Hooked on Books Promotions: Claddagh Author Interview With Laura Barnard

Welcome Laura Barnard and thank you for taking the time to do our questionnaire.

Book questions

Tell us your latest news?

I've actually started to write a young adult comedy book. Same style as my books but around teenagers. I don't think there are many funny young adult books so fingers crossed that will go well.

What book are you reading now?

One Hot Summer by Kitty French - I bloody love her so much. Best chick lit around and before that I read her saucy Knight and Play by her other author name Kitty French and ooh, she's a dirty bitch!

Your books are so emotional. How long does it take for you to be able to get the characters out of your mind and move on to the next?

To be honest by the time I release a book I'm ready to let it go. By that point I've re-read it a hundred times and am so nervous with how it will be received so I'm eager to distract myself with different characters.

Are the names of the characters in your novels important?

I love naming my characters. I've only got the one daughter so for my main characters I get to use names left over from my list. The old lady Betty in Tequila & Tea Bags is named after my daughter and we've just bought a puppy who we've called Sadie after the main character in Dopey Women. I find men's names a lot harder as you don't want a name thats going around in lots of books at the same time. They seem to trend. I like to stick to traditional English names for the boys.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Forcing myself out of the house to have fun! I'm a real workaholic and a hermet so I need to force myself to be sociable sometimes.

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

I don't listen to negative stuff. I put too much pressure on myself as it is. I like to concentrate on the positives.

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

I try to laugh about it. I do listen if its constructive but I have more people that love them than hate them so I must be doing something right.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

I always find the middle part the hardest - trying to make sense of what I've written!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learnt that with enough determination I can get anything finished! I'm still learning with every book I publish and don't ever want to stop.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I just mainly want them to have fun reading it. Life is already so hard, I want to create a place to escape.

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

I think I make myself any character I'm reading. I get so fully emerged into it.

Describe in 5 words, your writing:

Funny, silly, romantic, dramatic, heart-warming

What do you use to write your book?

Mostly my laptop but I do a lot of pen and paper work too. Sometimes things look clearer when in a notepad.

Do you listen to music while you write or read?

Yep. I love listening to Kiss radio and adore Kisstory (an hour dedicated to old school garage and anthems).

If you could write with any other author(s) who would it be and why?

I honestly don't know if I'd ever be able to give over control to anyone! And even then there are too many to just pick one.

NON- BOOK QUESTIONS

When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a journalist, but that quickly changed to an author when I found out about all of the travelling with being a journalist. I much preferred the idea of being able to write a book in my pyjamas.

Did/Do you have a nickname?

Lau / Lightweight Laura / Mrs B / Mumma B

What are your pet peeves?

People that eat peanuts and tuna - their breath makes me want to vomit.

What is your favourite coffee shop drink?

A plain old boring tea. I'm a teaaholic

What's your favourite tv show?

The Walking Dead. Me and the hubster are SO into it.

What is your favourite kind of cookie?

Chocolate chip

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?

Sun screen

IPad with unlimited charge

Wifi

Where would you go if you had a time machine?

Back to the fifties. I love the outfits back then and would love to attend a dance like in the film Grease.

Which is your favorite quote?

Share what you love, ignore what you hate

If you were an ice cream what flavor would you be?

I'd probably be that ice cream you get from the supermarket with vanilla, strawberry and chocolate all in one pot. I'm a bit of everything really!

What song best describes you?

I've had the time of my life from Dirty Dancing. I love the film and I ALWAYS have a good time!

THIS OR THAT

Pepsi or Coke

NEITHER

Michael Fassbender or Colin Farrell

COLIN FARRELL

Cows or Sheep

SHEEP

Castle or Town house

TOWN HOUSE

City or Country

COUNTRY

Lover or Fighter

LOVER

Pop or Rock Music

POP

80’s or 90’s

90'S

Singing or dancing

DANCING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR & LINKS

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Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or 'chick lit' as its so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio.

She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She's a real fan of the power nap and of course READING!

She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!

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