Recently, I listened to Jill Barry, a local Welsh author, chat with Roy Noble on BBC Radio Wales. Captivated by Jill’s life story, I could not resist inviting this bestselling author to my blog for a chat. She is a talented, multi-genre author who has helped many aspiring writers to realise their dreams. As a former Butlin’s Red Coat, hotel receptionist and air hostess, Jill has collected characters and stories. She writes pocket novels for D C Thomson so you have probably seen her name on the newsstands. The House Sitter, published by Headline Accent, is Jill’s first novel in a different genre.
Jessie: Jill, you have topped many kindle charts with your romance and historical romance novels, but The House Sitter is very different. Is there any romance in your latest novel?
Jill: The House Sitter is a psychological suspense but does have a frisson of romance. I had lots of fun plotting the twists and turns. The central character is quite nasty, and she surprised and intrigued me.
Jessie: Tell me why I should keep your novel in my handbag.
Jill: I am not sure you will be able to keep The House Sitter in your handbag for very long, Jessie. You will be keen to reach the end.
Jessie: Choosing novels is one of the greatest pleasures in life. I always feel as if I am waiting to drop myself into another world. I admit I do feel a little scared of The House Sitter as the title is so evocative. Read the blurb of The House Sitter and give me a glimpse of the novel.
Jill: The year is turning, and in The Sugar House, deep in rural mid-Wales, change is also afoot. When retired couple, Eddie and Suzanne Deacon plan a return to England, they’ve either forgotten an important promise made to a longstanding friend or had no intention of keeping it.
Jessie: Wow! The House Sitter is steeped in mystery. You have me hooked. Can I trouble you for an extract, please?
Jill: Of course, Jessie. I am always delighted to introduce my books to new readers with large handbags.
“Do you mean now?” Ruth eyed the slice of mountain range visible through her window, its distant peaks veiled in misty cobwebs.
“The sooner the better, to be honest. We have some important news, though I’m afraid it’ll come as a shock.”
Jessie: Oh, my goodness, I am on the edge of my seat now. What have your readers said about The House Sitter?
Jill: My pleasure! I have been very pleased with the reviews.
‘Spine-chilling with an undercurrent of mystery and deceit.’
‘An impeccably plotted tense tale, The House Sitter explores what lengths people go to in desperation. Deceitful and dark, it’s a great novel to curl up with on these toe-nipping winter evenings. Just be sure to lock your door…’
‘What Barry does best is to allow the reader to laugh at the ridiculous in her characters as well as to make them care, even perhaps slightly for the unbalanced Ruth, who appears lonely and vulnerable beneath her confident façade.’
Jessie: How did you feel when you had finished writing your book, and did you miss any of the characters?
Jill: I was sorry to leave Ray and Bethan’s story unfinished as I found their unspoken attraction for one another intriguing. My book group read the novel and all wanted to learn the result of that pent-up longing! So, a sequel could be on the cards…
Jessie: Did any of your characters misbehave when you were writing the book?
Jill: The plot revolves around house-sitter Ruth’s horrendous behaviour and sometimes I felt surprised when up popped another malicious prank.
Jessie: Who would you like to read your book and why? Jill: I’m a great admirer of author Harriet Meg Evans and have been in touch with her via social media. Harriet very kindly asked when my novel was due out and it would be amazing if she decided to read The House Sitter.
Of course, I do expect to tempt my usual readers with something a little different. I am going to be bold and say most readers love to indulge in mystery and suspense.
Jessie: You have every right to be bold, and you have certainly tempted me to purchase a copy of this book. I am so impressed with the way you have explored a new genre.
Jill: It is wonderful of you to say so, Jessie. Maybe The House Sitter could inspire authors who long to write outside their usual genre into challenging themselves by writing something different.
Jessie: Writing stories seems to be in your heart and soul. I imagine your notebook is a trusty companion. Please, do tell me the last sentence in your notebook.
Jill: Tabitha disguises herself as a boy, deeming it safer than remaining in female guise.
Jessie: You certainly have an eye for a great story. Once again, I am hooked. I don’t know where you get all your ideas from. You must be constantly writing. What is the greatest challenge for you as an author?
Jill: For me, it’s concentration. Yes, even though I enjoy writing! There are so many distractions and social media, whilst valuable, is a hard taskmaster. I know many other authors feel the same.
Jessie: What is the best advice that you have received as a writer?
Jill: The best advice I’ve ever received as a writer came from my former tutor, Menna Elfyn. Her wise words were: ‘No piece of writing is ever wasted’.
Jessie: This really helps me as a fledgling author. I will save those deleted scenes use for a rainy writing day. Perfect! Before you go please tell us one secret about yourself that may surprise us.
Jill: Long before I thought of writing outside the romance genre, I volunteered as a role player for trainee police officers. So, I’ve experienced being handcuffed, have been locked in a cell, also sampled a cup of police canteen tea!
About Jill Barry:
Jobs like hotel receptionist and cabin crew provide magic moments and help inspire my writing. Since settling back in Wales, I’ve joined writers’ groups, gained my MA degree, also tutored and mentored. I hope to continue entertaining my readers and to walk, read and bake, plus keep up with my wonderful friends.
Contact Details
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillBarryBooks/
Twitter: @barry_jill
Website: www.jillbarry.com
Link to The House Sitter
Please all my guests’ posts at Mail from the Creative Community and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.
A copy of my novel is available here.
Thank you Jessie and Jill. The House Sitter does sound intriguing!
I agree with you, Brigid. Many thanks for dropping by.
I hope you’re tempted to step inside The Sugar House, Brigid. Thank you so much for commenting. Jessie does such a great job here.
It sounds tempting. Yes, Jessie is an inspiration.
Oooh.. I want to try The House Sitter…can I be brave enough? Good writing thoughts-I appreciate that. All the best to Jill Barry. Thanks, Jessie
I know you are brave enough. You are a superhero reader.
There are many lighter moments too, Jena! I hope you’ll try and enjoy. Thanks so much for your good wishes.
Thanks for another very inspiring article – I am going to buy this – so job well done. I love psychological suspense but could never write in that genre – which is probably why I can relax into them (sort of – except when I’m on the edge of my seat…) because, as a writer, I am not subconsciously analysing how or why the book was written. I love that photo of the cottage and church in the snow. Great prompt – I can quite understand how Jill visualised a story from that.
I hope you enjoy the book. I know exactly what you mean about the photo. Jill is an experienced storyteller so I also look forward to her novel.
I hope you enjoy my novel, Angela. There was definitely a special atmosphere about the village where I once lived though it certainly wouldn’t suit everyone! Thank you so much for commenting.
Yes, Jessie’s such a star! It was a challenge, Angela, changing genre after years of writing romance, but I enjoyed my visit to the dark side and hope others will too. Thank you for your lovely comment.