Friday in Focus with K L Slater

Happy Friday everyone! As part of my Bookouture Month I am joined today by Kim Slater to get to know her a little better….

I also write award-winning YA fiction under the name Kim Slater.

Can you tell us about your new book?

I’m so excited about my debut psychological thriller for Bookouture. It’s called ‘Safe with Me’. It started out as the dissertation for my degree, although it had a different title then and the storyline has changed quite a bit. But the main character’s voice, Anna, was strong and compelling and that remains exactly the same in the book today. I only wrote a few chapters for my dissertation and then I put it aside to carry on my studies. But Anna and her chilling story never left me. I felt like she demanded the book be written and as readers will discover; once Anna wants something, she simply won’t take no for an answer . . .

I’m proud that ‘Safe with Me’ has been described as ‘a remarkable psychological thriller, with the ultimate unreliable narrator that will keep you guessing right until the very end.’

What is your favourite place to write?

In bed where I have a beautiful view of the River Trent. Unfortunately, I can’t work there too long as I get tension knots in my neck and shoulders. So, after an hour or so, it’s off to my cosy little writing room.

Where do you get your character inspiration from?

I get my inspiration for both characters and storylines from everyday life. I like listening to people chatting in shops, restaurants, on trains. I wouldn’t say I eavesdrop on people’s conversations but sometimes . . . well, you just can’t help overhearing, can you?!

What are your three desert island books?

‘Where I’m Calling From: Selected Stories’ by Raymond Carver. In my opinion, he is the best short story writer ever.

‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck. An unbeatable classic that never gets old, I just love George and Lennie’s relationship.

‘On Writing’ by Stephen King. Both inspirational and endlessly useful to writers.

What is your favourite place to read?

Definitely in bed but anywhere I’m comfy and warm really. I do prefer to both read and write in silence if possible though. Sssh!

What is your favourite book and why?

I read so many books and enjoy so many genres, it is truly impossible to choose. So I’m going to go for a book which I loved as a child: ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ by CS Lewis. I can still remember the thrill of reading it and wondering if we too, might have a wardrobe in our house that led to a magical land. (We didn’t, sadly.)

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I am a massive reader, I enjoy watching films (particularly independents and international films), going on holiday, eating out and spending time with my husband, daughter and family.

Chocolate or sweets?

Chocolate. But only a few squares as I find it sickly.

Is there a book you wished you wrote?

‘No Country for Old Men’ by Cormac McCarthy. I love his spare writing style. He has this amazing ability to tell the reader so much, in so few words.

You have a free flight and accommodation to anywhere in the world where would you go?

The island of Moofushi in the Maldives. We went there on our honeymoon last year and it was like being in paradise.

What is your favourite season?

Winter. This sounds daft because I don’t like snow! But I like being cosy when it’s cold outside, I like lamps and candles and closing the curtains. Telly is better in winter and I love Christmas.

Where can we find you?

Twitter:           @KimLSlater

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/KimLSlaterAuthor/