Q&A with author Isobel Hart

Welcoming Isobel Hart to So Many Books, So Little Time, author of Still Life, four other novels and currently writing the follow up to Still Life.





Thanks so much to Isobel for taking some time out to answer some questions for me. You can read my review for Still Life HERE.




Tell us about Still Life

Still Life is a romantic contemporary sci-fi. It tells the story of Samantha Davis; she’s clinging to the remnants of a broken relationship. After her boyfriend survives an accident – against expectations – he’s changed. For the better, some might say. The question is, why?


What made you genre switch?

I have always written pure adult contemporary romance up until now. And will again, I have no doubt. What Goes Around Comes Around and Full Circle are part of a 2-book series, Compromise Agreement is a standalone. Still Life may be a bit different but it’s written in the style of a contemporary romance. Pure Sci-fi fans will find it too light on the science, I imagine. What they have in common is real women, flaws and all. I didn’t consciously genre switch – I’ve always read across a wide variety of genres – I just wrote the story that was shouting loudest at the time. I still think it will appeal most to people who like romance.


When I picked up the book I thought Still Life was going to be very Sci Fi, it is more a mix of romance, relationships, abuse with mild sci fi themes, was this your vision for the book?

Yes, absolutely. It was always about Samantha – a very ordinary woman – who finds herself caught up in events. Her relationships are at the heart of the story. Her reactions, whether you agree with her choices or not, are the lens through which the story is told. I intended to make it plausible – this is a recognisable world on the brink of change.


How is the next in the series coming on and due for release?

I’m writing it now – all being well, I’d like to get it out early 2019. If possible, before.


I enjoyed the sci fi aspect of the book, will book two be more focused on that thread of the story or more relationship focus with mild sci fi themes?

I intend to answer the questions about the virus, but ultimately Still Born will be about Sam, and how she copes in the circumstances she finds herself in.


Rape and abuse are in the book but not given a lot of coverage, almost covered in passing, was this intentional. Did you feel this was important to include?

The story is told through Sam’s eyes – she’s not been exposed directly to the atrocities herself, only aware it’s been happening. Also, the timeline of events is relatively short – they’re in survival mode at the moment. They haven’t had much time to reflect on everything. That will come.


Which did you enjoy writing more, your previous books or this?

That’s like asking which of my children I love more! I love writing every book, there is space in my heart for all of them. This one seems to be more polarising in its appeal – you’ll either enjoy the rollercoaster, or hate it. I still love it.


How many more books do you see in the series?

Originally, I thought it would be a trilogy – now, I think there will only be 2 books. I intend to complete the story in the next book.


Where can fans find you?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isobelhartbooks/<br />
Website: www.isobelhartsbooks.com

Twitter: @bellahartloves

Anything else you would like to answer that I haven’t asked?


Just thank you for reading, and reviewing. Bloggers are our lifeblood. I’m immensely grateful


And if all of this isn't enough to spoil you I am offering up my pre loved copy of Still Life, it is in perfect condition AND signed by the author. It is a bit chunky at over 400 pages so this one I will keep UK only, sorry guys.


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Q & A with Alan Jones and 1 paperback copy of Blue Wicked up for grabs

Welcoming Alan Jones to the blog for a wee Q&A

1. What made you start writing and why were you drawn to that genre?
I always loved reading, and I had writing at the back of my mind for a long while, but it wasn't until I was in my forties that I started to seriously think of plots, and start putting ideas down on paper. I wasn't originally drawn to the crime genre; I just sort of gravitated to it, but I've read a fair bit of crime from all over the world, and I've really enjoyed writing crime stories.


2. Blue Wicked is your second book, how does it compare to your first?
The first book wasn't really written as a crime story. It's as much about the relationship between the cabinetmaker of the title, and the young policeman who investigates his son's murder. It was put into the crime bracket when I first published it and it was probably too much of a slow burner, so although it was well received, a lot of reviewers commented that some parts seemed to drag a bit. When I started Blue Wicked, I was writing it as an out and out crime novel, so I tried to keep the pace much more consistent, while still allowing for the character development that I love.


3. Is any of the characters based on people you know?
Eddie has aspects of a few people I have known through work, and some of the others may have little bits of people I have met as well. I have come across people who would do such despicable things to animals, so some of the bad stuff in the book will have come from that.


4. Why did you choose the location for your book(s)?
The Cabinetmaker was set in the West End of Glasgow because I knew it so well. I wasn't just so familiar with the South side of Glasgow , but I wanted to stay in the city for the story so I did a bit of research and came up with the locations that suited it perfectly. The language and humour of Glasgow is just fantastic for writing crime, so it was an easy choice to make.


5. What is next for Alan Jones?
I've just finished my third book, Bloq, released 1st April 2016. It's a departure for me, with most of the action taking place in London. A Glasgow man's daughter goes missing in the Capital, and the story documents his desperate search to find out what has happened to her. I have plots lined up for my next few books but they might not all be crime stories…


6. Do you have any book events planned?
I've applied for slots at a couple of crime festivals but I write under a pseudonym to keep my identity secret, so I might have to go in disguise! We did a couple of street cabinetmaking events, including one at last year's Bloody Scotland, to publicise my first book, and we may do one more if an audiobook ever gets released. I'd love to do a few small book club events in central Scotland, so if there are any local book clubs who would like a reading or a Q&A session, they can contact me on Facebook, Twitter or via my website.


7. Are you reading anything just now and if not, what if your favourite genre to read?
I love reading a variety of genres. I've just finished Blood Tears by Michael J Malone and really enjoyed it. I'm struggling to find reading time at the moment with all the writing and promoting stuff that's going on, but I have a week's holiday in the sun coming up, and I have a selection of books on my kindle which I hope to make inroads into. I also want to read the latest book from Irvine Welsh, who is one of my favourite authors.

Where can fans find you? Links: Twitter @alanjonesbooks Facebook Alan Jones Website www.alanjonesbooks.co.uk


Thanks to Alan for taking time out to answer some questions. You can read my review of Blue Wicked here, and up for grabs is one signed paperback copy. As always, we use the Rafflecopter widget, you can enter by selecting options below. Good luck and thank you for stopping by.


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