It looks like a perfect Cornish autumn, with aspiring novelist Maisie Clark still finding inspiration as a maid at the historic Penmarrow Hotel. Between the staff of quirky co-workers, glamorous and unusual guests, and her growing friendship with the charming but mysterious Sidney Daniels, Maisie is living out adventures instead of just penning them in the pages of her would-be novel’s growing number of chapters.
And then there’s the slight problem of keeping the balance between friendship and ‘something more’ with Sidney, who’s helping introduce her to the village’s version of a Cornish Halloween, and has recently taken an interest in Maisie’s secret that may change things between them. But even Maisie’s imagination can’t conjure the unusual event this Halloween brings to the Penmarrow. An eccentric earl has chosen this site to host his lavish birthday celebration that includes a pretty (and perceptive) young psychic whose predictions seem to have everyone on edge — and, to Maisie’s delight, the elusive novelist Alistair Davies is rumored to be part of the guest list! But with the earl’s bickering relatives and illustrious friends on hand— and more than one ghost of the past waiting to be revealed — it’s anyone’s guess what the festivities will bring before the party is over.
Will the psychic foretell doom for the earl’s gathering—and is her ‘gift’ as genuine as it seems? Will Maisie finally meet her favorite author face to face? And, more importantly, what about the romantic sparks that fly between Maisie and Sidney?
Q&A
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– When and where do you prefer to write?
I prefer to write with my laptop because then I can sort of travel around, changing writing spots and views. Primarily, though, I work on the loveseat in my living room area, surrounded by bookshelves and usually a cat or two!
– Do you have a certain ritual?
Hmmm. Usually I will try to picture a scene playing out in my head first and will write down any snatches of dialogue or description that come to me at that point. Then, I’ll try and write the scene as a whole.
– Is there a drink of some food that keeps you company while you write?
Sometimes I’ll snack a bit on crackers or chocolate, but once I get in the groove, it’s better for me to just keep writing!
– What is your favourite book?
I don’t think I could name just one, but among my top favourites is Sense and Sensibility. I love all of Austen’s novels and revisit them often. And recently, I finally got to read her unfinished works, The Watsons and Sanditon, which was pretty lovely to do.
– Do you consider writing a different genre in the future?
I would love to try my hand at a mystery or crime novel sometime. I’ve enjoyed reading so many of them, from Agatha Christie to Henning Mankell to Ann Cleeves. It’s a fascinating genre!
– Do you sometimes base your characters on people you know?
Hardly ever!
– Do you take a notebook everywhere in order to write down ideas that pop up?
No, but I probably should. It’s amazing how many good ideas come up during long car rides!
– Which genre do you not like at all?
I’m not sure I could name one off the top of my head. I’ve enjoyed many different kinds of books, from mystery to romance to literary and science fiction. I don’t stick to just one or two genres, I just sort of float around, reading whatever strikes my fancy.
– If you had the chance to co-write a book. Whom would it be with?
Oooh, this question is so hard. I’m thinking Jasper Fforde might be fun to collaborate with, though. His Thursday Next and Nursery Crime series are just so unique and incredibly fun. I think his writing process must be very interesting!
– If you should travel to a foreign country to do research, which one would you chose and why?
I would love to go back to England because it’s just so lovely and there’s so much of it I want to see. If I was going to a country I’ve never visited before, though, I would probably choose Italy.
Thank you, Laura Briggs and Rachel’s Random Resources.
About the author
Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller ‘A Wedding in Cornwall’. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.
Social Media Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaperDollWrites
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurabriggs/
Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spirited-Cornish-Shores-Little-Cornwall-ebook/dp/B07R59BM53
US – https://www.amazon.com/Spirited-Cornish-Shores-Little-Cornwall-ebook/dp/B07R59BM53
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