Lorna Peel, author of new novel
Only You, stops by today to tell us more about the book and her inspiration behind it. In
Only You, divorced evening-class teacher Jane finds herself unexpectedly interested in one of her students, who turns out to be a well-known actor.
Tell us about your latest novel in 15 words or less.
Can Jane handle living - and loving - in the spotlight?
What inspired you to write Only You?
In today’s celebrity culture everyone, it seems, wants to be famous. Being famous is fantastic, with parties and premiers, and having your picture in the papers and gossip magazines.
But is it? I wanted to explore what it would be really like to be in a relationship with someone famous but you wish they weren’t because you are a private person who likes a quiet life? Could you love that person enough to be able to put up with all the invasions of your privacy?
It’s a predicament and it’s why I created Jane Hollinger so she can try and work it out.
Where do you do most of your writing?
Anywhere warm with a comfy chair where I can type away on my laptop!
What is your favourite book?
I don’t have a favourite book but I definitely have a favourite author. I love Sharon Kay Penman’s historical novels, especially The Sunne in Splendour and her Welsh trilogy. The amount of research which goes into her books must be huge but her novels never suffer from info-dump-itis!
Which part of Only You did you enjoy writing the most?
I loved writing the first draft. Editing, grammar, spelling and filling in any plot holes all come later. I love the freedom of getting the first draft written and it took me about two months.
Who is your favourite literary heroine?
Probably Jane Eyre. Outwardly, she seems mousey and quiet but she’s got real backbone and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself.
Do you have any tips for readers who are looking to become published writers?
You have to be stubborn, grow a very thick skin, keep believing in yourself and your writing and never give up.
Are you working on anything else at the moment and if so, can you tell us?
My current project is an historical romance called
Into The Unknown and is set in England and Ireland during World War Two. This is the blurb:
London on 3 September 1939 is in upheaval. War is inevitable. Into this turmoil steps Kate Sheridan, newly arrived from Ireland to live with her aunt and uncle, and look for work. When she meets Flight Lieutenant Charlie Butler sparks fly, but he is a notorious womaniser. Should she ignore all the warnings and get involved with a ladies man whose life will be in daily danger?
Charlie Butler has no intention of getting involved with a woman. But when he meets Kate his resolve is shattered. Should he allow his heart to rule his head and fall for a nineteen year old Irish girl while there is a war to fight?
Private conflicts and personal doubts are soon overshadowed. Will the horrors of total war bring Kate and Charlie together or tear them apart?
Thanks, Lorna!
You can find out more about Lorna Peel and
Only You by visiting her
website,
Twitter or
Facebook. You can also add
Only You to your shelves on
Goodreads.
Only You by Lorna Peel
Jane Hollinger is the wrong side of thirty, divorced and struggling to pay the mortgage her cheating ex left her with. As a qualified genealogist, teaching family history evening classes is a way for her to make ends meet. But she begins to wonder if it’s such a good idea when a late enroller for the class is a little… odd. “Badly-blond Bloke” both scares and intrigues Jane, and when she discovers he is her all-time favourite actor and huge crush, Robert Armstrong, she’s stunned. Even more stunning to Jane is the fact that Robert is interested in her romantically. He’s everything she ever dreamed of, and more, but can she overcome her fear of living in the public eye to be with the man she loves?
