence of 15 years.   She had left in a hurry after surviving a tragedy which killed her family.  She has now come back to sort out her late grandmother's affairs and take possession of the cottage she left to her.  Jeanne wants to sell and leave but events change her mind and she's drawn into uncovering family secrets buried in the cottage and, ultimately, she finds out the truth behind that long ago accident.  She had suffered traumatic amnesia but had experienced nightmares for years.  Her search for truth not only helps her to live and love again but puts her life in danger as someone on the  island doesn't want her to remember...

Dangerous Waters is your first book, how long did it take to get it published?
Six years!  But in that time I was re-writing and editing as well as submitting to agents. I also obtained a couple of professional critiques to set me on the right path...

Where did the inspiration come from to set Dangerous Waters in Guernsey?
I'd recently read a novel about a small French island which reminded me of Guernsey (where I had spent many happy years).  I'd also read another book about a house with secrets so I combined the two as a starting point.  I feel Guernsey provides great inspiration for any author - fantastic scenery, intriguing history and a special je ne sais pas!

Do you have a set daily writing routine?
Not really.  If I have no distractions I'm happy to sit down and write for several hours if the 'muse' is with me.  I don't need to write to deadlines so it's easy to go at my own pace.  Unfortunately, it's that of a snaiI at the moment as I'm spending so much time promoting Dangerous Waters 

If you could write another style of genre, what would it be and why?
I think I'd still write predominantly for women, but I do enjoy thrillers.  I wouldn't feel confident in writing that genre at the moment but perhaps in the future... 

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
Write!  Even if you don't think what you write is going anywhere, it will help you to flex your writer's muscles.

Are you able to give us a hint about what your next novel is about? And when is it likely to be published?
It's called Finding Mother and follows a young woman's search for her natural mother.  Along the way family secrets are revealed going back to the Second World War.  It's another story of lost love but will have a happy ending!  I hope it will be published next year.

Do you have much spare time to read books?  If so, what was the last book you read or what are you currently reading?
I only read in bed these days but love my books!  I've just finished 'The Key' by Simon Toyne, the second part of a trilogy with echoes of The Da Vinci Code (which I haven't read but which it's compared to).  It was a very exciting read and I can recommend! 

If you could have Dangerous Waters made into a film, who would you cast in the leading roles?
I'd love for Dangerous Waters to be made into a film!  It's a very 'visual' book so would translate into film, particularly if it could be filmed in Guernsey.  I'd cast Emily Blunt as Jeanne with Jude Law and Ben Affleck or Jamie Bamber as the male leads.

If you were going to be stuck on a desert island and could only take 3 books with you, which ones would you choose?
War & Peace by Tolstoy, Fall of Giants by Ken Follett & Quincunx by Charles Palliser.  All very long!

Can you describe Dangerous Waters in 20 words or less?
A contemporary, romantic mystery based on the beautiful island of Guernsey - a great read 

Anne has kindly offered me an ebook copy of Dangerous Waters as a giveaway prize.  If this sounds like a book you'd like to read, fill in the Google form here. Entries will close at 6pm on 5th August and I'll then provide Ann with the winners email address to enable her to send them the ebook.



Good luck all 

1 comment:

  1. hi
    I'd like to thank Sharon for the opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself and my book Dangerous Waters. If anyone would like to find out even more about the book please go to http://www.dangerouswaters.co.uk

    best wishes to you all
    Anne

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