Hiii and welcome back for Part 2 of today’s Blog tour. I have been joined by Trevor to learn a little more about him and his recent book.
Can you summarize this book?
Natalie is feeling unloved and alone so she takes refuge with her dear old grandma down in the sunny south of France. Having just broken up with her fiancé she’s not looking for a man, but a friendly Labrador changes her mind.
Tell us about the characters in this book?
Natalie is half English, half French and she’s been through a tough time. In the course of the book she pulls herself together and takes back control of her life. Her neighbour, Mark, is a handsome guy but he’s carrying some pretty tough emotional baggage. The true hero of the book, however, is Barney the Labrador who, apart from an eating disorder (he’ll eat anything), acts as a very effective Cupid.
Who is your favourite?
Barney, no question 🙂
Who was the easiest to write?
Barney again, but as humans go, that would have to be Mark. As a man, I find it easier to get inside a man’s had than a woman’s.
Who was the most difficult?
Natalie herself, she’s a complicated girl.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Following my editor’s advice to “get inside her head”. As I said before, you lot are definitely more complicated than us lot.
Do you have a favourite scene from this book? What is it and why?
The dinner up in the hills overlooking the sea. I know that restaurant well, and I was positively salivating as I wrote it.
Who is your favourite author? Why?
I have lots of favourites but it’s probably got to be John LeCarré. He’s amazing – and he still rites his books by hand!
Have they influenced the way you write?
I’d love to think he did, but I think I’ve learnt on the job, so to speak. Don’t forget, I’m very old and I’ve been writing for forty years!
What do you love about writing?
Absolutely anything. I’m a writeaholic and I’ve written historical novels, romances, humour, thrillers. You name it, I’ll write it.
Is there anything you hate about writing?
I’m still fairly thin-skinned, so I have to say I hate getting a bad review.
Do you have a favourite childhood/teen story/novel?
I was brought up on “Swallows and Amazons” and “The Famous Five”. I don’t think they have influenced my writing too much, though – apart, maybe for the inclusion of a dog.
About T. A. Williams
Firstly, my name isn’t T A. It’s Trevor. I write under the androgynous name T A Williams because 65% of books are read by women. In my first book, “Dirty Minds” one of the (female) characters suggests the imbalance is due to the fact that men spend too much time getting drunk and watching football. I couldn’t possibly comment. Ask my wife…
I’ve written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I’m enjoying myself hugely writing humour and romance. Romantic comedies are what we all need from time to time. Life isn’t always very fair. It isn’t always a lot of fun, but when it is, we need to embrace it. If my books can put a smile on your face and maybe give your heartstrings a tug, then I know I’ve done my job.
I‘ve lived all over Europe, but now I live in a little village in sleepy Devon, tucked away in south west England. I love the place. That’s why you’ll find leafy lanes and thatched cottages in most of my books. Oh, yes, and a black Labrador.
I’ve been writing since I was 14 and that is half a century ago. However, underneath this bald, wrinkly exterior, there beats the heart of a youngster. My wife is convinced I will never grow up. I hope she’s right.
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