Wednesday 19 March 2014

Sitting Round My Pool is Joanna Lambert


Sitting round my pool today is top selling author, Joanna Lambert. This week is a very special week for Joanna on two counts; one her latest book, The Other Side of Morning is released and secondly it is her first book published by Thornberry Publishing.

Jo, I know you only drink Prosecco, so I've brought in a case especially for you to enjoy whilst you are here. Please help yourself and as you can see there is plenty for your friends too. Whilst you relax I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions.
Thank you Pauline, I feel very spoilt here today, relaxing by the pool with a glass of sparkling wine.  A perfect setting for answering questions, so fire away!

Before we learn about your latest book, can you tell us about your publishing contract, how it came about and what it means to you?

It all came about when Kit Domino, who is also published by ThornBerry Publishing and who edited my previous novel, suggested that TBP might be interested in taking on The Other Side of Morning, and lengthy discussions followed from there.  As for what it means to me, well I think every indie author’s greatest wish is to have a publishing deal isn’t it?  And, of course, I’m absolutely delighted.



Your latest book The Other Side of Morning, what is this about?

This fifth book completes what I refer to as my ‘Little Court’ series and although it is connected to the other four it can be read as a stand-alone novel.  On this occasion, although some of the main characters from the other books still remain they have become supportive rather than key players. Now six years on from book four the story centres on cousins Lucy and Charlotte who have reached their twenties.  Lucy has a hedonistic, aversion-to-work attitude.  Abandoning her degree course she has spent the last three years travelling the world courtesy of her great grandmother's trust fund. Totally wrapped up with having a good time she has no idea a real wakeup call is just around the corner.
Unlike her cousin Charlotte completed her degree and now works for Lucy’s father Matt in one of his London-based businesses.  She is quite feisty and will fight her corner but she has a soft side too which often sees her being used by people.  At the start of the story she has been dating Christian Rosetti, who appeared in Between Today and Yesterday as part of a young newly-discovered band which Matt managed. Fame, drugs and an insatiable appetite for women have dramatically changed Christian.  He is now at the peak of his career; a big solo star with an arrogant attitude, always determined to get what he wants.  Tired of his bullying and controlling behaviour Charlotte is looking to end their relationship.
Enter handsome Italian Marco D'Alesandro.  Working in London for his father's Hotel and Restaurant empire he manages the European restaurant chain. His stepmother Thérèse is a new neighbour of Ella’s and about to go into business with her.  His first meeting with Charlotte does not go well.  Although there is an instant attraction between them both Charlotte decides to have a bit of a spat with him over a hit and run she holds him responsible for.  They eventually call a truce but when Christian meets Marco - someone he immediately identifies as a threat - his extreme reaction, helped along by Lucy who has her own score to settle with the arrogant rock star, seals his fate.  I'm not going to spoil the story but needless to say, getting Christian out of the way is only the first small step on a long journey for Charlotte and Marco.  There are much bigger challenges ahead and a lot of heartbreak before we finally reach THE END.  Will it be a happy one?  Well you'll simply have to read the book to find out!
Who is this book aimed at?

I think it has a very broad appeal covering a wide age range of readers – there’s something for everyone.  It’s an infusion of saga and love story in a contemporary setting.  What it is not is a cosy tale of village life.  Although set in the fictitious Somerset village of Meridan Cross, the story starts in Bali before moving to Australia. Italy, France and Spain also feature and some of the action takes place in London so it’s quite a cosmopolitan setting.

Does this follow on from your Little Court books?

It will be the last in the series. The five books have been really great to write and the characters have become like old friends.  However, I feel I’ve come to the end of a journey and now want to do something completely different with new settings and a new cast.

What are you plans now that The Other Side of Morning is published?

At the moment I’m waiting for the paperback version to be printed.  The e-book came out on Kindle on 8th March.  Once that’s happened it’s all about promotion.  I have several reviews lined up and hope to build on that.  While The Other Side of Morning was being edited I started on my sixth novel.  I’m around 80,000 words in and quite pleased with how the first draft is going.  This time around I’ve got a smaller cast of characters which in a way has made writing much easier – you don’t have to get into so many heads! The way the Little Court books developed I ended up with quite a large number of characters.  I think this time around I wanted to concentrate more on the two central characters. However, as with the Little Court books we’re dealing with relationships; of how peoples’ actions, whether deliberate or accidental, impact on one another. Oh and of course, it’s a love story.

 Can we expect another book from you and Thornberry this year?

Yes, hopefully the current WIP I am working on will follow the same time pathway as The Other Side of Morning with publication in early 2015.  Watch this space!

Thanks Joanne for taking time to stop by I know you have a manic life and it has taken 8 months to have you at last sitting here, but hopefully should you have a tiny slot in your agenda in the future you will come back and update us on your successes. I'll make sure I have ordered another case of your special drink if that will tempt you back.

Thank you Pauline, have enjoyed the sunshine and the chat and, of course, that wonderful glass of Prosecco!


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twitter: @jolambertwriter

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