Tell us a little bit about yourself. What inspired you to become a writer?

I was born in Glasgow and, I am one of 7 children. With 5 sisters and 1 brother growing up was filled with drama and laughter. I live with my husband and two children and I’m lucky to call two girls I met at primary/junior school, my friends today. We still have lots of fun. I value family and friendship above all else. My life became complete when I published my first novel.

I was inspired to write because of the books I’ve read. My mum is a voracious reader. The books she gave me filled my imagination. With a mixture of genres, I went for Romance to Crime to History. Everything I’ve learned, I owe to books. With a busy life, I just couldn’t find the time or the courage to write but kept thinking, wouldn’t it be amazing if the next book I picked up, was my own. I always had the story of The Braille Club in my head and with the advent of self-publishing one day I just sat down and started to write.

What is the title of your current novel? When will it be released? Target audience? Genre.

My current novel is The Braille Club. It was released in July of this year. I don’t like to exclude anyone, however; my primary audience is woman 18 and over. My 76-year-old aunt read my book and loved it. I was embarrassed at first but then thought just because your older doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good book. She is patiently waiting for my sequel. My book is Contemporary Romance, although my publisher does have it under other genres, this is its primary genre.

Could you provide a summary or blurb about the book?

Welcome to the Braille Club, where blindfolds are mandatory and members play sensual games of pleasurable endurance. Three couples take part in this exclusive, secret club for very different reasons…with very different results.

Benedict Harrison was a master of detachment…

Benedict’s first experience with the Braille Club changed his life forever when a mysterious woman reawakened his emotions and his passion. He encounters the darkly erotic Siena Waters again, and they begin a tumultuous affair and a business partnership, but what will happen if the true nature of their relationship is revealed?

Gabriella Ballantyne’s marriage is in trouble…

Her husband Max has grown cold, and Gabriella seeks out the Braille Club and its decadent delights in an effort to reawaken their hearts and strengthen their marriage. But when she presents him with his own membership card, she sees only revulsion in his eyes. Gabriella must use everything she’s learned from the club in a last-ditch effort to reconnect with Max and resurrect their love.

Abbey Marshall needs an escape from her cheating husband…

Abbey begins sensory lessons at the Braille Club, hoping it will help her regain control of Steve and prevent his straying. When the unthinkable happens, she is consumed with the need to learn the identity of Steve’s latest mistress. Left reeling and with her sanity in jeopardy, a chance visit from her husband’s former teammate might be her last chance to find the answers she needs.

At the Braille Club, the elite membership walks in the dark in order to find the light…they need to be blind before they can see. They’re ready—are you?

What inspired your story?

I was inspired by Fifty Shades of Grey, not so much by the story but by her process. I thought my own story was different and original. I met an editor one night in Glasgow and he said to me “If you don’t believe in your own work, then no one else will. If the story is good then be published and be damned.” I worried about punctuation and sentence structure, but he shook his head. “It’s always about the story.”

L. James went down the indie route before she was signed. Her book whatever you think of it was original. I self-published and then was lucky to be signed by my publisher, Limitless Publishing. I thought my book wasn’t the type of material publishers would respond too. I contacted quite a few agents and they all said the same thing. They liked the story, but it didn’t fit with their business. Romance it seems is an acquired taste in the traditional publisher’s world or perhaps that was just my experience. That lead me to self-published and I haven’t looked back since.

Tell us about your main protagonist(s).

Benedict Harrison is my leading man and Siena Waters is my leading lady. I based Benedict’s looks on the character Thomas Shelby from BBC’s Peaky Blinders played by Cillian Murphy. I loved his eyes and the complexity of his character. Siena looks were based on RosieHuntington–Whiteley. Benedict is emotionally detached from everything and everyone in his life until he experiences a Braille Party. Blindfolded, sensations never before experienced, has his body and mind, alight with desire. When the kiss comes his response is immediate. He wants more. Thus starts the story of The Braille Club and Benedict’s journey to find the girl who reconnected him. Siena is that girl, but she’s playing with fire. Her games have Benedict’s full attention. He will stop at nothing to feel like that again. However, Siena has her own secrets. There will be obstacles and danger, but they will risk everything, to be together.

When writing – what is your typical process? Do you plan everything out – or let the words fly with the wind?

I always write my ending first. For me, the ending of a book is what I base my opinion on. If the story has a good conclusion then I’m happy. It doesn’t necessary mean I agree with the conclusion, but I’m happy with the book as a whole. So I write the layout of my ending first and then leave it and develop the rest of the story. I am writing my third novel and yes now I do have a system. I always write 57 Chapters. Since signing with my publisher, I’ve learned so much about POV and correct dialogue that I know adopt this process. I then create 3 different storylines to run through the book. Some are carried forward from the previous book and some are new. I bring my characters to life by finding celebrities that are similar in looks as a visual reminder. I do a lot of plot thinking when I’m in the car or have a few moments alone, but sometimes my writing just develops.

What is your preferred reading format? E-book or paperback?

Paperback when I’m home and E-book for holidays.

Why self-publishing?

It allowed me the thrill of writing and shaping my own book. I learned so much in the process. It made me a better marketing expert as a result.

What are your goals for your novel?

Well, what author doesn’t dream of having a bestseller? I’m no different in that respect. However, first and foremost I want my readers to have a wonderful reading experience. I hope I deliver this and my feedback to date has been very encouraging but I’m still learning and always looking for ways to improve on my writing.

What are your favorite genres to read? Favorite authors?

I read a varied mixture of genres, from Children/YA, to Crime, Romance and Contemporary Fiction.

I don’t really have favorite authors but favorite books. Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The Help, To Kill a Mocking Bird, The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Twilight, Looking Good Dead, The Farm, Into The Darkest Corner, The Hypnotist, Lady Killer, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Never Let Me Go, The Book Thief, The Gargoyle, The Kite Runner, The Life of Pi and The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas to name but a few. All are original and engaging stories.

Are you working on another book? If so- what is it about?

Yes I’ve just started writing my third book my ending is already complete as is my 3 stories. However, I recently gave my editor the second book in The Braille Club series. Without the spoilers The Braille Club Unbound picks up the story of Benedict and Siena while introducing new characters to the mix. The Braille Club has three stories; each one centres around the impact the club has on 3 different member’s relationships. They come to the club to have their senses tantalised and awakened. They play a game, blindfolded—experiencing sensations that will arouse and excite them.

Siena and Benedict must rebuild their lives. Haunted and fragile Siena must regain her strength. However, when crucial results send her reeling, her future suddenly looks uncertain. How can she tell Benedict? Their shared passion, The Braille Club continues to thrive under the management of Guy Walker will it be the one thing to bind them together?

Guy Walker manager of Harrison’s and the secret Braille Club has spent two years trying to forget Anna Dunbur, and their volatile affair. However, when she applies for a Braille Club membership will their relationship rekindle? Their encounter reawakens dark desires which only the other can evoke. A desperate call from Anna has Guy rushing to her home but, even he’s completely unprepared for what he finds when she answers the door.

Crawford Munroe had been approached by Guy Walker to produce new equipment for Braille Club Members. A chance meeting with his colleague Esme MacDonald brings her on board. Together they will develop the sensory devises that have Braille Members ringing bells and begging for more. What else will develop between them?

Niven Fraser is The Mona Lisa of the model industry. Her eyes transcend the lens an exceptional quality that sets her apart. She joins The Braille Club to exercise her demons and escape her fears. However, Nivens dangerous past is about to catch up with her and put her life, and those closest to her, in grave danger.

Nick is waiting, plotting and scheming. Revenge is his only focus and Siena his target…

Please share any links to your social media and books. The book must have a theme: Sexual Discovery or Belief ect.

The Braille Club Series Theme: ROMANCE: Sexual Discovery and Re-Discovery.

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