Sam Hayes [Archive] - Book Club Forum

SamHayes

6th September 2008, 10:26

Hi Michelle and hi to everyone else on the forum too!

Firstly, I do hope I'm replying correctly to this thread. Apologies if it ends up all wrong or in a different place... I'm sure I'll get the hang of it soon enough.

Thank you SO much for having me on the forum. It's going to be a great month chatting to everyone. I'll try to stop by as often as I can to reply. The next three months are going to be computer-bound for me anyway as I forge ahead with my new book. Coming to the forum will be a great way of taking a brain break every now and again :-)

Just a brief note about me for those that haven't read my books or been to my website (www.samhayes.co.uk (http://www.samhayes.co.uk) and www.samhayes.blogspot.com (http://www.samhayes.blogspot.com)). I've been writing since time began (or so it seems) and started to get work published in the smaller, independent presses around 2003.

My first mainstream work, BLOOD TIES (published by Headline in paperback September 2007), is a harrowing novel about an abducted baby, a desperate runaway teenager and a family blown apart by secrets that threaten to destroy everything.

UNSPOKEN is my next book and was released in hardback in July this year. The paperback edition is out in February 2009. Again, it's an emotional thriller - a terryfying drama involving three generations of a family. A mother who refuses to speak, the brutalised body of a local teenage girl, divorce, alcoholism, and a dangerous relationship, throw Julia Marshall's life into chaos as secrets from her mother's past surface.

I'm halfway through writing my next novel for Headline, but it doesn't have a title yet. Again, it's an emotional thriller and I'm loving writing it. I've been married for nearly twenty years (eek!), have three kids (one of them not so much a kid anymore), and live in Warwickshire. Hope to get to know you all over the next month...so do fire away with the questions!

Very best,
Sam xx

SamHayes

6th September 2008, 10:30

PS: Oops...first typo...terryfying?? What's that? Call myself an author? You see how useless I am without an editor reading everything first? Apologies for the odd slip of the finger!

Michelle

6th September 2008, 10:37

I'm going to ask that question I'm sure all authors hate.. which of your books is your favourite?

Stephanie2008

6th September 2008, 11:34

Oooo that's a good question :)

Karen

6th September 2008, 12:28

SamHayes

7th September 2008, 08:48

I'm going to ask that question I'm sure all authors hate.. which of your books is your favourite?

Hi Michelle,

Yes, hard but good question. I guess the most obvious answer is that I love the book that I'm currently working on - whatever that may be - for the simple reason that I would hope it's my best work ever. I strive to improve and evolve as an author, developing with each book. I have a huge soft spot for Blood Ties, not just because it's my first successful mainstream novel, but also because of the feedback I've received from readers. I've had loads of very positive emails from all over the world saying how much it's been enjoyed - even if it is rather harrowing. I've had a few emails along the lines of 'Blood Ties is the first book I've read since I've been at school. You've got me hooked on reading...etc etc'. It's amazing to think, especially during the National Year of Reading, that something I've written has had that result.

This really is an unanswerable question! I love Blood Ties for different reasons to Unspoken, and likewise, my current novel will be a favourite for another reason. Does this help or is it a total cop out answer?!

Sam xx

SamHayes

7th September 2008, 09:30

Hi Sam. Welcome to BCF.

I read Blood Ties earlier this year as part of a book ring on here and I loved it. It is quite a harrowing story though so my question is where do you get your main ideas from?

Hi Karen,

Thanks for your question. I know that some authors say that characters 'appear' to them and subsequently suggest or lead them into a plot. It's mostly the other way around with me. I usually have an idea for a story first - or at least a strong theme - and the characters evolve around that. But, as you ask, where do the ideas come from?

With Blood Ties, I was driving home with my family from a holiday in Cornwall. We were stuck in traffic and I'd been mulling over various ideas for novels for a while. Something on the radio struck a chord. It set me thinking about the theme of possession within a novel, and does anyone have the right to own or possess another person. This got me thinking about loss and losing those you thought you 'owned', which reminded me of several issues that had happened to friends regarding losing children - both horrific in their own way. Blood Ties isn't directly about these events, rather inspired by them. It was all a bit of a soup of ideas for a while, but as things clarified in my mind, characters started to evolve. That's the point at which I just have to start writing! When the story gets a voice, I need to get it down. So the idea for Blood Ties (which I actually called 'Nine Tenths' originally to cover the possession theme) was a very organic process inspired by many things.

I do get lots of ideas from the news (and occasionally find similar stories apprearing in the news once I've written them!) I guess current affairs are a good source of inspiration for me because, while the issues I write about aren't everyday occurences, they could happen to anyone. I like to stir up the 'What if this happened to me...' in readers.

I'm also a great eavesdropper and file away snippets of conversation I may overhear, or indeed have with others. When I'm thinking of ideas, I spend lots of time on the internet trawling around for inspiration. The origins of UNSPOKEN are also rather organic. The phrase (in relation to a married couple) 'He's old enough to be your father' set me thinking. Set in motion the 'What ifs...'

Hope this answers your question!

Sam xx

FishAndChips

7th September 2008, 14:10

Inver

7th September 2008, 17:30

I have recently read Blood Ties and thoroughly enjoyed it. Proper page turner. Welcome to BCF.

What books/authors do you like to read, if/when you get the time?

madcow

7th September 2008, 20:42

Hello Sam just popped in to say I loved Blood Ties and am looking forward to reading Unspoken, keep up the good work :)

SamHayes

8th September 2008, 09:00

Hi Sam

Welcome to BCF. I've yet to read Blood Ties but it sounds great. I think it will probably end up on my Christmas list.

Was this the first book you wrote? Or did you write lots before getting this one published?

Thanks
Andrea

ETA: sorry I just went to your website and saw you wrote and published a novel before Blood Ties. What I mean is did you have a kind of 'back catalogue' of unpublished works before you started actually getting stuff published? I hope that made sense :blush:

Hi Andrea,

Yes, I wrote loads before Blood Ties was published - although in the early days much of it was of dubious quality! I've been writing since I was very young, although mainly for my own pleasure. As an adult, I knew it was what I wanted to be 'when I grew up' and so I began to take it more seriously. But it's a tough business to crack and it wasn't until 2002/03 that I had a few short stories published in the small independent press. I actually won a short story competition, which kick-started things no end.

I loved writing fantasy and horror and there's a very active and well-supported group of independent publishers in this genre. I went to conventions and writing events, met other writers and indie press publishers...wrote more, submitted more, and got a few things out there. I'd started no end of novels over the years but never felt comfortable with where they were going. I didn't feel as if I was writing what I really wanted to be writing. I liked the fantasy and horror but ultimately it wasn't really 'me'. I'd written two novels that will never see the light of day (thankfully!) and then I wrote another, very much experimental, which was taken on by an independent publisher. It sold a few but of course, its very hard for these guys to compete with the giants in publishing, so getting their books into shops is hard. It's out of print now. But it was all excellent experience and definitely helped me mature as a writer.

Then I wrote two more novels for a mainstream publisher under a different name (adult content - so very different to what I do now!) and again, this was a wonderful experience regards producing a professional, tight, well-plotted novel.

So while Blood Ties is my first mainstream novel under my own name, the book I am currently working on is actually my sixth published novel!

Sam xx

SamHayes

8th September 2008, 09:34

I have recently read Blood Ties and thoroughly enjoyed it. Proper page turner. Welcome to BCF.

What books/authors do you like to read, if/when you get the time?

Hi there Inver,

Spare time? What's that?! At the moment, I'm...er...reading the paperback proofs for Unspoken - my novel out in Feb! But when I do get the time to read, I love Ian McEwan, Douglas Coupland (I see he has a new one out which I must get), Anita Shreve (really love her), Joanne Harris (although have some catching up to do with hers) I like Sophie Hannah's books and took The Point of Rescue on holiday last month. While away, I also read Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes and Diving into Light by Natasha Farrant. I love Nicci French and Harlan Coben...a bit of a mix really. The book that made me seriously want to write was 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' by Richard Bach. I read it when I was twelve. (The Bridge Across Forever is amazing too). He inspired me greatly and I often read 'Jonathan' for a boost!

These days I tend to read fairly current books and always scan the supermarket shelves while I'm there. I've got stacks of books that I've bought and not got round to reading yet. I love stories that I can relate to, lots of emotion and perhaps the odd dead body thrown in too! (Similar to those I write, I guess.) I'm a painfully slow reader. I wish I was faster, and I can't start reading another book straight after finishing one. I have to digest. For me, books are about escapism, relaxation, a treat. I won't forge ahead with anything that I don't like.

When I'm writing though, I get very little time to read. Some authors say that what they read influences what they write. I don't find this particularly, but I do always think that if I'm reading someone else's words, I could be writing my own!

Sam xx

SamHayes

8th September 2008, 09:37

Hello Sam just popped in to say I loved Blood Ties and am looking forward to reading Unspoken, keep up the good work :)

Hi Madcow (I'm sure you're not!) Thank you! It's great to be here. So glad to hear you enjoyed Blood Ties. Do let me know what you think of Unspoken when you've read it. I can't tell you how much it means to have feedback from readers...yay, contact from the outside world! It's a lonely job being a writer :)

Sam xx

Inver

8th September 2008, 12:04

Hello again.....just wondered if you get any say in choosing covers for your books.

SamHayes

8th September 2008, 16:03

Hello again.....just wondered if you get any say in choosing covers for your books.

Hi,

Yes I do get a say to a certain extent. Once the book's written, my editor has a number of people to brief about the project. She'll liaise with the design department about various cover ideas and any ideas she already has. I think the sales and marketing teams also have input into this, as they're the ones out there selling and promoting the books. Give them a duff cover and their job's a whole lot harder. The designer will come up with a number of cover ideas, present them to various people, including the editor. They go back and forth until a cover is agreed upon. That's when I get to see and approve it. If I have any particular dislikes, I can voice them at this stage.

When I first saw the cover for Blood Ties, I loved it. Even though it's a thriller, the cover conveys the emotional side perfectly. The same can be said for Unspoken, which continues in the same light. A suggestive, slightly sinister appearance but with a strong emotive theme. I didn't want to make any changes to either when I saw them, but had I had any objections then I'm sure they'd have been listened to.

Publishers are rightly concerned about 'branding' an author. I know some authors don't like this much and don't want to be treated as products, but it's important that readers can instantly recognise their favourite authors in an instant. However, publishers also have to keep up with cover trends and not appear 'last year', but also maintain originality. The paperback edition of Unspoken (out early next year) is going to have a new cover - and it's totally different to the previous two covers. It has much more of a thriller look to it, but is unique in its own right. Again, I love it, and also had to approve it once it was designed. I did have a chat with my editor a while ago about where the covers would be going, but apart from that I leave it to the professionals! Hope this helps.

Sam xx

madcow

8th September 2008, 16:33

Reserved Unspoken at the library this afternoon, I'm 4th in the queue :mrgreen: hopefully it won't be too long before I get to read it.

SamHayes

9th September 2008, 08:05

You'll have to let me know what you think, Jules. Let's hope the other four are quick readers!

Sam xx

supergran71

9th September 2008, 18:24

Hello Sam. I haven't read your books at all, but from what I have read about them on this site, it won't be long before I do. My question is

"Does anyone else in your immediate or extended family write?"

SamHayes

9th September 2008, 20:41

Susanne

10th September 2008, 15:26

Hello Sam

What influences you to read a book - recommendations from a friend, reviews, best seller lists?

Thanks

FishAndChips

10th September 2008, 16:05

Thanks for your reply Sam. It sounds like you had a lot of experience before going mainstream under your own name.

SamHayes

11th September 2008, 07:54

Hi Susanne,

I think you've suggested three very good reasons to read a book and I'm certainly influenced by all of them. Reading time is so precious that I'm careful what I choose. I seem to spend a lot of time browsing around Amazon. Partly from a 'business' point of view, as I like to see what's out there, and certainly what's doing well in a similar genre to my own books, but also because I just want a new read. But when something catches my eye - either from a familiar author name, or a cover, or because I've seen that title somewhere else (review/advert/recommendation etc) I'll delve deeper. Often I'll google to see if the author has a website, read a bit more about them, check out their other titles. I like to feel as if I 'know' the author when I read a book. Makes it all the more personal, I think.

I do read reviews, which can sometimes be misleading. But if I read a bad or lukewarm review, it wouldn't necessarily put me off reading the novel, especially if it was by a favourite writer. It's always a bit of a nail-biting experience waiting for my own reviews to come out. But thankfully I've collected some great quotes to go on future covers. Do these mean much to readers, I wonder? I think quotes from other authors on covers are quite a good endorsement and make me pick up a book off the shelves.

I'm also guilty of the 'supermarket sweep'. Who can resist two for £7? But it's a bittersweet discount as an author. A great deal on current paperbacks when I'm on the buying end, but, as much as I love seeing my books in the supermarkets, you can imagine what happens to royalties at those prices! I do tend to take advantage of the great deals and have a teetering stack of novels to be read!

I guess to sum up though, if I'm in a bookshop with money to spend, my technique is to wander around for hours, browse the covers, pick up a few names I've never heard of as well as the familiar ones, read the blurbs on the back, read a few pages, and then make a decision. It's the anticipation, isn't it, of getting stuck in later?!

Sam xx

SamHayes

11th September 2008, 07:59

Hi Andrea,

Yes, it seems that way, although sometimes it felt as if I'd never make the 'breakthrough'. All good experience though. I once tried to work out how many words I'd written before publication. I stopped when I got to a million! :D Are there any writers here in the forum - either for pleasure or publication?

Sam xx

Icecream

11th September 2008, 08:48

Hi Sam, welcome to the forum. I am currently riveted by Blood Ties.
DO you ever worry about what people will think of your books once they are published, and what would you say to someone who is not confident in their talent, despite lot's of people saying it is very good? (This person is not me by the way)

FishAndChips

11th September 2008, 11:21

Are there any writers here in the forum - either for pleasure or publication?

Yes, quite a few actually and of both types. I'm the former at the moment, hoping one day to be the latter :mrgreen:

SamHayes

11th September 2008, 20:47

Hi Icecream,

Ooh, glad to hear you're stuck into Blood Ties :D Do let me know what you think when you've finished.

Yes, I constantly consider what folk will think of my work once it's out there and published - although worry? Well, yes, I suppose it is a kind of worry. Concern that it will be well received, that I will satisfy my readers and deliver what they expect. For the first book, the expectation was built up by advertising, PR, reviews, word of mouth, and the covers etc. You are what you are. But subsequent books, I think there's a certain expectation to be the same yet different, innovative but keep within the bounds of the genre. It's what readers expect and letting them down isn't a good thing. It's quite hard to do this. As a writer, you don't want to become 'same-ish' but equally, alienating readers with a wildly different story to what they expect is a bit suicidal. If I were to put out a science fiction story, I think those who'd read Blood Ties or Unspoken would be a bit miffed.

Anyway, I've managed to steer wildly away from what you asked. Short answer is yes, I worry. And that's because I care. I really want my work to be read, enjoyed, and talked about. The subject matter stirs opinion, and that's fine. It's also fine if some people don't like what I write. Just as long as most people do :mrgreen:

And your last question - what would I say to someone who's not confident in their writing, despite others saying how good they are? I would say, assuming this person actually wanted to write, stop being hard on yourself, keep writing, keep listening to what people say about it. Also ask for constructive criticism. No writer is perfect. It's all very well having friends/family tell you that you're a great writer. Ask them if that character grated with them, or if that scene was too long, or what about the dialogue - is it natural, stilted, too little of it etc. For every 'wow, that's brilliant', try to get them to offer something to improve upon. And don't take offence! Listening to readers is the only way to learn and improve.

So again, to sum up, I would say: Definitely have confidence in your ability, because it will shine through in your writing. And enjoy!

Sam xx

SamHayes

11th September 2008, 20:59

Yay, good for you, Andrea. Hanging out with other readers and writers - online or in real life - is a big part of writing, I think. It's so important to discuss your work or what you're reading. It's all about opinion, isn't it? Without it, we can't improve. I think for me, in the early days, half the battle was growing my skin about six inches deep and taking the criticism.

I used to belong to a local writers' club, which was just fantastic. Some members were published and some wrote for themselves. Sadly, having three kids and a husband who travels no end kind of made it hard to go regularly. But I still meet up with some of the members from time to time. Being such a lonely business or activity, it's crucial to keep in touch with like-minded people from time to time.

What do you write, Andrea? Fiction, poetry, short stories?

Take care,
Sam xx

supergran71

14th September 2008, 17:28

Hi Supergran,

That's a good question. The answer is no, no one else in my family writes. Not that I'm aware of anyway - maybe for pleasure and they're keeping it quiet! Although I do come from a rather creative family on my mum's side. Both my grandparents are/were pianists and composers. Their son, my uncle, plays violin and used to play in the CBSO. And my mum is a brilliant artist. I grew up in a very creative environment and was always encouraged to read and write lots. I have three children and they all lean strongly towards the creative arts - music/performing/writing (my youngest likes writing at school). I'm sure it runs in families, although have no idea if it's nature or nurture. Probably a combination of both. I'm not very practical-minded and actually have to ask my kids to turn on a TV in our house for me. There are always so many remotes...so many buttons...technical things just don't come naturally to me. Anyway, I've gone off topic a bit!

Do you write at all? Do you have experience of creativity running through your family?

Thanks for your question,
Sam xx

Thanks for that reply Sam. In answer to your questions, I used to sing and dance and appeared publicly in pantomime when I was 12. I gave it up at 16 - a long time ago. Creativity in my family, I would say yes, my daughter is good at drawing and painting, knitting and sewing and both my grandchildren play the piano, clarinet and saxophone. I have often wanted to try my hand at writing and get ideas popping into my head regularly, but just dont know how to start. I keep a diary trhough:lol:
All the best.

SamHayes

15th September 2008, 12:50

Starting any piece of writing is hard whether it's a novel, a poem, short story etc. I think you have to be very clear about your intention for the piece before you can actually make a start. Notes and random jottings are a good way to inspire a kind of order to your writing. Perhaps keep track of all your ideas, Supergran, in your diary. After a while, you'll perhaps begin to see a pattern of what subjects you are leaning towards. Not only is there the big decision about what kind of writing you want to undertake (ie fiction, non-fic, poems, shorts etc) but then there's the whole genre issue - romance, crime, horror etc. I do believe that writing is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the easier it becomes to 'work out'. Keeping a diary regularly is a great way of getting into the habit. Keep at it and good luck!

SamHayes

15th September 2008, 20:42

In case it's of interest to any writers on the forum, I'm blogging an A-Z of my experiences in the business. 'A is for Agents' is first up - my personal story. I'll be working my way through the alphabet with a relevant and interesting (I hope!) anecdotes and advice over the coming weeks. If anyone wants to ask any further questions here on the forum about submissions and agents/publishers then do fire away.

Sam

FishAndChips

15th September 2008, 20:47

What do you write, Andrea? Fiction, poetry, short stories?

Hi Sam
I've written quite a lot of short stories and I'm currently working on my first novel, which I'm probably not aiming to have published but rather writing for the learning experience (which it certainly is lol). I'm not sure what kind of genre I would like to specialize in really so I'm trying a few things first to see which suits me best.

SamHayes

16th September 2008, 14:29

Hi Sam
I've written quite a lot of short stories and I'm currently working on my first novel, which I'm probably not aiming to have published but rather writing for the learning experience (which it certainly is lol). I'm not sure what kind of genre I would like to specialize in really so I'm trying a few things first to see which suits me best.

Sounds like you're being extremely wise, Andrea. Short stories are a great way to learn, and a real craft in their own right. I very much admire your approach to writing. It's an excellent idea to write your first novel without the pressure of feeling you have to get it published. You can concentrate on the process rather than worrying about who's looking for that kind of submission etc. And it doesn't always follow that what you enjoy reading is what you will ultimately find yourself writing. You'll see yourself develop as a writer and will instinctively know when the time's right to get your work 'out there'.

Sam

FishAndChips

16th September 2008, 16:36

Thanks Sam :) It's annoying though because I have ideas for books in about 4 different genres. I think I'll have to reign myself in somewhere.

Icecream

17th September 2008, 12:36

I know that feeling F&C. I have recently started putting my own ideas together, a task that would have been impossible for me a few years ago, but have ideas for different genre's within the same piece of writing.

I just wanted to say that I have finished Blood Ties. It has given me some late nights (only because I can't read a lot in the day at the moment). I couldn't put it down. I did have a question but it would spoil the book.

SamHayes

18th September 2008, 21:08

I just sent you a PM, Icecream, in response to yours. Thanks for not posting that here! It's hard regards spoilers. I've done some talks at libraries etc and have had to stop mid-sentence because I'm about to give the game away. It's especially hard when you have some people who've read the book and some who haven't - which is most likely to be the case. I'd like to go into greater depth for the sake of those that have, but can hardly tell the others to step outside! Maybe I should issue ear plugs.

And glad to see you're a writer too, Icecream. I think it's perfectly fine to experiment with different genres when you're starting out. How else will you discover your 'voice' and what you love writing most? I most certainly did just that when I got serious about writing. It might have seemed frustrating at the time - not knowing exactly where I was going - but looking back, it was all part of the learning experience. I do believe that, to a certain extent, writing can be taught. But ultimately, the best writing comes from feeling your own way. And if that involves mixing genres, then so be it!

Sam xx

scottishbookworm

18th September 2008, 23:12

Hello sam!

I entered the book club's competition for a copy of your book!

from

alison

:readingtwo:

madcow

19th September 2008, 15:40

Just picked up Unspoken from the library, can't wait to get stuck in :)

SamHayes

20th September 2008, 07:39

Good luck, Alison! And hope you enjoy Unspoken, Jules!

Icecream

20th September 2008, 10:31

Hey Sam, thanks for answering my question. I look forward to picking up Unspoken soon if I can. It looks rather interesting.

Inver

22nd September 2008, 21:41

How do you choose your titles for your books and characters names?

SamHayes

23rd September 2008, 10:40

How do you choose your titles for your books and characters names?

Hi Inver,

Good question indeed! I am just going through the process of choosing a title for my novel after UNSPOKEN. And it's really hard! I started off writing with what I believed was an excellent title. In my mind, it really captured the essence of the story, was rather tantalising (I thought!) as well as being a bit clever. But...my editor didn't like it. I suppose with hindsight, I should have seen this coming as it kind of had a hint of the supernatural about it, which would have perhaps been misleading to readers, even with a thriller-style cover.

Anyway, we're getting closer now. I've had several brainstorming sessions with my agent, as well as spending rather a long time compiling lists of suitable keywords that might provide inspiration. I'll single out the most important themes and plot issues and try to capture it in one or two words, even if they're not title material. Then I'll dive into google and see what comes up. Sites with huge lists of idioms are useful, as often titles can be part of a well known saying.

My agent submitted a long list of suggestins to my editor, and thankfully one caught her eye. She'll put it to the sales and marketing folk too, as it's very important that they feel comfortable and 'behind' the titles as it's what they've got to sell. So it's not enitrely up to me - unless I come up with a corking title straight away. That's not happened yet! BLOOD TIES started out life as 'Nine Tenths' - I felt it captured the possession theme. No one else did...and no one 'got' the 'possession is nine tenths of the law' bit!

Regards naming characters, that's quite fun. Sometimes they just 'come' to me, as in 'you're definitely a so-and-so' because of they way you look/act/dress etc. But everyone has their preconceptions about names. David, for me, might represent a great guy, whereas for someone else, he might have been the school bully. But whatever names I choose, I'd like to think that their characters outweigh any preconceptions. I use online baby naming sites quite a lot, but have to be careful I don't give a forty year old a name that's been 'invented' recently. I also tend not to name characters after my friends - if I can possibly help it. People often ask me if I include characters I know - and the general answer is no. (Perhaps snippets of characters slip in here and there!) I like to occasionally use more unusual names, but balance that up with a the majority being fairly well-known names. In UNSPOKEN, Murray's name came to me immediately for some reason and I think it really suits him. And Mary was always Mary, right from the start. I also have to be careful that names don't sound too alike, and was a bit worried that Murray and Mary did. But each having their own separate viewpoints and being different sexes, I decided I wouldn't need to change them.

Phew..! Sorry for going on a bit. Hope this answers everything

Sam xx

Inver

25th September 2008, 09:48

Thanks....another one....

What about your location, would you consider basing your story abroad and using the same characters?

SamHayes

25th September 2008, 19:40

Hi Diane,

Do you mean regards Blood Ties? If so, then I've always thought of it as very much a British-set story. And would the characters be the same, exactly, if they lived abroad, I wonder? Had Robert been a laid-back Aussie type, then perhaps he wouldn't have been so paranoid in the first place. And maybe, in another country, Ruth would have had a different survival story to tell. Interesting question, but in answer, I guesss I can only see the books I've written as working in their chosen locations.

Unspoken is set in rural Cambridgeshire, as well as in Cambridge, and the location is very integral to the story. In essence, yes, I could have set both these novels in Africa or the USA or Russia. But given the different cultures, the characters would most likely react differently, and the outcome would therefore not be exactly the same. The more I think about this, the more interesting it is. I have thought about bringing in other countries, and I'd love to explore Australia in a novel. I lived there for a while and my hubby is from Brisbane. It's a harsh yet vibrant country - so diverse - so I'm sure it will crop up sooner or later. But essentially I am a British writer, exploring issues and nightmares that happen to us here, in our country - the UK (gosh - now all the forum members outside of the UK are going to shout out!!)

Hope this helps! Do say if I've not answered exactly what you meant :-)

Sam xx

Inver

25th September 2008, 21:30

Yeh that is kind of what I meant. Was just wondering if you had a preference for where you based your story or if open to new locations. You obviously want each book to be with different characaters. Not the same but a different storyline like, detective type things. Just wondered if you have ever considering just have a few characters but appear in different stories.! Hope I am making myself clear!:roll:

SamHayes

26th September 2008, 09:22

Ah sorry, Diane. I misunderstood. Yes, I really wanted to bring Louisa, the private investigator, from Blood Ties into Unspoken. I'd got it all planned out. She was going to be a friend of the main character, Julia, and come to stay in the nick of time - just as Julia's life crumbles and things go horribly wrong. I loved writing Louisa's character in BT, had thought up a whole back story about her rather turbulent love life, how she was destined to always be single, how she moved countries (she married a Dutch man in BT but they were 'having trouble'). The plan was for her to feature as the catalyst for solving crimes/mysteries etc in future novels. BUT... my editor didn't like this idea. She wanted me to write stand-alone novels for various reasons, which, after getting used to the idea of saying good-bye to Louisa, I was happy with. I trust my ed completely. She is SO switched on about the business and hasn't steered me wrong so far. Maybe one day, I'll bring back Louisa - at least have her leaping about waving in the background!

As for involving one or two regular police characters, which is another option, I think that would take me too close to the 'police procedural' type novel. My novels are psycho/emotional thrillers, very much linked to real lives that readers can relate to..families, kids, relationships, work etc. That doesn't mean that the police don't feature in my books - far from it. In Unspoken, Julia's brother-in-law, Ed, is a detective and involved in the brutal attack on one of Julia's students. But by adding recurring detectives, I think it would detract from the essence of my writing.

Hope this is closer to what you were asking! :mrgreen:

Sam xx

Inver

26th September 2008, 22:03

Thanks Sam :D Hope you have enjoyed your time on here. Have you browsed elsewhere on the forum at all?

madcow

27th September 2008, 23:23

Just popped in to say I'm loving Unspoken :)

SamHayes

29th September 2008, 12:41

Thanks Sam :D Hope you have enjoyed your time on here. Have you browsed elsewhere on the forum at all?
Yes, thanks, Diane. It's been great talking to people on the forum. I'll quite miss checking in to see if anyone's asked anything when Sept's over! I'll definitely keep popping back to see what's what though. And I have taken a look around other sections of the forum. Lots more to look through. It's a really useful resource as well as a friendly place to hang out. :D

Sam xx

SamHayes

29th September 2008, 12:42

Just popped in to say I'm loving Unspoken :)

Ooh, thanks, Jules! If you get a chance, do let me know what you think when you're finished. Feedback is so very welcome!

Sam xx

madcow

29th September 2008, 18:31

Will do, hoping to finish it tonight or tomorrow at the latest :)

FishAndChips

29th September 2008, 21:25

Thanks for visiting us Sam, it's been great to have you here. I for one have really appreciated your detailed answers (Yes I know you've still one day left with us but if I don't say it now I'll probably forget) :)

SamHayes

29th September 2008, 21:35

My pleasure, Andrea. :) I can't believe how fast September's gone. It's been great popping in here. I'm now two thirds of the way through the book after UNSPOKEN - and it was officially named today - i.e. we all agreed on a fab title! Will post details on my site or blog when I can.

Yes, one more day left, so feel free to fire off any last questions. I'll still drop by in the future though.

S. xx

Inver

29th September 2008, 22:27

Have you done any book signing tours, and do you have a favourite places out of all those you’ve visited? Is there anywhere you’d like to go back to when you have more time?

SamHayes

30th September 2008, 20:33

Have you done any book signing tours, and do you have a favourite places out of all those you’ve visited? Is there anywhere you’d like to go back to when you have more time?

I've done book signings, yes, although not an official 'tour' as in dates packed in one after the other and being flown from city to city...staying in smart hotels... Maybe one day soon!

I did a talk and signing down in Essex earlier this year, which was fun. And I've done local signings/talks also. I think there may be more planned for the paperback of Unspoken. Not really any glamorous locations yet - although I met someone from Headline Australia at a publishing party quite recently, and he was talking about getting me 'downunder' for promotion of a not-so-distant-future novel. That would be cool! My books are popular in Australia. I was also sent up to Edinburgh by my publishers, not for a signing exactly, although I did sign some books. It was my first time there and I thought it a beautiful city. I went back with the family and would love to go again soon. Touring the USA would be amazing too. Just need to sell out there :mrgreen:

Sam xx