Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Nottinghamshire, where I work in retail. I have tried writing books and TV series in the past but this is my debut novel. However, I’m hoping that as with this past stories can be drawn upon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Enemies Within because its characters are threatened by inner demons and betrayals by those closest to them. Andrew and Michael were characters from a previous failed story where I’d been able to work out the climax but not events leading up to it. I then got a flash of inspiration about a third party becoming an innocent victim of this and he led me in the right direction!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The quirkiest thing about my writing process is that I like to save it on the brightest, funkiest USB in the pack – The Enemies Within was stored on a hot pink memory stick! In other respects I’m really quite conservative. I embrace modern technology rather than choose to use a typewriter or longhand for someone else to type. I’m quite happy to sit and write rather than stand a la Hemingway. (I found out about that from the great literary discussion programme Death In Paradise!) I’m not a night owl or up with the lark and need to have total quiet for concentration. I would say I’m more of an afternoon and evening writer, though – the laptop screen always seems harder to fill of a morning!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a teenager I couldn’t get enough of the sadly long late but still great Paula Danziger. She had an incredible affinity with her audience, her characters being such finely drawn, true reflections of teenage emotions and experiences. They were also a wonderful blend of poignancy and fun. It’s a balance I try to strike in my own writing – while difficult issues and feelings can’t and shouldn’t be skirted around, we all need a laugh as well.
The books which have influenced me most are Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources by Marcel Pagnol. Ugolin Soubeyran is for me the most fascinatingly multi faceted, contradictory character in fiction. He is fundamentally a selfish, entitled and unprincipled man whose overall behaviour is dreadful.
However, there is a good side to him which his “friendship” with Jean does bring out. You can’t help feeling that had he been around people like Jean rather than his heartless, bullying uncle he would have ended up much nicer. Where his family’s concerned I do actually find him quite pitiable.
So my preference for a mixed moral bag over a villain painted blacker than black came into play with Keiran. He does represent my belief that some people are determined to follow their own bad path no matter what others try to do with them. He has put a basically good family through hell and no-one could blame them for disowning him.
That said, Keiran has been on the receiving end of faulty treatment himself. Kyle – who bears a striking resemblance to his estranged brother – does embody more of the fraternal relationship Keiran should have had.
What are you working on now?
A sequel to The Enemies Within where loose ends will be tied up and injustices addressed.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Free book promotion websites, social media – in particular book promotion and discussion accounts and book listing/discussion sites such as Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to what your characters are telling you. Part of the reason previous stories failed was because I meticulously planned plots which then ran out of steam because characters hadn’t been developed enough. Or else I’d over planned them and then the plots didn’t seem to fit.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up and listen to your heart. It will get you through any writing struggles you face; you’ll know and care about your characters deeply enough to see what’s best for them.
What are you reading now?
Nothing because I’m too busy promoting this book and thinking about the next one!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Working out my characters’ final destinies in the sequel to The Enemies Within.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Manon des Sources – it takes you on an emotional journey you think is unimaginable at the end of Jean de Florette.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kirsten Beckworth Amazon Profile
Kirsten Beckworth’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account