Phillipa Ashley

Phillipa’s first novel, Decent Exposure, won the RNA New Writers Award. Her other novels include, It Should Have Been Me, Just Say Yes and Wish You Were Here. Her latest novel, Fever Cure is about to be released.

What was your route to publication?

A short one! I was inspired to start writing fiction by a TV costume drama called North & South in 2004. I wrote a modern fanfic version and plunged straight into my first novel Decent Exposure which was published by Little Black Dress in 2006.

Your first novel won the RNA New Writers award – what made you choose the RNA and how valuable was the experience?

I was advised to join the RNA by just about every romantic fiction writer I met online. My critique from the New Writers Scheme was very insightful and the support I received ever since from many RNA members has been invaluable.

Your latest release – Fever Cure, will be available worldwide this summer. Can you tell us about it?

I’m very excited because although the e book is already available, the paperback version is rather gorgeous. It’s a bit different to my other books as it’s definitely classic romance rather than chick lit, and is also pretty steamy. I hope it will still make readers laugh and cry though. I got the idea a squillion years ago when I was a young student. One day, a guy was sitting opposite me in the library and a friend whispered to me that he was an ‘honourable’ as well as studying to be a doctor. I was intrigued and when I started writing romance, I knew I had to create a story around such a character. Here’s the blurb:

The road to heartbreak is paved with honourable intentions…

After a year dealing with her mum’s health scare and the end of a bad relationship, Keira Grayson was looking forward to kicking up her heels at her best friend’s wedding. Until she kicks off her (spare) knickers in front of the trifecta of perfection. Tom Carew. Son of an earl, honourable doctor and possibly the hottest man on the planet.

One look at Keira’s delightful embarrassment, and Tom’s hormone meter spins off the charts. Trouble is, his bags are already packed to return to the jungles of Papua New Guinea. He has patients waiting—and amends to make for a terrible choice that left devastation in its wake.

They both reason that indulging in a one-time dinner date won’t hurt…until their inhibitions melt away in the heat of their lethal sexual chemistry. Leaving Keira wondering if a sizzling fling is just what the doctor ordered, or another prescription for relationship disaster. And Tom fighting a battle against inner demons that could shatter both their hearts.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Everywhere and everyone but impetus for a new book usually strikes out of the blue when I’m relaxing.

Describe your typical writing day.

I can’t because there isn’t one. It depends on whether I’m writing, editing or promoting a book and I also have to work around a freelance day job writing copy.

Do you do any kind of planning before beginning a new book?

I often just plough straight in and write a few chapters before I stop to plan.

Is there another author you admire?

Many. I love Jane Austen and enjoy contemporary romance authors including Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell, Nell Dixon and Christina Jones. I also love Bill Bryson’s work.

Which book(s) are currently on your nightstand?

Several books on camping, wild swimming and the British seaside plus Rosy Thornton’s new literary novel, Ninepins and a well thumbed copy of Is Heathcliff a Murderer?  which is a book of literary puzzles by John Sutherland. My recent Kindle romance downloads include 50 Shades of Grey by EL James, A Bright Particular Star by Elizabeth Hanbury and Crazy on You by Rachel Gibson.

What three things would you want to have with you if stranded on a desert island?

The complete works of Jane Austen, an iPod with 10,000 songs and access to Sky Sports.

Is there a character from fiction you’d like to meet?

Mr Darcy of course!

Which one of your characters is your favourite?

Very tricky… I’d love to go to a dinner party with all my heroes and heroines and it would be perfect it were held at the huge mansion owned by Tom Carew’s brother from Fever Cure.  I’d sit back and sip my port and watch all those characters interact.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

I’m just about to get my final copy edits for my new full-length romantic novel Miranda’s Mount which is published by the new Piatkus Entice imprint on October 1st. I’m also working on my second novel for Piatkus.

For more information on Phillipa and her books, click here.

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by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.