Spotlight on Guest Author Jo Lambert

This week I’m joined by Jo Lambert who writes for Ruby Fiction/Choc Lit. As Jo is new to my blog, I asked her some questions:-

1. Have you always written?

Yes, ever since I was a child. You can put the blame squarely on the shoulders of Enid Blyton! I absolutely devoured all the Famous Five and Secret Seven books. (Me too! Mx) From that moment I knew all I wanted to do was to create my own characters and write about their adventures.

In my teens writing got temporarily shelved. Instead it became all about music and bands. It wasn’t until my early twenties when I decided sign up for creative writing evening classes that the bug bit me once more. But life seemed to keep getting in the way when it came to my goal – setting time aside to write that all important first novel. I had to wait until 2009 before I eventually achieved my dream of getting a book published and since then I haven’t stopped writing!

2. What did it feel like when Ruby Fiction said they wanted to publish your novel?

I was on holiday in Menorca. We’d just arrived back from dinner and I opened my phone to check my messages. I simply sat there stunned. It was such amazing news. It happened the day before my birthday too so will probably stay in my memory as one of the most amazing presents I’ve ever received!

3. What was the inspiration behind your novel?

Living all my life in the West Country, when I began to write it was natural to base my books here. Having written a five book series based in Somerset, then two linked books set in South Devon, Cornwall became my next writing destination.

As for the inspiration well it tends to happens in some unexpected places. We’d been to a wedding reception in a local hotel and while we were there, I thought about all the work that went in to making this perfect day for someone. That’s where the idea of Cat’s character and job in her family’s hotel came from.

I imagined this striking building perched on the cliffs overlooking a fishing village. I was looking for something elegant, totally at odds with its surroundings. And found it in Richmond of all places. My first view of the Petersham Hotel told me I’d found Tarwin House, albeit a few miles inland! Once I had my setting and the main characters the rest just fell into place.

4. If you had to cast a film of your novel, who would play the lead parts?

This is always a difficult one. What I tend to do now is to set up a Pinterest board. There I post pictures of clothes, music tracks relevant to the story and, of course, locations and cast.

Cat? Definitely Stefani Martini. Luke took a little more time but, I eventually settled on actor Ben Barnes.

Actress Stefanie Martini photographed in London 2017 – By Will Bremridge

5. Where is your favourite place to write?

I have an office in the house where I can isolate myself and concentrate on writing. When I first began I could settle down anywhere. In those days I wrote longhand and transferred my written notes onto the computer. These days I prefer to sit in front of my PC and type directly onto the screen. I would love a writing cave in the garden, but that’s still very much on my wish list at the moment!

6. What can we look forward to from you next?

I’m currently working on another Cornish coastal romance. This time I’ve moved to the south coast. The fictitious town in the story is loosely based on Fowey with its two separate communities – Fowey and Polruan – on either side of the estuary. It’s one of my favourite Cornish holiday destinations so writing with it as a backdrop (under a fictitious name) has really enabled me to bring the story to life in my mind. Again it’s a modern saga. Not giving anything away at the moment. However I can guarantee there will definitely be drama…and lots of it.

About A Cornish Affair

Even in your hometown, you can feel like an outsider …

In the close-knit community of Carrenporth in Cornwall everyone knows everyone else’s business. Luke Carrack is only too aware of this. He’s been away for two years but nothing has changed – from the town gossips who can’t see past the scandal of his childhood, to the cold way he is treated by some of his so-called family.

The only person who seems to understand is local hotelier’s daughter Cat Trevelyan, although even Luke’s new friendship with her could set tongues wagging.

But Carrenporth is about to experience far bigger scandals than the return of Luke Carrack – and the secrets unearthed in the process will shake the sleepy seaside town to its core …

Buying links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cornish-Affair-Jo-Lambert-ebook/dp/B07S4M3JNC

US – https://www.amazon.com/Cornish-Affair-Jo-Lambert-ebook/dp/B07S4M3JNC

About Jo Lambert

Jo Lambert lives on the eastern edge of Bath. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Society of Authors.  She has been writing since 2008. Her first five books, a set of linked romantic sagas following the lives of several families in West Somerset, was followed in 2015 by Summer Moved On, a contemporary romance set in South Devon. A sequel, Watercolours in the Rain followed in 2017.

In June 2018 Jo signed to Ruby Fiction/Choc Lit and her debut A Cornish Affair, set in North Cornwall, has just been published. Jo is currently working on another coastal romance, this time set in South Cornwall.

When she isn’t writing she reads and reviews. She also has an active blog. Jo loves travel, red wine and rock music and she often takes the odd photograph or two.

Social Media Links –

Website: http://jolambertbooks.com

Blog: http://jolambertwriter.blog

Twitter: @jolambertwriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jolambert185

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jo-lambert-6 4644530

Instagram: jolambertwriter185

Thank you for joining me, Jo. Great to learn more about you 😄

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Thank you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Girl on the Beach published by Choc Lit is available as a paperback and from all eBook platforms – Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Google Play.

The Truth Lies Buried is available now from all eBook platforms – Choc Lit, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Apple iBooks. It is also available as a paperback and audiobook.

Christmas at Borteen Bay is available now as both an eBook and audio download – Amazon Kindle, Audio, Apple iBooks, Kobo and Choc Lit for other buying options.