I’m
delighted to welcome Sheila
Riley to my blog.
Hello
Sheila,
It
was wonderful to connect with you through the Romantic Novelists’ Association page on
Facebook. I’ve met some great authors via the RNA, and I’m always amazed by the diverse paths we have chosen, as we followed our dreams on our writing
journeys. But before we learn more about your latest release, The
Orphan Daughter, here are a few questions which will hopefully give
your readers an insight into some of the things that matter to you.
Arabella: Are there any
organisations, writing, or reader groups, you belong to? And, how do they
support or help you in creating such wonderful, inspirational novels?
Sheila: Hi Arabella! It’s good to be here.
I
have been a member of the Romantic Novelists Association since 2004 when I
joined the New Writer’s Scheme, which was a valuable learning curve in my
writing career. My writing developed so much from the expert advice and
guidance I received. I’m a member of the Southport chapter of the R.N.A - The
Sandpipers and also a member of The Society of Authors.
Arabella: Where do you read? Sofa
or bed or ____?
Sheila:
Both, and more. If I haven’t got my nose in a book I’m listening to an audio
version. I love hearing as much as reading a story, especially when I’ve been
at the pc all day and my eyes need a rest. The only thing about listening to a
book in bed is I never get to hear the end of the chapter, it is so relaxing.
Arabella: In your latest release, The
Orphan Daughter,
who is your favourite character and why?
Sheila:
Oh that’s not fair! That’s like asking a mother who is her favourite child. š However, I do like Mim and Ada – I
think that together, they could be a right handful given the chance. Also, Bobby
and Lucy – not main characters – yet!
Arabella: When writing a novel, how
do you work? Are you a plotter or pantser?
Sheila:
I am usually imagining my next book while writing the current one, so I jot
down details as they occur – I have notebooks all over the house, in the car,
in my bag. Sometimes I read a jotting and have no clue as to what it means, and
that usually jump starts another idea. Great fun!
Arabella: Which would you prefer to
do: 1) spend a morning vigorously working out at the gym, 2) be pampered from
head to toe at the spa and beauty salon, 3) indulge and pile on the pounds with
a romantic dinner for two?
Sheila:
1) If I pick this one, everybody will think I am a
terrible liar – my very generous posterior gives the game away! J
2) Who doesn’t like to be pampered? Well… actually… me!
I spent over thirty-five years in the beauty business, so I know how hard these
people work. I feel so guilty being on the other side of the counter. But I get
over it.
3) I look like I indulge in dinners for two, but I
really don’t. Nor do I exercise as much as I should either. Although every
morning you will hear me behind the bathroom door… ‘Up one two three… Down one
two three… Other eyelid!
Arabella: Which do you prefer to
wear: beach shorts and top, a long evening skirt and blouse, pyjamas and
slippers?
Sheila:
No contest. Not necessarily pyjamas and slippers because I do like to make the
effort to get dressed in the morning – but I love ‘comfy clothes’ the slouchy
ones I wouldn’t be seen dead in while out shopping. Beach shorts and tops are a
bygone dream and long evening skirts are a bit ‘going out, out,’ and would only
be worn on special occasions.
Arabella: We all have a long list
of books we keep meaning to read but never have the time for --- which book is
a must read for you this summer?
Sheila:
I am dying to read 59 Memory Lane by Celia Anderson, also The House Across The
Street by Leslie Pearse. There are many more but these two keep winking at me
from my bedside table.
Arabella: What about your future
plans? Any books or series in the making?
Sheila:
The Orphan Daughter, the first in the Reckoner’s Row series comes out on 5th
September, and I am busy writing the second. I think place is as much a
character as the people who live in it.
Thank
you so much for inviting me onto your blog Arabella, it has been so much fun!
Sheila
J
xx
You’ve been an amazing guest on Arabella’s
Blog and Chit-Chit, Sheila. I’m sure your readers have enjoyed learning about
your secret exercise techniques, as much as I have. (Up one two three…down one two three…) J
And, I must say…you’ve wetted
my appetite. I’m now eager to discover more about Bobby and Lucy. Are these
characters destined for lead roles in your next saga? Do tell… You can write the answer in the comment section
below, and no one need know. Just me, your readers, and countless others… J
Best
wishes, and good luck with your latest release, The Orphan Daughter
Arabella
Sheen
About Sheila Riley
Sheila Riley wrote four #1 bestselling novels under the pseudonym Annie
Groves and is now writing a new saga trilogy under her own name.
The Orphan Daughter is the first in the Reckoner’s Row
series set around the River Mersey and its close dockland community near to
where she spent her early years.
Sheila still lives in Liverpool.
FB @SheilaRileyAuthor
Twitter @1sheilariley
Blurb: The Orphan Daughter
Winter, Liverpool 1947.
Evie Kilgaren is a fighter. Abandoned by her
mother, and her father long gone, she is left to raise her siblings in dockside
Liverpool as they battle against the coldest winter on record.
But she is determined to make a
life for herself and create a happy home for what's left of her family.
Desperate for work, Evie takes a job at the
Tram Tavern under the kindly watch of pub landlady, Connie Sharp. But Connie
has problems of her own when her quiet life is upturned with the arrival of a
mysterious undercover detective from out of town. When melting ice reveals a
body in the canal, things take a turn for the worst for the residents of
Reckoner's Row. Who could be responsible for such a brutal attack? And can Evie
keep her family safe before they strike again?
A gritty, historical family drama full of laughter and tears from the
author of Annie Groves' bestsellers including Child of the Mersey and Christmas
on the Mersey. Perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews, Katie Flynn and Nadine
Dorries.
THE ORPHAN DAUGHTER will be
published on 5th September 2019.
Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog Arabella, I enjoyed every moment. Oh, and as for Lucy and Bobby...? Early days, but you never know. All my best wishes, Sheila :) xx
ReplyDeleteSheila - I'll scan your blog and social media sites for updates about your next saga. All the best, Arabella
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Sheila; I look forward to reading The Orphan Daughter. Congratulations and good luck xx
ReplyDelete