I prefer to work from a 3-5-page outline, as I quite often find my thoughts and my characters take me off in a totally different direction.

Victoria Howard – 14 December 2017

The Back Flap

Heartbroken Anna MacDonald leaves Edinburgh to find peace at the edge of a Scottish loch. Safely ensconced in her late grandmother’s cottage, she can finally heal her heart and write the novel that has burned inside her for years.

Her peace is short-lived. When debonair artist Luke Tallantyre’s yacht gets stranded in the loch, he seeks help at the nearest residence – Anna’s croft. She finds him annoying. He instantly dislikes the stunning but cranky hermit.

But there’s indisputable evidence that a hit man is on the prowl in the village. Is he after Anna or Luke? And what is Luke keeping from her that could deepen the danger? Against their wills, they join forces and embark on an adventure neither ever imagined…including a chance at true love.

About the book

What is the book about?

The House on the Shore is the story of heartbroken Anna MacDonald, who leaves Edinburgh to find peace at the edge of a Scottish loch. Safely ensconced in her late grandmother’s cottage, she can finally heal her heart and write the novel that has burned inside her for years.

Her peace is short-lived. When debonair artist Luke Tallantyre’s yacht gets stranded in the loch, he seeks help at the nearest residence – Anna’s croft. She finds him annoying. He instantly dislikes the stunning but cranky hermit.

But there’s indisputable evidence that a hit man is on the prowl in the village. Is he after Anna? And what is Luke keeping from her that could deepen the danger? Against their wills, they join forces and embark on an adventure neither ever imagined…including a chance at true love.

When did you start writing the book?

The House on the Shore was originally published in America in 2009, and re-released in 2013.

How long did it take you to write it?

The 90,000-word manuscript took approximately nine months to complete.  As I was living in Scotland at the time and working as an administrator for the owner of two estates, I had first hand knowledge of some of the information needed for the plot.

Where did you get the idea from?

The plot for The House on the Shore came from personal experience and knowledge. I was living in Scotland at the time and knew I wanted to set a book there, but didn’t feel that setting a book on an estate had sufficient depth for a good plot, so I started to explore other possibilities. I came up with the idea of using the knowledge gained from my husband who worked in the UK Offshore Oil Industry and combining it with my knowledge of running an estate.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Finding time to put words on paper!  Not only did I work for a local estate, but I also managed my husband’s business, so time was often at a premium.

What came easily?

As I had lived in Scotland for twenty years, I had a good knowledge of the people, the history, and the landscape all of which feature in the novel.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

They are mainly fictitious.  It’s very easy for a writer to base a character on someone they know, but to do so can also be fraught with difficulty, especially if the person involved recognises himself or herself.  You can change physical characteristics such as hair and eye colour, but emotional behaviour is often more revealing.  Besides, I have no wish to be sued for libel or slander!

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Before I started writing romantic suspense novels, I was an avid reader of Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt, Alexandra Raife, and Valerie Fitzgerald, as well as the Bronte and Austen classics. Now, I try not to read while I’m working on a manuscript as it is very easy for a writer to lose their ‘voice’ and be influenced by other’s work.

Do you have a target reader?

Anyone who reads romantic suspense novels.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

On an ideal day, I’ll settle down in my office by mid-morning.  My first task is to see if any emails have arrived with requests for talks or interviews.  I will answer these first, then I like to read over the previous day’s work, making any changes I think necessary, and any notes I may have made about what should happen next.  Then it’s down to the hard work of writing.  I’ll break for lunch, and then again to cook and eat dinner.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I am not a plotter per se, like some of my author colleagues.  I find it far too restrictive.  I prefer to work from a 3-5-page outline, as I quite often find my thoughts and my characters take me off in a totally different direction.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I always read the previous day’s work before starting.  I find it helps keep the story to the forefront of my mind.  I’m a strong believer that the first draft is just that and should never be submitted to a publisher.  My manuscripts go through three or more versions before I’m finally satisfied and feel confident in submitting them either to a publisher or agent.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No, I prefer to write in silence so that I can give fully concentrate on the manuscript.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, I’ve submitted to both agents and to publishers who were accepting submissions

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Originally my books were traditionally published, but my rights were returned to me in 2012, early 2013, at which point I decided to self-publish the existing titles.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

My book covers and all my promotional material have been professionally designed.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I advertise whenever possible, both on dedicated sites and on social media.  I also give talks regularly to such groups as the Women’s Institute, the University of the 3rd Age, Schools, and local business groups, as well as attending multi-author signing events.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Remember, a first draft is just that.  It is not ready for publication.

Do have your work professionally edited both for content, and grammar and punctuation.

And finally, do use a professional graphic designer for your cover.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Liverpool, England.

Where do you live now?

South Yorkshire, England

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on two manuscripts; one set in Scotland and one set here in Yorkshire.

End of Interview:

For more from Victoria, visit her website, like her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.

Get your copy of The House on the Shore from Amazon US or Amazon UK.