Hayley J Sims interviews author Rosie Goodwin

1. You’ve written over 30 books. What’s the best thing about being an author? 

Seeing as I love writing I enjoy everything about being an author. It’s nice to be able to work hours to please myself although once I really get into a book and the characters start to come to life

I tend to spend more and more time in my office. The characters become very real to me so it’s sad when the book is finished and I have to move on. Only until another idea pops into my head though and then I’m off again!

Being an author can be quite a solitary existence; most of the time is spent locked away in my office with my imaginary characters so I also love meeting my readers at books signings and events.

2. How would you describe your work to new readers? 

I am a saga author which means you can throw a bit of everything into the story – murder – abuse, anything really and I do love a few twists and turns to keep my lovely readers guessing. I also like to write about ‘real’ people. People you might pass in the street, none of them are perfect.

3. You’ve previously in foster caring & social services. What’s it like to now be a full time author? 

Even when I was working for social services I still found time to write. It’s something I’ve always done but back then it was a hobby.

My children and foster children were raised on stories I would write for them. Even after becoming published, although I gave up my job as a placement support worker  I continued to foster until two years ago when I decided it was time to concentrate full time on my writing career.  I do still see and keep in touch with many of the children I cared for but I’m now thoroughly enjoying being able to concentrate solely on my writing.

4. How has this previous career informed your writing?

There are so many highlights! The first of course was seeing my very first book in print. I’d also have to say it was when I was commissioned to follow three of Catherine Cookson’s trilogies with my own sequels. It was a huge honour as no one else had ever been allowed to do that and I hope I did her work justice. She was my hero! One of my deepest regrets is that I never got to meet her.

Click below for details of her event and others at the festival.

Published: 20-Oct-2017: (4566)