The idea is that we share a bit about the book we're working on, by answering some questions, which was actually quite hard for me. The thing is that I've written one book - first draft anyway - but now set it aside to work on another one, for which I have a looming deadline. And then there's the musical for Lia's Guide to Winning the Lottery which is taking quite a bit of my time. But this is the one I'm working on now, and this is the one I have a publication date for - all being well, January 2014.
What is the working title of your book?
Salvage. I got the idea when I lost my kindle at a shopping centre and it was found by someone whose husband tracked me down by looking at the list of books and working out that Keren's kindle was probably something to do with the Keren David whose books were listed there. He owns something called the Salvage Shop in north London. The name chimed with my latest idea.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I read a news story ages ago about birth families contacting adopted children through Facebook, and then a social worker friend of mine said 'I know what you ought to write a book about!' and it turned out to be the same idea.
What genre does your book fall under?
You could call it contemporary realism, but I like BritGrit.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Robert Sheehan who played Nathan in Misfits would be good for Aidan, as long as he can lose his Irish accent and Kaya Scodelario who was Effie in Skins could work as Cass, his sister. Will, Cass's friend could be John Boyega who was in Attack the Block (lovely smile), but he'd have to grow his hair.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
When siblings Aidan and Cass are reunited through Facebook, painful memories can't be repressed.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Robert Sheehan who played Nathan in Misfits would be good for Aidan, as long as he can lose his Irish accent and Kaya Scodelario who was Effie in Skins could work as Cass, his sister. Will, Cass's friend could be John Boyega who was in Attack the Block (lovely smile), but he'd have to grow his hair. 
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?When siblings Aidan and Cass are reunited through Facebook, painful memories can't be repressed.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It is represented by my agent, Jenny Savill of Andrew Nurnberg Associates and will be published in the UK by Atom Books.
It is represented by my agent, Jenny Savill of Andrew Nurnberg Associates and will be published in the UK by Atom Books.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I'm still writing it! My deadline is December 15! Eek!
I'm still writing it! My deadline is December 15! Eek!
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
It's a bit different from my other books - more of an emotional family story. Maybe Katie Dale's Someone Else's Life.
It's a bit different from my other books - more of an emotional family story. Maybe Katie Dale's Someone Else's Life.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
My friend the social worker, and another friend who talked to me about her experience of adoption.
My friend the social worker, and another friend who talked to me about her experience of adoption.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It's possibly the darkest book I've written so far.
Now it's my turn to tag some other writers who'll be posting about their work in progress on their blogs next Wednesday. And they are:
Sara Grant - I can't wait to find out what Sara's working on, her Dark Parties is one of the best teen dystopias around.
Savita Kalhan - a writer prepared to go darker and deeper than most, her The Long Weekend was one of the most terrifying teen thrillers I've read.
Dave Cousins - author of the brilliant Fifteen Days without a Head, BritGrit at its finest
Bryony Pearce - who isn't scared to tackle the most difficult emotions and themes, as proved by her nail-biting debut Angel's Fury
It's possibly the darkest book I've written so far.
Now it's my turn to tag some other writers who'll be posting about their work in progress on their blogs next Wednesday. And they are:
Sara Grant - I can't wait to find out what Sara's working on, her Dark Parties is one of the best teen dystopias around.
Savita Kalhan - a writer prepared to go darker and deeper than most, her The Long Weekend was one of the most terrifying teen thrillers I've read.
Dave Cousins - author of the brilliant Fifteen Days without a Head, BritGrit at its finest
Bryony Pearce - who isn't scared to tackle the most difficult emotions and themes, as proved by her nail-biting debut Angel's Fury
