Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am from Birmingham, England. I am 43, I have three children and work in the social care sector. In many ways, my job has provided inspiration for some of the themes in my books.
I have written three books, and a few short stories. I am about to start working on the sequel to ‘The Mental Health Nurse’.
I am indie author, but of course, like all indie author’s I would like to publish my work through a well known publishing company, or have my work commissioned into a Netflix series, a woman can dream!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is ‘The Mental Health Nurse’.
It is written in first person pov, as many of my books are. This is because I find first person comes naturally to me, and I find it helps me dive into my characters thoughts, motives, desires – you get the picture.
TMHN was inspired by ‘Promising Young Woman’. I LOVE that film. I am all for women standing up for themselves, and getting justice. So, I created a character who does this, but with a twist. My main character Ellie is assaulted at a party, and in an act of self defence, murders her attacker. Instead of being repulsed by her actions, she enjoys killing him. Ellie then finds a way to weed out toxic men. She enjoys each murder, but she also feels like she is doing other women a favour. What’s the harm in ridding the world of one more abusive man?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t plot. This will be a huge red flag to any potential readers.
I start with a character, a dilemma/problem to solve, something that the character has to live for and I go from there.
I usually open my stories with the aftermath of a catastrophic event. I like to leave mini cliff hangers at the end of each chapter, where I can. My chapters are usually short, and they are usually fast paced.
When I write I visualise each scene as if it were in a movie.
I never write at a desk – I am a sofa hogger, with a bad back and poor posture to go with it! I write best at night, and I have been known to get up at 3am if I have had a vivid dream that needs to be scribbed on my note pad.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am currently loving anything by John Marrs. He is the master of plot twists, and I love his twisted characters.
Stephen King is my hero. Many of my university papers were on King’s novels.
My favourite book is ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ Gail Honeyman. I cry every time I read it, even when I know that bit is coming up.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to The Mental Health Nurse, although so far I only have the prologue written.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my own website https://www.author-april-e-swan.co.uk.
I also promote on tiktok, Facebook and Instagram.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. It will be scary but that first book sale will make you feel like you are floating on air! I am my biggest critic. I lack confidence at times and struggle with impostor syndrome. I hate doing videos of me speaking or promoting my book, and generally worry about how I will be perceived. However, my books won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but if someone, somewhere likes them, that’s good enough for me.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Leave your first draft for a few weeks and then come back to it with a fresh pair of eyes.
I can’t do this however, I am far too impatient and set myself ridiculously tight deadlines.
What are you reading now?
The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard Osmond.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to do a book signing, and another radio interview.
I will be working on my sequel to TMHN and I have an idea for a science fiction novel.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Eleanor Olliphant is completely fine, Gail Honeyman.
Author Websites and Profiles
April E Swan Website
April E Swan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile