Outreach by Shelly Berry - Book Tour + Giveaway
Outreach
When Emily was offered a new job in London, she was sure that her life was about to change – new friends, a career in the big city and the boyfriend she always wanted.
Her new life turns out to be more complicated than she expected. Her flat mates don’t understand her. Her colleagues mock everything about her. Even her father doesn’t support her. The only person who offers her any encouragement is David.
He’s married. He’s her manager. To Emily it’s clear that they have something special. As their relationship develops, everyone seems to want to sabotage their chances.
But some things are meant to be...
Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.com/Outreach-Shelly-Berry/dp/1912881705
Author Q&A
Author Q&A
1.
What is the first book that made you cry?
I
honestly can’t remember! The first film
that made me cry was an animation called The
Last Unicorn. At some point the
unicorn loses its powers and becomes a regular horse and I was inconsolable. ET
was a close second.
2. How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?
It took me about 60 weeks, or 14 months, to write the first draft of Outreach. I set myself a target of 1,500 words a week,
which I had to fit around other commitments including a full time job. I’d often get up early to get 30 minutes of
writing in before going to work. By the
time I had edited it too it took a lot longer!
3. How do you select the names of your characters?
I think about the character’s background and age to come up with a few
ideas about what might suit them. I have
a picture of them all in my head which I mentally draw up before I start
writing. I’m careful not to use names of
people I know well for obvious reasons, although since writing Outreach I have started working with an
Emily….
4. What creature do you consider your "spirit animal" to be?
I have a
tattoo of a dove on my back, not just because it symbolises peace, but also
because birds represent freedom to me.
I’ve been toying of having a tattoo of a fish as I love swimming and
think they symbolise strength - whatever waters they are in, they keep going.
5. What are your top 5 favorite movies?
Bridget Jones’ Diary is up there – we share the
same birthday and when I was younger I identified with her less than
sophisticated approach to dating! The English Patient is another favourite
– it is so beautifully shot, with an amazing soundtrack, and the characters are
so subtly portrayed. I love the original
Dr Zhivago for similar reasons. When I need a good laugh, Bridesmaids cracks me up – the humour is
outrageous, but it’s also honest about life as a thirtyish woman trying to find
her way in the world. Last but not least
I’d have to go with Notes on a Scandal
– beautifully dark and twisted. It
provided some useful inspiration for Outreach.
6. If you were the last person on Earth, what would you do?
I’d walk around and spend time really appreciating and absorbing the
Earth’s beauty. Then I’d create
something that would out last me so that if the planet was discovered by life
from another planet after I died – or perhaps a new species yet to evolve – they’d know a bit about our planet, and why
people no longer live here. Finally I’d
try to create a sanctuary for all non-human surviving life in a bid to help our
ecosystem rebuild itself. And I’d eat
all the chocolate – waste not, want not!
7. What fictional character would you want to be friends with in real
life?
Other than Bridget Jones, Offred from The Handmaid’s Tale. I love
her strength and passion. I read the
book years ago and of course recently watched the TV series. I can’t wait to get stuck into The Testaments.
8. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Go for it. Make time for your
writing. And, whilst courses and guides are
great, have faith in yourself and your style.
Finally – keep going! If I can do
it, so can you. Just believe in
yourself.
9. What book do you wish you had written?
The Bible. Imagine the royalties.
10. Tell us 10 fun facts about yourself! :)
I have a photo of me sat on the knee of the world’s strongest man when I
was ten.
I don’t function without coffee.
Two of my front teeth are fused together.
I’m a bit old school. I like
CD’s, notebooks, DVDs and paper diaries.
None of this digital nonsense.
I love Diet Coke, but am very particular about how I drink it. It has to be in a proper can, not a plastic
bottle, and not one of those silly small cans.
I can play the clarinet and saxophone – or at least I could when I last
got them out from their home under my bed.
I’m very clumsy.
I’m not shy when it comes to travelling on my own. If I want to go somewhere, I’ll go, even if
no-one else does.
I didn’t learn to ride a bike until I was 30.
I have a small handbag addiction.
It’s under control these days, but they’re just so easy to buy – you
don’t have to try them on or anything!
Author Bio – Shelly Berry lives in Waltham Forest, London. Having gained a BA Joint Honours Degree in Visual Art and Sociology at Keele University and a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, she has since worked in the public sector with vulnerable adults and children – including those affected by mental illness, drug and alcohol misuse, disability, criminal behaviour, homelessness and domestic and sexual abuse. During this time, Shelly developed and nurtured her love of writing. As well as writing fiction, she has previously written for a number of blogs and now writes for the Waltham Forest Echo.
Social Media Links – twitter @ShellyBerryUK
Author Photo credit Bianca Kirby.
Giveaway to Win – 5 x PB copies of Outreach (UK Only)
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