- Mum, cat wrangler, and writer of romantic suspense
Readers, let’s give a good, hearty welcome to this week’s guest!
Gemma Lawrence lives in Hampshire, on the south coast of England, with her husband, daughter, and two cats who like to bring as much chaos into their lives as possible. She loves to read books that have plenty of psychological drama mixed with sizzling chemistry, and that’s what you’ll get from her too.
When not writing Gemma loves to read, spend time with her family, and enjoy nights out at the theatre. Well-travelled, Gemma has visited a couple of states in America, the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and countless European countries closer to home.
Gemma, thanks for agreeing to be here today. Most interviews start off with the boring stuff, but I know what readers REALLY want to know.
If you could have any pet (real/fantasy/no-allergies/no worries about feeding it) what would it be?
I grew up with cats and dogs bounding through the house, but I love the idea of owning a horse. I used to ride frequently as a child and spent many summer holidays wandering my local area on horseback with friends. I think my cats might have something to say about it though, my husband too!
A horse is a great choice! A friend, companion, and mode of transportation.
What do you write? And how did you get started?
I write in the romantic suspense genre. I love the thrilling suspense, the sizzling chemistry between the characters, and the inevitable happy ending! As a child, I was a constant daydreamer and wrote and illustrated little picture books. Always a Cinderella theme (I don’t know why) and always a happy ending. But it took many years to find my path to becoming an author until I was gifted a creative writing course as a birthday present. It kick-started the confidence to commit to a full-length novel, and I haven’t looked back since!
Ah, those tricky themes that writers find showing up in all of their writing — without meaning to. So glad you found your way to your writing.
What do you like to Read?
I love to read romantic suspense novels, Nora Roberts being my favourite in this genre. I also enjoy psychological suspense and used to enjoy Stephen King novels but I find his books too disturbing these days! I love historical fiction novels too. I’m about to start reading The Dragon Lady by Louisa Treger.
Great writers, all.
Name one commonly accepted piece of writing advice that doesn’t work for you.
Write every day
I agree with the idea in principle – practice does improve your style and structure – but I definitely need rest days where I can let my imagination recuperate. Taking a break also gives me the time and space to work through a specific character arc (or dreaded plot hole) and figure things out. I always find my writing becomes bland and monosyllabic if I just try and push through, and is much more creative and expressive if I’ve allowed my mind to rest.
Indeed. I can make it work for NaNoWriMo, but it’s not sustainable for me.
Name one commonly accepted piece of writing advice that they can pry out of your cold, dead hands.
Read, read, read!
I cannot stress just how much this helps me. There’s nothing like sitting back to relax with a good book, allowing myself to become transported to another world. It’s a wonderful way to absorb new vocabulary, grammar, and prose without even realising it. I don’t believe you need to read excessively, but often, and something you love. And if the book’s not working for you, leave it and find something else. Life is too short!
So true. And most of us got into writing because of our love of reading.
Shameless Self-Promotion time!
When I Know Your Name
Elena Dumont is being watched. No one believes her, but she knows. She feels it.
A kidnap, a betrayal, and a choice soon alter her life forever.
Will she make that choice? Will she give up everything she knows to be with a man who should be her enemy?
And will she find the person who wants her dead before they strike again?
Check Gemma Lawrence out across the web!
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WRITING TIPS & WRITERLY MUSINGS 
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