I’m delighted to have the wonderful author Pauline Barclay with me today. Although she and I have never actually met in real life, we’ve been friends for quite a few years now! I’d love for you to meet her, so let’s get on with the interview…
Hi Pauline! And welcome to the blog!
Hello Suzy and a great big thanks for inviting me here, it really is a swish place to be and with so many great names here too.
Can you tell us about the first book you published?
The first book I published was Magnolia House. This story was inspired by true events and tells the story about an elderly lady who gave half of her house to her only son, only to find within twelve months she would have to sell the home she had lived in for nearly fifty years. It is an emotional story, yet one of determination and survival. Jane Leonard is a wonderful character and I loved creating her, she is a woman not to be messed with, she speaks her mind and does not suffer fools. She is a mother and like all mothers, her love knows no bounds when it comes to her family. Magnolia House will have you reaching for your tissues, yet it will leave you with a renewed faith in human nature.
How many books have you published since?
In total I have published seven books, six after Magnolia House.
In what genre do you prefer to write?
I always find this a difficult question to answer because my books are about life, the consequences of actions and how they impact on people. Both, In the Cold Light of Day and Storm Clouds Gathering are set in the mid-sixties. Satchfield Hall is set between the decades of 1940’s and 1980’s. Magnolia House, The Wendy House, The Birthday Card and Sometimes It Happens… are set from 2000. I’m not sure I’ve answered your question, but I hope what I have said makes sense. *smiles*
What kind of books do you like to read?
I do love a murder mystery and, from time to time, a thriller. I also enjoy family sagas and stories that include social history. Though I do read books from many different genres.
What inspires you?
I guess life. Listening to people, hearing about things that happen to them and how lives are changed from events. It fascinates me how an event can change the course of a person’s life and those around them.
You write a lot of short stories, can you tell us a little more about them?
When I am finding it difficult to continue with a WIP, I try to walk away and concentrate on other things. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn’t. I find writing short stories fun and you can say a great deal in a few words. During this lock down I have written three short stories and published them on my Blog. One story, Our Rainbow, is a true story.
Chill Awards
Some time ago, you started the Chill Awards – can you tell us more about it?
Would you believe this September the Awards have been going for four years! Chill Awards are for Independent Authors. I wanted a recognition that would shine a light on great books writing by authors who do not have a publishing contract with the large publishing houses. There are some great Independent authors who publish great page turners that are beautifully polished. How Chill Awards works – Authors are invited to submit their books and each book is read by an equal number of readers. Readers evaluate each book they read against five questions. It is the result from the readers of each book that determines if a book receives an Award. There is a small fee of £16. This fee is used to purchase Kindle copies for Chill readers and fee left helps to run the programme. The Awards are international with authors from all over the world; New Zealand, Australia, Canada, USA, Ireland, UK and Europe. Readers too are scattered around the globe. If anyone is interested to learn more, please take a look at www.chillwithabook.com and feel free to contact me.
Thank you so much Pauline, this was great!
Once again, thank you Suzy, I’ve loved being here, you have made me feel so welcome and comfortable. Wishing you and your visitors a fabby day. Hugs x
About Pauline Barclay
I am from Yorkshire, UK, but have lived in several different locations including; Suffolk, UK, Surrey, UK and Holland. Years ago I gained a BA (Hons) degree from the Open University, today I spend my time writing fiction. I have six books published. I am now busy working on book seven. When not writing I love to run, walk, cook, read, take too many photographs, play around with my Photoshop and spend time with my family and friends.
You can find me at these sunny places…
Twitter @paulinembarclay
Instagram @paulinebarclay
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