Interview with historical romance author Glynis Smy

Do dreams inspire your writing? What did you last dream about?
I nearly always ‘receive’ the bones of my storyline via a dream. The last dream I remember was related to the beach in my hometown, and a large whale. I am writing about the beach but not about a whale, so not sure what the dream was telling me!

When did you first start writing? And when were you first published?
I have written for years, all during my childhood to the present day. My novel writing started five years ago. Two years ago I self-published after spending two years approaching agents and suchlike.

What is it about this genre that appeals to you the most? Do you read other genres? If so, which?
I am a fan of the Victorian era, and just love a good historical romance. I read selected chick-lit and crime novels when I am writing my own historical as I have no desire to be influenced.

What's the title of your latest book? Can you tell us about it?
The title of my book has changed and at present is under wraps. The book itself is about a sixteen year old girl who is abandoned by her parents, and she is left to fend for herself. She has a keen eye, and uses charcoal to draw. One of those drawings changes her life. As with all my female characters, Elle Buchanan, has a battle on her hands, and sadness does not avoid her.

What inspired you to write it?
My dad was in the late stages of Alzheimer’s, and I lived thousands of miles away from him in another country. Often my memories of our local beach would feature in my dreams, and I created a place where I could sit and reflect in one of those dreams. When flew to the UK and visited him for the last time, I walked the beach. The imagery was so vivid, I could almost taste the seaweed bread the character baked. Now I live back in the place, it is so good to absorb the energy from the sea, and be in the area where Elle lived.

Is it part of a series?
No. However, I said that about my first novel, Ripper, My Love, and readers wrote to ask for more, so I wrote, Ripped Genes. I have also been asked to write about a character in Maggie’s Child, my second novel but am not sure what will happen there.

Have you ever spotted anyone reading your books anywhere?
No but my friend was reading one while waiting to see a doctor. The nurse came out to fetch her, and said she had read the book, and wondered whether there would be more. My friend delighted in telling her there would be a second, and she was my best friend. My famous few seconds!

Who designs your covers?

Jen Moon. I gather everything, and she creates what I envisage. Maggie’s Child was mid-way being created when Jen’s daughter had an accident, and Dieter Moitzi stepped into the breach, so that book was a joint effort.
Jen Moon
Dieter (eBook Fix)

If your latest book was made into a film, who would you cast?
There are several options in Downton Abbey, the historical series in the UK. Joanne Froggatt would be my choice for Elle.

What's your favourite Chick Lit book that made it to the big screen?
Mm, Bridget Jones springs to mind!

What were the last two books you read?
Ah, that is difficult, as I read for other authors. Let’s just say, Talli Roland has a good one coming soon, as does Gina Dickerson.

Name one female author who you think deserves to be better known.
I know several, and would not like to upset any of them by only naming one. Let’s just say, I am pleased to see Talli Roland get the recognition she deserves this past year.

Where do you write?
I used to write in a cosy spot in Cyprus. I now write in the study of my mother’s home. During the summer I wrote in her summerhouse, and there are talks of heating and electricity being put in it to make it my quiet haven. It would be like Christmas if that happens.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A nurse who could write stories. Somehow, I have achieved both!

In the movie of your life, who would play you?
Oh, gosh. I think Kate Winslet for the English accent. Wyoner Ryder for the tomboyish character, and any actress who is accident prone!

Speed Round...
Top drink to make you tipsy? Champagne
Shopaholic or shopadon't? Newly founded shopaholic
Sky high heels or closer to the ground? Closer to ground but experimenting with heels
E.L. James or Jilly Cooper? E.L. James
Cry baby or tough cookie? Mix of both
Exotic beach or enchanted forest? Mix of both

Author Bio

English born, married with adult children and a granddaughter. Recently moved back to UK from Cyprus, and enjoying the Brit life once again. I write historical novels, romance with a twist, and am experimenting with medical romance, drawing on my past as a nurse.
http://glynissmyauthor.com/ (book links are also here)
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