On the Edge
by Claire Gillies
GENRE: Women's Fiction, Romance
BLURB:
Catherine MacGregor spends life daydreaming her way out of the perils of a dead-end job, and a dwindling love-life. Rather than face imminent redundancy, Cat finds herself giving up her life in the city, and moving to a remote Scottish island for a fresh start.
Unlocking
her passion for art, things have never looked better, until the
handsome but elusive musician Patrick Flannagan takes to the stage,
complicating her best-laid plans.
Cat’s
past could be catching up with her at last. Can she unlock her own
secrets, and learn to love again, in time to save her brave new
beginnings?
Excerpt:
Before Cat could grasp her drink, she was approached by a younger man who looked a little nervous.
“Would you like to dance?” With his open, earnest baby-face, Cat put him at about eighteen, and was flattered.
“Yes, why not!” She fanned her face, trying to recover from the previous dance, ready to launch into another. This one was different, still with a deal of twirling, but with variations involving kicks and a burst of graceful hopping. Cat laughed as she missed a few steps, trying to keep up both with the music and her partner. She loved the movement and the strength of the steps; they made her feel so alive, like her stint swimming in the sea earlier that month. Her partner spun her around one last time, and the music stopped suddenly, and everyone clapped again. The fiddler started playing on his own, a much slower waltz to which Cat was about to start gliding with her partner, until a cough came from behind them.
“May I interrupt?” Patrick smiled, and looked down at them both.
“We’re just about to dance!” the boy said “Go find your own partner Paddy!”
“Come on now, Archie!” laughed Patrick, “you know I’m only good at the slow dances and there’s lots of girls lined up by the wall over there just waiting for you to ask them!”
The boy looked at Cat, then at Patrick, considering his prospects for a few moments. “OK then,” he finished reluctantly, handing his partner over without any more complaint, heading quickly in the direction of the waiting girls.
Interview with Claire Gillies
What made you want to become a writer?
I've always been creative in some way. And when I was in an office job without any creative outlet, I started to daydream a lot! A girl at my work also shared an interest in storytelling and somehow, we exchanged emails. During work hours we came up with a children's story, each one of us taking turns to write a paragraph towards the story (on company time, very naughty!). After that I started dabbling on my own at nights and weekends, writing this book as it happens. It took a few years, but here it is!
What inspired you to write On The Edge?
I was at a crossroads in my own life. I was in a job that was not fulfilling and it pushed me to reflect on what I wanted to do with my life. Writing gradually happened, and was so enjoyable I thought it might be a bit of fun to try writing a book in my spare time. Little did I know the work involved n writing a novel!
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in On The Edge?
The story centres around Cat MacGregor, she leaves her city life and impulsively moves to the Orkney Isles. Cat is a bit uncertain of herself after spending years in a loveless relationship and a job she hates. When she arrives on the island, she is like a fish out of water, but gradually with time starts her creative journey and opens herself up. A big part of her reawakening is Jess. Jess is her first friend on the island and an art gallery owner. She is fun, generous and brings Cat out of her shell. And then we meet Patrick who is a delicious Irish musician living on the island. He is a cheeky, playful guy whom Cat falls for, before the many obstacles come between them!
You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?
This is a difficult one. I'm going to be cheeky and name two authors who are inspiring but I love how different they are to one another. Neil Gaiman's writing is truly incredible, his imagery is powerful. My favourite book is "Ocean at the end of the lane" - it's beautiful, it makes me emotional thinking of it.
Another is Philippa Gregory - I devour her books. I feel her writing is effortless and easily become absorbed in her characters. I love learning aspects of history through her work too, I find all her books fascinating. My favourite is "The White Queen"
Can you tell us a little bit about your next books or what you have planned for the future?
I am currently editing my second book about a successful thirty-something woman working in fashion, who goes home for her sister's spontaneous wedding. There she encounters her first love from high school and the life she could have had. I'm hoping to release this novel at the end of 2021. I am also in the beginning stages of writing my third book; two sisters, who are thrown together to fulfil their mother's dying wish - to scatter her ashes in Scotland.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The setting of this novel is on the Orkney Isles, and for a time I lived there. So when I read it now I see all the beauty of island life, and I loved incorporating that into the story. Some experiences I had on Orkney I included in the novel (like when Cat works behind the bar and a brawl happens!). It's a very much a magical spot that I hope readers will be transported to.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Born and raised in the Highlands of Scotland, Claire’s homeland continues to be a stream of inspiration for her. A clothing designer too, Claire (Lorna) creates one-off bespoke garments using Scottish tweeds and tartans.
Claire currently splits her time between Scotland and Australia with her lovely Irish husband. She is a cat lover (without the cat) and can be found either drinking coffee, researching the best cake haunts, or watching yet another costume drama!
Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
The book is on sale for only $0.99.
2 comments:
Thanks for hosting!
Sounds like a good book.
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