I’m not only thrilled to
be inviting a brilliant writer to my blog today, but also a lovely friend.
The very talented Karen
Clarke is here to answer a few questions about her shiny new book The Beachside Sweet Shop. And I’ve also been
super-nosey and discovered her favourite books, sweets as a child, and other interesting
snippets.
So without further
waffle, I’m going to open a jar of Rhubarb and Custards for us to share, and welcome
Karen to my blog.
What was the first book you read that made you cry?
I can’t remember the
first, but Me Before You by JoJo
Moyes had me blubbering recently. I don’t like a sad ending, but accept that
sometimes it’s the only one that works.
What was the first book you read that made you laugh out loud?
The
Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 and three quarters, by Sue Townsend, and the rest of the series was funny too.
Which character in The
Beachside Sweet Shop would you get on with best, and why?
Marnie’s best friend,
Beth, who as well as being supportive and fun, is grounded and sure of herself,
and knows what she wants from life.
If you could give your younger-writing-self advice, what would
it be?
Start now! Life was
always getting in the way, and I do wish I’d started my writing career earlier.
But maybe I wasn’t ready.
What was your favourite sweet, growing up?
I loved toffee whirls. My
gran used to bring a little sweet-shop paper bag of them whenever she visited.
How did you select the names of the characters in The Beachside Sweet Shop?
If nothing springs to
mind right away, I look up names that were popular during the year my
characters were born. Sometimes see a name I like in the credits of a film or
TV programme, and I’ve been known to pluck names from Facebook J
What was your hardest scene to write in The Beachside Sweet Shop?
I struggle with sexy
scenes, imagining my mum reading them, so it would be the encounter between
Marnie and Josh in the stockroom!
What is your favourite childhood book?
I loved Enid Blyton, so probably
The Magic Faraway Tree.
Which character in The
Beachside Sweet Shop would you least get on with, and why?
I wouldn’t get on with
Isabel, as she thinks she’s a cut above everyone in Shipley, and isn’t
interested in getting along with her neighbours.
Have you ever met anyone famous, and, if so, were you in awe?
On
holiday a few years ago, we were served at a farmer’s market by Elizabeth
Hurley (she has her own brand of sausages) and I did feel a wee bit
star-struck.
***
Thank you so much for visiting, Karen.
The Beachside Sweet Shop is available on Amazon HERE for 99p, which is an absolute bargain. I guarantee you’ll love it!
The Beachside Sweet Shop is available on Amazon HERE for 99p, which is an absolute bargain. I guarantee you’ll love it!
5 comments:
Thanks for having me, Mandy :o) Love the jar of rhubarb and custards!
I remember saying that when I left birthday parties when I was little. :-) Thank you for visiting.
I remember 'interviewing ' Karen as one of the tasks in the Woman's Weekly workshop we all went to, Mandy. I never found out she loved toffee whirls though ( I loved them two).
I remember the interviewing part of the WW workshop, Wendy - it was very entertaining. I didn't know Karen like toffee whirls either. :-)
It was my little secret :o)
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