It’s about a woman’s self-discovery, a quest that is triggered by the failure of her marriage.
Nathalie Guilbeault – 28 July 2022
The Back Flap
With her marriage failing, Isabelle is quickly seduced and hypnotized by Patrick, a Nicaraguan man she meets online, but gradually begins to understand something about him is amiss. Silencing her own intuition, Isabelle falls into the arms of hope; a hope she keeps weaving into a new reality, putting her life and that of her daughter’s at risk. In this romantic thriller, where sex is used both as a weapon and a cure, Isabelle exposes with great lucidity, the dangers of becoming entangled with a person whose character is poisoned. Set primarily in New England, this is the story of a woman’s struggle to seek stability where none can be found. It is the story of a woman’s desperate need to surrender and escape, whatever the price.
About the book
What is the book about?
It’s a sexual thriller, erotic for some. It’s about a woman’s self-discovery, a quest that is triggered by the failure of her marriage. Through a liaison with a dangerous man–a psychopath, the main character will discover her limits recklessly until she finds them again.
How long did it take you to write it?
Around 18 months…
Where did you get the idea from?
My life then. As well, having the chance to observe a psychopath’s behavior at close range got me going.
When did you start writing the book?
I started to write the book at the beginning of 2016. This is the book’s second edition.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The parts that dealt with betrayal were difficult to write.
What came easily?
Writing about the characters’ emotional states.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Well, it’s based on a true story.
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?
The first edition was influenced by no one I am aware of. For the second edition, I could say that parts of it were influenced by Christian’s Fennell’s rhythm and pacing.
Do you have a target reader?
Mature women, whatever the age…
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it? I’m quite all over the place.
The level of energy I have will dictate when I write, whatever the time of day it is.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I haven’t for Inhaled. This book felt like stream of consciousness with an inbred structure. The book I am working on at the moment has a flexible outline. Let’s just say that all is malleable and very organic. It works for me. Let’s see what my editor will say!
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I’m always doing something with the book. If I am not in the headspace to write then I may decide to get busy on the editing. This is never lost time…isn’t it?
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Absolutely. Emotions and words get my fingers tapping. I listened to a lot of Archive while writing Inhaled.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I came across a small house that liked my first edition and offered to reedit and republish.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself? Professionally done. You don’t want me to design anything.
My ‘inspired’ cappuccino designs—cinnamon or chocolate— atop any foam, will ruin your coffee moments. Yes, they will.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Plan.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Believe in yourself, in the process. Do not give up.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Montreal and James Bay, Northern Quebec.
Where do you live now?
Montreal. But will soon be moving to North Hatley, in Quebec’s eastern townships. I’m a city girl but will try the country for one year—many writing projects in mind.
What would you like readers to know about you?
It’s all there in the books… But there is this thing: I solve plot problems in the bathtub—I think I do…
What are you working on now?
A book inspired by Inhaled. A kind of sequel to Inhaled: Mad Honey. Set in Spain, Managua and the United States, over 100 years, the book follows the genealogy of dysfunction within one family, the Rodriguez family. Religion and revenge are themes around which the book revolves much. It will be out January 2023.
End of Interview:
For more from Nathalie Guilbeault visit her website and follow her on Instagram.