In preparation for the release of Sam Carrington's latest novel, Bad Sister, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to do a Q&A with Sam. I always love to find out more about the authors who write the books we love; to find out what inspires them.
Before I give you the chance to delve into the mind of Sam Carrington, I'd like to just say a huge sorry for the delay in my post being published. My day job has recently been more of a day and night job and I have completely been lost in trying to do an amazing job in my new role. Unfortunately this took over somewhat and I missed my slot on 18th October... I am truly sorry!
Published by Avon
14th December 2017
About the book:
Sisters. Allies. Liars.
Stephanie is scared for her life. Her psychologist, Connie Summers, wants to help her face her fears, but Connie will never really understand her. Stephanie’s past has been wiped away for her own protection. Stephanie isn’t even her real name. But then, Dr Summers isn’t Connie’s real name either.
And that’s not all the women have in common. As Stephanie opens up about her troubled relationship with her brother, Connie is forced to confront her own dark family secrets.
When a mutilated body is dumped in plain sight, it will have devastating consequences for both women.
Who is the victim?
Who is to blame?
Who is next?
Gripping, tense and impossible to put down, Bad Sister will have fans of Sue Fortin, B A Paris and Linda Green hooked till the final page.
1. How long have you been writing novels for?
Coming up for four years. I began writing a novel in January 2014 – this one hasn’t been published. I began writing Saving Sophie, my first published novel, early in 2015.
2. For those who haven’t read your books before, can you tell us a little about your first ever novel?
My first ever novel – the one I began in 2014 – was a prison-based psychological/crime story (I’d not long left the prison service, so it was all incredibly fresh in my mind). This novel attracted the attention of a few agents, but didn’t get picked up. Anne Williams from KHLA, who’d liked my writing but not the story itself, offered me representation based on the novel I was then working on, which became Saving Sophie – a story about a broken family, love, lies and obsession – and one tragic night that changed everything.
3. Do you remember where you were when you first got the inspiration for Bad Sister?
I was sitting at my dining-room table, gazing out of my patio doors – overlooking Haytor and Dartmoor. I knew I wanted to have Haytor as a key location and I knew how I wanted it to feature. Then I had to build a story around it. The opening scene to Bad Sister came to me very quickly – I wrote it out immediately and it didn’t change. I felt it was a strong opening for the novel.
4. Who is your favourite character from the book, and why?
That’s a really interesting question! I think Steph is, as she comes across as tough, yet is in a place – both physically and emotionally – where she feels alone and vulnerable. She maybe isn’t someone who you can immediately warm to, but I think as the story progresses and you learn about her past, her exterior is stripped away and I think she then becomes someone you want to root for.
5. What was the hardest part about writing this story?
There were some emotional scenes (I can’t say what they are as I’d be giving the plot away) which were particularly hard to write - they drained me; in part as they were close to home for me personally. Other than those, I really enjoyed writing the story and introducing psychologist, Connie Summers.
6. Have you got any special rituals when you’re writing a novel?
I have to begin each project with a fresh notebook, a clear cork board (my trusty writing tool!) and blank index cards and character sheets. I also need to have a working title before I can settle into making notes. It also seems I like to write the first page/s properly in my fresh word document. I’ve done this with each novel now, so I guess it’s a ritual!
7. What was the last book that you read?
The Surrogate by Louise Jensen. A brilliantly twisty psychological thriller!
8. Which authors are you inspired by?
All authors are inspirational – they’ve had an idea for a book, created it and therefore achieved something huge. I have the pleasure of being part of a great writing community and all the authors are very helpful, supportive and encouraging. In terms of where I would like to be career-wise, then authors like Sharon Bolton, Belinda Bauer and Elizabeth Haynes are my inspiration.
9. Do you have an idea for your next novel yet?
Book three has been written and will be with my editor shortly. It’s a story told from the viewpoints of two mothers: one whose son was murdered, the other is the mother of the murderer. I have a ‘mini-synopsis’ for book four and the characters are currently developing in my head. The novel has a working title and new notebook/clear corkboard, so…
10. Is there a genre you’ve not written in before that you would love to have a go at?
I would like to write a horror novel. I grew up reading Stephen King and James Herbert and I love to be frightened, so it would be great to give that a go at some point!