MY INTERVIEW WITH MERRYN
Writer Wednesday interview, April 2021
https://www.merryn.org/books/2021/4/7/writer-wednesday-interview-with-susan-harpham
Please tell us about yourself; when did you first become interested in writing?
I have always had a vivid imagination and written poems and stories from being a little girl but I was very shy and perhaps a little afraid that I would be laughed at, so for a long time kept my writing to myself. When I was young I didn't actually recognise that by harnessing my imagination I could write down my thoughts, to create stories. I did it instinctively and understood that it had a huge calming effect on me, as did writing a diary, and there's no doubt it has contributed much to my mental well-being, though this is something I have only recently admitted to myself and come to understand. I don't know why I waited so long to write a book as it is something that I've always wanted to do and I do think I used the pressures of life to keep putting it off. I'm just really glad now that I found the courage to do so as it's definitely given me confidence to be more open about my writing. It's a journey I'm so glad to have made.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The first story I ever wrote was when I was 17. It's called The View Below and is about an old man who has lived on top of a mountain his entire life. Even though now he is blind and can't see the wonderful view below, he doesn't need his eyes to imagine it, as it is indelibly etched on his memory and so he is content to sit and contemplate. However, the view is not everything he has remembered. It is a reflection on feelings perceived and real, and takes the reader on a journey of what has passed.
What genre/genres do your books fall under?
I have always loved historical fiction but romantic/comedy is a favourite too. My book has elements of all three. It is set in Africa which is an ancient continent. I chose the location because it does have a colourful history going back centuries, which I have used, I hope, to good effect, as I can call on real life events to weave around my fictional tale. However, I hope the reader enjoys the romantic/comedy that runs throughout. There are some agonising moments but I wanted to convey my belief that true friendship is powerful enough to overcome any grief. I hope it can be seen as a positive story. It is difficult to know whether it would fall exclusively under Historical, Romantic or Comedy - because it does have hints of all.
What is your latest book called, what is it about and what was the inspiration behind the book?
The book is called, 'Where is Tommy'. I have always had a fascination with time travel which some would say is fantasy but for me the possibilities have always had the power of conveying hope over despair on events in people's lives. This book is about an English nurse who accepts an offer to work voluntarily in Africa. Whilst there an unknown force of nature sends her back in time to 1933 where she meets and falls in love with a young anthropologist. Their adventure has only just begun however when they are both transported back to a time where Homo erectus still roams the world. After two years during which time their son Tommy is born, in a desperate attempt to return home she risks their lives together with devastating consequences. Will she find the courage to put aside her heartache and take the first hesitant steps to salvation.
Besides your current book, do you have any new projects coming up?
I have just written a short story and submitted it into a competition. Despite writing many stories (and poems) for myself, for English projects, writing workshops and anthologies, it is the first time I have ever entered anything so public, which I iknow will be scrutinised but I am ready now, I feel to begin to share my work.
Where can people find your books?
This book can currently be found on Amazon and Waterstones' websites. Some advertising companies have kindly issued a press release and a copy can be found in some libraries though I cannot say with certainty how many.
What has been the greatest moment in your writing career?
The greatest moment has to be when I self-published this book in June 2020, a project I'd been working on properly for ten years. It was a little scary putting it out in the world but I have sold some copies and I'm reassured that the few reviews are positive.
Besides writing, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy in your spare time?
I have always enjoyed travelling both in the UK and Europe. I enjoyed learning languages when I was younger and for awhile was a member of a French circle which was lots of fun. I enjoy cooking too but my greatest passion has always been writing and through lockdown in 2020 especially, I have been inspired to write about nature and how the seasons affect us all, especially when our normal lives are so curtailed.
Which novelists do you admire?
One of my favourite authors is David Gemmell, who writes fantasy but his human characters have always been inspirational. If you can get over the fact that they are set in an alternative world, you would recognise people from all walks of life in our own. Additionally I have enjoyed immensely the Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley which has been quite exceptional though I haven't yet read any of her other books. Other favourites are Lindsey Davis, Victoria Hislop and Val McDermid. It's quite an eclectic list.
What has been the best piece of writing advice you've received?
I once wrote a poem within the confines of a writing club. It was commented on that though good, it needed 'tightening'. I learnt that what they meant by this was that I was sometimes prone to say too much and the challenge here was to say the same, but in fewer words. I rewrote the poem and could see immediately how much better it was. I learnt a lot from that lesson and believe my writing is now more precise and relevant. It is a work in progress.
Do you have any tips or advice for other indie authors?
The only advice I could offer is to have faith in yourself. You cannot please everyone but what you can do is please yourself and there's no doubt you will find your own readership; those like minded people who enjoy your writing because it is you.
