Helping authors to make their stories shine … Editing Services for fiction and memoir
As an author, trying to choose which of my books is my favourite is like choosing my favourite child. When my kids pressed me to pick one of them as my fav, I always told them Maximus was my favourite first child and Brutus was my favourite second child. Similarly, each of the Jade Riley mysteries holds a special place in my heart for varying reasons. Continue reading Writing a Mystery Series: My Favourite Jade Riley Mystery
For my second group interview, I’m exploring the topic of inspiration: where the concept comes from, how much the book changes from that starting point, how to juggle too many ideas, and more. Seven wonderful authors from a wide range of genres have responded. Continue reading Group Interview 2: Inspiration
I’d like to invite you to join Bookish Banter newsletter, a project I’m collaborating on with two other authors: Sarah Bourne and Lisa Darcy. We aim to entertain you with quick updates about our writing lives, and to share our current reads and watches. And we promise not to bombard you; we’ll only email once a month. For more info about why I’ve started a newsletter, read on. Continue reading Bookish Banter Newsletter
For 2026, I’m trying a new approach to interviews on my blog so I can feature more authors. Rather than speaking to one person about their book, I’ll pick a topic and ask for many authors’ views. Let me know what you think.
My January topic is Writing Habits. Continue reading Group Interview 1: Writing Habits
Ever wondered what it takes to write a gritty thriller? As the title suggests, Sister Butcher Sister features sisters and gruesome crime. In this discussion with author K.D. Aldyn, we delve into her inspiration, her unique nomadic lifestyle and the impact of writing violence. Continue reading K.D. Aldyn on writing gritty thrillers
In our last interview, Sarah and I discussed her writing genre change from her first book, psychological thriller, A Voice in the Night, to her second book, historical fiction, The Dilemma. And she’s done it again! Her third novel, Love. Camera. Action is a romantic comedy.
Today, we discuss her ability to shift genres, and the details of her latest release. Continue reading Sarah Hawthorn on Love. Camera. Action.
After growing up in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, getting married young, having kids, and generally checking all the boxes, at 50, Elizabeth rescripted her life: moved to Panama, bought a coffee farm, came out as gay, and became an author. She’s entertaining, forthright, and an all-round delight. Join me in chatting with Elizabeth about turning her life upside-down and her dramatic debut novel Chasing Tropical Ice. Continue reading Elizabeth Worley on life in Panama and Chasing Tropical Ice
Susannah’s latest novel, My Hot Housemate, draws on her experience as an actor, her love of dogs and her razor sharp wit. Join us as we talk about romcom tropes, the parallels and differences between writing and acting, and much, much more. Continue reading Susannah Hardy on My Hot Housemate
Sarah’s latest novel, Letting Go, explores a family’s response to their patriarch’s last days, guided by death doula Hester Rose. If you don’t know what a death doula is, read on as Sarah and I discuss this and much more. Continue reading Sarah Bourne on grief and Letting Go
Bella’s latest novel, The Swimming Group (April, 2025, Joffe Books), is a gripping, twisty mystery/psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page. Today, we chat about swimming, writing ensemble stories, plotting great twists, Cape Cod and more. Continue reading Bella Ellwood-Clayton on The Swimming Group
Brightside Story Studio 