Some of my most creative thoughts happen when on a dog walk, as do my best conversations with my dog-walking buddy. So I thought I’d invite some of my author friends along to join me and Ruby and see if I can find out a little more about them and the book they’ve just released.
I’m delighted to welcome back prolific novelist Terry Tyler, who has come to chat to me on the release of her 14th book, Tipping Point.
Terry Tyler has published fourteen books on Amazon, ranging from family dramas and a novella about three writers, to a serial killer thriller and her current post apocalyptic series; what they have in common is that they are character driven and based around her interest in all things psychological. She is an avid reader and book reviewer, loves The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, and is a newly converted vegan who is gutted that she can no longer eat salted caramel Häagen Dazs. She lives in the north east of England with Norman Reedus her husband.
Hi Terry, harvest is in full swing here so I hope you’re ready for a walk across the stubble on this rather glorious August afternoon?
Aye. ‘Scuse me while I light a tab. Oh – sorry, I wasn’t looking where I threw the match…
But I tell you what’s not like going back in time, this new book of yours!! 😉 While we dampen the last glowing embers, Terry, you can tell me what Tipping Point is all about.
It’s set in 2024, and is about a deadly virus that starts in Africa—allegedly!— then finds its way to the UK. The novel centres round thirty-four year old Vicky and her teenage daughter, Lottie, and how they cope with their changing world. However, there is more to the virus than meets the eye. Vicky’s boyfriend, Dex, suspects that it might be man-made…
This is a change of direction for you as it’s the first post-apocalyptic novel you’ve written. Is this something you’ve been wanting to do for a while?
Yes. You can only write so many family dramas, though indeed this is another one, in some ways! But I’m fascinated by how easily society can break down if the basic utilities cease to function; the ‘tipping point’, when order can no longer be maintained, occurs earlier than anyone realises. And by the different ways in which people react to catastrophe; some flounder, some grow stronger, some find parts of themselves they never knew existed.
I believe this is in fact the first book in a trilogy with the second being released in only a few weeks. Do you want to tell us about the ongoing story, and when the final part can be expected?
Lindisfarne, the second book, is already written, and release is planned for September, all being well, cross fingers, etc! The third book has yet to be written, though I’ve started roughing out the plot plan, and know the basics of what happens.
I’ve also started a collection of short story outtakes. This passage gave me the idea: … he passed the virus first to the barman, then to a couple of people he squeezed past as he juggled three pints back to his table, then to his friend Greg (Aaron happened to be naturally immune, though he would die a violent death the following year in a fight over three litres of bottled water), . Which was all I ever intended to write about Aaron, but, reading it back, I thought, now, there’s a story! Then I kept seeing other little cameos that could be expanded upon. And I’ve done some backstories, too, of characters that join the cast later. I hope to get these ready for publication at the end of the year. My idea was that it would be an interesting addition for anyone who has already read the books, but I will probably release it free for a few days, to introduce new readers to the series, as well. Well, that’s the idea. One can only hope it works.
A few quick fire ones.
Bond girl, Bond villain or James Bond – who would you be? (and do tell me why?)
Bond girl, if it still meant I could charge around with guns and stuff. My immediate reaction was ‘villain’, but I talked myself out of it.
Fruit Salads or Black Jacks?
Neither. They stick in your teeth and it’s hard to get the paper off.
The Beatles or The Stones?
Stones. They’re the High Priests of rock. ‘Gimme Shelter’ versus ‘Sgt Pepper’. No contest.
What three things would you put into Room 101?
The bastardising of the English language. I predict that, in fifty years’ time, even business letters will be written in a mixture of text speak, nouns used as verbs and vice versa, and ghastly buzzwords. Thank goodness I won’t be around to see it.
People being sick in TV dramas. Used to be you’d just see the person bending their head and making strangled noises. Now, producers seem to think we need to see it actually coming out of their mouths.
Diners in restaurants who talk so loudly that everyone on neighbouring tables is forced to listen to their entire conversations.
Grrrrr.
As a thank you for being my guest today I’m going to grant you unlimited storage of one thing, what would that be?
There isn’t anything I want enough to require unlimited storage for it. Except time and perfect health for me and all those I care about. Pity one can’t store that, eh!
Thank you for having me, Georgia 🙂
You’re welcome Terry, thanks for joining me. Huge congratulations on this latest release and I wish you every success for the sales of Tipping Point – I’m looking forward to reading it! 🙂
Good luck with the new book Terry.
Sweets in wrappers, I know where you’re coming from with that.
And they only get more difficult to unwrap, don’t they??? As indeed everything does these days…
Wishing you amazing sales, Terry. I have enjoyed all your books and although Tipping Point isn’t my normal reading, I shall be reading it.
Thanks so much, April!
My first two reviews were from readers who had never read this genre before, but were pleasantly surprised ( I suppose partly that it’s not all blood and guts!), so I hope you will be too!
A great interview ladies – although I do love a Black Jack. I’m very impressed by Terry’s vegan conversion. Good luck with Tipping Point 😀
Yes, I was impressed with Terry’s vegan conversion too. Although I’m not sure I could even be a vegetarian. I do love a Black Jack too, haven’t had one, or even seen them around for a while though.
The vegan thing is hard! I don’t think soya agrees with me, but it’s still very early days and I’m trying new things. One lady on Twit said to me that very quickly you can’t imagine that you were ever NOT vegan. I’ve got there already, it’s weird. My reasons are ecological, but I won’t bang on about that on here!!!!
Thanks for comment, E! x
Good luck with a trilogy! It’s great fun, in one way, coz you stick with the same characters…but ‘challenging’ in another, for the same reason.I like the idea of ‘outtakes!
Yes…. I’ve always sworn I’d never do another sequel, and now here I am doing at least two of the damn things!!! 😀 It might carry on to other books, if it sells reasonably well; I’ve already thought of two more I’d like to write, post Book 3. Difficulty is getting it into the laps of the avid readers of the genre, as I am a new author to them. Early days, I have a few ideas, and I hope it’ll have more pull once Lindisfarne comes out, as this genre is ALWAYS in series!!
Currently writing the outtakes – love thinking of them!