Interview with Emma Sharp
Author of The Letter
Hi I am a new indie Author who currently has three Novels published on Amazon.
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How would you describe The Letter to a new reader?
- The Letter is my first self published novel and the first in a series of three. The heroine Laura, is a young woman who has had her life is turned upside down by unexpectedly inheriting a crumbling Chateau in the south of France. The first book in the series follows Laura's adventures as she grapples with numerous problems and disasters, and struggles to find ways to come to terms with the strange situation she is placed in.
We experience her high and lows, as she swings from wanting to sell up and run back to England one day, to being determined to rescue the estate and return it to former glories... and then back to wanting to escape again! There are humorous incidents, unexplained events, sad stories from the past and of course Romance.
What was the inspiration behind The Letter
- The inspiration came from a true life event, which occurred when my own Mother received a similar letter. Sadly it wasn't informing her that she had inherited a magnificent (if crumbling) Castle, but a seventh share in a small Bungalow from a deceased relative she never knew existed.
What made you decide to write a novel, and how have you learnt your craft?
- A couple of years ago I was unfortunate enough to need two surgical procedures, and was unable to do much for a few months, after growing tired of watching films and reading I decided to have a go at writing a novel. I joined a local writing group where I gained inspiration and encouragement and attended a short course at a local college. It was a steep learning curve. I also write short stories and read some of them on our local radio station.
Can you tell us a little about the locations in the book?
- All the locations in the book are fictitious, but in my minds eye they do exist and are inspired by some of the wonderful places I have visited in the rural south of France.
What's your writing process?
- I find my writing evolves each time I sit in front of my Laptop, I sometimes have no real idea what will happen next to my characters, it is almost as if I am living their lives. After all they don't know what will happen tomorrow and neither do I!
The basic plot is obviously reasonably defined and I have a number of sub plots, many inspired by real events, some suggested by my Husband and all of them brain stormed between us.
What is your work place like ?
- My favourite work place is my Holiday Caravan in the Yorkshire Dales. I love the tranquillity and the sense of relaxation I find there. I don't like the background noise of televisions or music, silence is my favourite sound. I guess I'm easily distracted.
Which character in The Letter has had the greatest impact on readers?
- This has to be Laura Mackley, the book is written from her perspective in first person, present tense. It his her journey we follow. Although I do expect some of the readers will be drawn towards the male characters who may or may not become romantically involved with Laura.
If The Letter were to be adapted for TV or film, who would you see in the lead role? Who did you have in your mind’s eye when you wrote him/her?
- I would be truly amazed but delighted if anyone was interested in turning my trilogy into a film. I envisage Laura to be a petite, mousy, young woman with a 'girl next door' appearance. I think her greatest asset is her character. She starts out naive and clueless and grows to become a strong, determined young woman; it's not about appearances.
How have readers responded to The Letter
- I feel quite humbled by all of the positive comments and reviews from both friends and family and the readers who have bought my books.
Where next? What are you working on now?
- My next book is a big departure from the Chateau series, I am writing a novelette about a French Bulldog Puppy's first few months of life, seeing the world from her perspective as she settles in with her new family. This is a little autobiographical as our old staffie passed away last year and we now have a French Bulldog puppy!
