#MTW continues w/interview of @MarieJones14057 author of Into the Shadows
Mystery Thriller Week keeps giving us thrills with today an interview from Marie Jones, author of Into The Shadows
Can you tell readers about your journey to become a writer?
My passion for writing and creating stories began from a very young age, where I loved nothing more than writing stories into my special A4 lined book. I remember one of my english teachers reading out one of my stories to the whole class and encouraging me to keep writing; she was one of my greatest influences. I remember also receiving a letter from Barbara Taylor Bradford – I was so excited! Later on in life, I went on to study creative writing at night college. I was always an avid reader from the time I could read and would completely lose myself into the story I was reading.
Some of the novel takes place in Ireland. Is that a favorite place of yours to visit?
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many countries in the world but Ireland, to me, is one of the most beautiful. I remember the day I stood on Inch Beach near Dingle in Southern Ireland, where this story begins, and simply had my breath taken away by the mesmerizing beauty of it. My other passion is photography, so I was in my element that day, taking many photos. I remember almost visualising a woman standing before me on that beach. Once I’d returned home, the writer in me sparked into life and began to weave a story around this one photo, so much so I used the idea of a woman’s face on a photo to take my main character, Lily, on an extraordinary journey of her own. One image, one moment, one chance to take it.
Describe Into the Shadows series in 140 characters (also known as a tweet).
‘Into The Shadows’ is a romantic suspense, woven with mystery and family drama. It is one woman’s journey to take a brave step to change herself and her situation, literally going into the very shadows of herself, and by doing so drawing others own shadows out as they are intricately pulled into her story.
What’s the most amusing thing that happened while writing Into The Shadows?
Getting very wet when I didn’t realise the tide was coming in!!
Plotter or Pantser? Explain.
A little of both. I plot out my main story as I go, but always want to leave room for sudden twists and ideas that spring to life as I write.
How do you react to a bad review of your book?
Fingers crossed, so far I’ve been fortunate to receive only 4 and 5 star reviews, which has been incredible and I never take any of those reviews for granted. If I did receive a bad review, I think you have to accept it, everyone is entitled to their views and opinions.
What are the most important attributes for remaining sane as a writer?
Always having a positive, never giving up attitude, even when you face rejections. And just enjoy the love and craft of bringing a story to life. Words are so powerful, beautiful, haunting. They can transport you into a world so unlike your own, even into a different realm, time or space. They can express your thoughts, dreams, desires, with such great depth and power. For me, writing is a part of who I am, my passion, my heart. I care about my characters, I want them to be people the reader can connect and identify with, I want them to inspire.
Tell us about your next release. And when can we expect it?
I am currently working on my next novel, The Perfect Storm, though still some way to go! It is set in the highlands of Scotland. My main character, Sophia, is faced with the impossible choice of trying to help an old uni friend, yet kept in the dangerous dark as to what it is Sophia is helping to keep safe. I like to combine writing novels with writing theatre/TV scripts and would love to break into these writing worlds too!
Book title: Into The Shadows
Author: Marie Jones
Genre: Mystery, suspense, romance
Published: December 2015
Synopsis:
Arriving home from a short holiday in Dingle, Lily Crossways makes a staggering discovery on one of her photos taken on ‘Inch Beach’, a woman’s desperate face is staring directly at her. Yet Lily knows she was alone that day on the beach. Who is she, is she even real, and why has she appeared to Lily? Unable to let the woman go, Lily makes the uncharacteristic decision to leave behind her safe world in England and return to Dingle to try and find her. Her search eventually leads her to cafe owner David Carson, this woman’s brother, who hasn’t seen his ‘missing’ sister in five years. Lily must now convince him to trust in her, taking bold steps to prove herself to him, and together track down his sister before it’s too late. Yet are either prepared for the hidden secrets they are about to uncover in their earnest desire to find her, and the impact it will have on those they love?
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About the Author
Around writing and family life, I also work part time as a Teaching Assistant at a local primary school, every day encouraging the budding talent of our future writers.
I’m married, and we have two gorgeous children. I’m loving being in my 40s and highly recommend it!
My other passions include photography, travelling and pencil drawing. I ran my own photography business for a few years and had my photos exhibited.
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many countries around the world, yet Ireland still remains one of my all time favourite countries. What an amazing world, full of God’s beauty and creation, we live in…
Whether I am writing stories, photographing or drawing, everyday men and women with all their amazing complexities will always fascinate and inspire me.
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