My Writing and Me by guest author Caroline England

Val Penny ♦ June 13, 2018 ♦ Leave a comment

I am delighted that Caroline England, author of the exciting new novel, My Husband’s Lies, has made time to share her journey to becoming a novellist on my blog today. Welcome, Caroline and best of luck with My Husband’s Lies out now.

Why do people write? People write for a whole manner of reasons. For some, it is a career and for others it’s a hobby. Some write because it’s simply a calling or helps them to sort out their feelings. I did this by writing letters to my mum when she was abruptly taken away from us and it was incredibly therapeutic. And some write because nothing in the world makes them happier.

Why do I? It definitely fulfils my work ethic, but it’s form of escapism too. I love to get involved with my character’s lives – I go to bed and wake up thinking about them! And it has to be said that nothing gives me a high like the high of writing. Of course there are many lows too, but fellow writers know what I mean. When you’re at the peak of the rollercoaster, even when you’re slowly chugging up, the excitement is exquisite!

What do I write about? If you’ve read Beneath the Skin you’ll know that I write about people, their characters, their lives and loves and relationships, friendships, emotions, fears. I love to dig and find out all the things they’re keeping to themselves. In other words, I like to find out and expose their secrets! You know – those things you don’t even tell your best friend…

In short, I’m a fly on the wall, even worse a voyeur.

Yup, I have a fascination with human beings. I like to get under the skin and explore whats going on in their heads – wants, desires, motivations. I love exploring people under pressure, the moral grey area and conflicts. Psychological probing and listening like a counsellor is my thing!

My Husband’s Lies revolves around Dan, Will, Nick and Jen, group of friends who were known as the A Team at school. They are all ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. Seminal events occur at Nick and Lisa’s wedding which causes their lives to dramatically change and secrets unravel. So what’s the core dilemma of My Husband’s Lies? Making choices! By the end of the story Jen, Nick, Will and Dan have to make touch choices. Though they are now in their early thirties, I see this as a coming of age drama in many ways – finally growing up.

On the afternoon of Nick and Lisa’s wedding, their close friend is found poised on a hotel window ledge, ready to jump. As the shock hits their friendship group, they soon realise that none of them are being as honest with themselves – or with each other – as they think. And there are secrets lurking that could destroy everything.

Tense, disturbing and clever, My Husband’s Lies is a breath-taking read, perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke and Erin Kelly.

Born Yorkshire lass, Caroline studied Law at the University of Manchester and stayed over the border. Caroline was a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer and instigated her jottings when she deserted the law to bring up her three lovely daughters. In addition to the publication of her short story collection, Watching Horsepats Feed the Roses by ACHUKAbooks, Caroline has had short stories and poems published in a variety of literary publications and anthologies.