Interview with Phillipa Ashley

I am pleased to have as my guest today, author, Phillipa Ashley. Phillipa studied English Language and Literature at Oxford University before working as a freelance copywriter and journalist. She lives in an English village with her husband and daughter. You can visit her on the web at:
http://www.phillipa-ashley.com/



1-Would you tell us a little about your book Wish You Were Here and how it came to be.

The blurb says: Jack Thornfield, new CEO, is shocked to see his long lost love, Beth Allen's resume come across his desk. After 8 years apart they have a second chance at happiness in this romantic story about love and secrets.

I wanted to explore what would happen when two people who once had a short but very intense relationship, were thrown together when they were older and wiser. Would their love be rekindled despite a devastating breach of trust on the part of the hero? I also took inspiration from a wonderful vacation in Corsica-a steamy, stunning French island which was the perfect setting for a passionate romance!

2-Do you have any WIP? If so, can you tell us about them?

   Right now, I'm editing the draft of a new contemporary romance called 'Miranda's Mount'. It's about a history-loving heroine who runs an island castle in England-then its bad boy owner, a Lord, returns and wants to sell it. There's lots of sexy banter, emotion and past hurts to uncover. I've had a ball writing it and hope to finish it in a few weeks.

3-What has been the most difficult part of your writing career?

   Every day, I wish I'd started writing romantic fiction earlier in life!

4-Who has had the most influence on your writing?

   Hard to say because I believe that everything you ever do infuses your writing. But author wise, I'd say the Romantic Novelists Association has played a big part. The RNA is a wonderfully supportive group of writers, a little like the RWA. They run a New Writers Scheme which offers critiques on manuscripts for unpublished writers. They offered some great advice on an early draft of my first book which went on to win the NWS Award in 2007.

5-Who is your favorite author and why?

   In my genre, probably Jill Mansell from the UK and the US writers, Jill Shalvis, and Rachel Gibson. My all time favorite author is Jane Austin. What all these writers have in common are great characters, witty dialogue and believable relationships.

6-Do you write in a specific genre or do you write in different genres?

   My books are all sexy, funny, contemporary romance/chick lit crossovers.

7-Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, when did you become serious about it?

   Since I left university, I've worked as a copywriter and journalist. I didn't realize I wanted to write romantic fiction until 2004 when I watch a BBC mini-series called North&South. That show and its complex male hero, John Thornton, inspired me to write a contemporary romantic fanfic. I loved writing the fanfic so much that I plunged straight into Dating Mr December, my first novel.

8-Tell us something about yourself that your readers may not know.

   I've recently had my first surfing lesson- and yes, I fell off the whole time!