B. A. Paris grew up in England and lived in France for most of her adult life before returning to the UK. She has previously worked as a trader with an international bank and a language school teacher. Her bestselling novels, which include Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown, have sold in 37 territories around the world.
Paris’ latest book, The Dilemma, is published by HQ, HarperCollins and is available to reserve from the library, or to buy as a paperback, eBook or audiobook.
1. Who were your literary heroes and influences growing up?
In order of my age – Enid Blyton, C. S. Lewis and Agatha Christie.
2. Your new book The Dilemma is out this month. Can you give us a flavour of what to expect?
It’s a family drama centred around secrets and lies and asks the question – ‘How far would you go to give someone you love a last few hours of happiness?’
3. Your books tend to be an emotional rollercoaster ride for the reader. Do you plot them in advance or allow them to unfold?
I’m not a plotter. I know the beginning and the end that I want to get to. The part in-between remains a mystery until I start writing.
4. How much research do you do for your books?
It depends on the book and what I need to know. Sometimes the only thing I need is my imagination. But if I do need to do some research, the internet makes everything easy.
5. What is your writing routine?
I love to start writing as soon as I wake up and will begin by editing what I wrote the day before. In an ideal world, I’d write all day, every day. I don’t even like stopping to eat!
6. Can you tell us anything about your latest project?
I’ve just finished a first draft of Book Five. It’s a psychological thriller set around a murder that happened some years before.
7. What was the last book you read that you would pass on as a recommendation?
Mr Nobody, by Catherine Steadman. It’s a dark and twisty psychological thriller and so well-written that it’s a delight to read.
8. Do you have a message for your Suffolk library readers?
I’m grateful to everyone who reads my books – thank you so much! - and borrowing them from libraries is the best way to keep one of our great institutions alive. I have so many happy memories of the travelling library that used to park near our house when I was young.
9. Can you share one thing about yourself that your readers may not know?
I started writing when I was fifty years old and it look me another seven to get published. If you really want to do something, it’s never too late.