1. What is the genesis of your novel My Sister/ If You Knew My Sister?
I wanted to write a story about a mother who gave her child away. And although we never hear from the viewpoint of this woman because she dies prior to the beginning of the book, we are very much learning her story, gaining an insight into what pushed her into such a difficult decision. I am an adoptive mother myself, so this narrative is hugely important to me.
2. Did you come up with other titles or was My Sister/ If You Knew My Sister your first choice?
The US edition is called IF YOU KNEW MY SISTER. That was the original title. Around the world there are some wonderful translated variations.
3. Could you give us an interesting fun fact about My Sister / If You Knew My Sister?
I originally intended to self publish MY SISTER/ If You Knew My Sister, and even had the cover ready to go. My decision to submit to agents was very last minute!
4. Between Irini and Elle which one was more challenging to write and why?
Whenever you write a novel there are challenges when creating your characters. Just like people, all characters have their complexities. Although in many ways Irini was more challenging because she is our protagonist, it is almost more of a challenge to write the other characters, because you never get to know them quite so well. Probably, Elle was more difficult in this instance.
5. What type of stories influenced you as a writer?
I was influenced by horror as a child and young teenager. I was hooked on reading Stephen King and Thomas Harris. I loved the dark worlds they created. Later I became obsessed by the work of Iain Banks. But I also discovered the thriller genre through screen. There were some wonderful thrillers made in the 1980s. All of these stories helped shape me as a writer. Margaret Atwood was a huge influence too.
6. Do you remember the first story you wrote?
As a child, no, although I did used to create stories back then. As an adult it was about a woman tied to a chair. I think it lasted all of a few chapters, was absolutely influenced by Stephen King's Gerald's Game, and was no doubt heavily plagiarized. It quite rightly never say the light of day.
7. Without spoiling anything, could you express what part of My Sister / If You Knew My Sister gave you writer’s block and how did you get over it?
I don't recall a moment when writing MY SISTER / If You Knew My Sister that gave me writer's block, and I'm not sure I believe in it per se. But I believe that when we get stuck in a story it's because something earlier on in the novel needs work. So take a break, and then go back. For me it usually works.
8. Have you written any short stories or novellas?
I have in the past but they remain unpublished. Short stories are always hard to write because you have no space to waffle.
9. If (or rather when) your book becomes a film/TV adaptation, what scene are you looking forward to see visually?
Irini's return to the asylum. That will look awesome. I will have to ensure that I'm on set for that.
10. Silly-Game question: From My Sister/ If You Knew My Sister novel (with your eyes close) could you please leaf through the pages and point at a random place. What is the full sentence? And what is the page number of this random sentence?
But as I pull it out something else comes with it: a manilla envelope. Page 184
11. What surprised you when you’re writing My Sister / If You Knew My Sister ?
That I decided to try to find an agent! I had done it once before, but didn't intend to try again. A chance conversation with a friend of a friend gave me the impetus to try again, and I'm so glad I did because I have the best agent in the world.
12. What’s your next book? Could you give us a sneak peek?
I can't give you a sneak peak, but I can tell you the title. It's called BETWEEN THE LIES, and will be released next July 12th in the UK. It's a thriller set in Brighton, UK, and if it ever get's adapted for screen it's going to look bloody marvelous!
13. Are you a Coca-Cola or a Pepsi person?
Who drinks Pepsi?
14. Last question, if you could only make earth to rain M&M’s or Skittle for a whole day, which candy would you choose for the kids (and the kids at heart) to experience on this unique day?
Oh, Skittles for sure. No way M&M's.
Loads of thanks to Ms. Michelle Adams for coming here to answer my questions. As you can tell My Sister/ If You Knew My Sister is something special and I hope you would check it out. Also, the novel would make a great holiday gift for a loved one or two.
If you want to know more about Ms. Michelle Adams click this link to go to her website: www.michelleadams.co.uk/ Thanks again for visiting my blog and I hope you have a great day.