What first drew you to writing dark and psychological fiction, and when did you realise that horror and suspense were the genres where your storytelling really belonged?

I love all things dark and twisty: music, movies, books, podcasts… you name it! So thriller / horror always felt like the right place for my writing, too. I think I realised it’s the genre I specifically wanted to write within, when the seed of the idea for All The Lies We Told specifically hit.

It was the first story I could see clearly, how I wanted it to be, and I’d recently found my niche of psychological thriller fiction (reader wise), after reading Kiss The Girls by James Patterson. I’ve never looked back! But I’m also big on Fantasy too, so I want to bring the two together one day. 

You’re an English author but many of your stories are set in the United States. What inspired that choice, and how does American horror culture influence your work?

I grew up watching a lot of american horror / thriller / supernatural television shows with my dad. Criminal Minds, The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, NCIS etc, so I’ve always absolutely loved American-based thriller. This is the case for books, too. It speaks to me more than UK based fiction. Maybe it’s because UK based is every day for me, but there’s always something about American created worlds that feels fascinating to me. I suppose American horror culture influences me massively. Even in college, I studied Sociology and Community & Culture, and part of that was studying American culture and horror, also in English Lit, and that’s always stuck with me! 

In Come & Play, the idea of an imaginary friend takes a sinister turn. Where did that concept originate, and what fascinated you about exploring it in a horror context?

Growing up, I had an imaginary friend. I don’t remember them whatsoever, but it was a massive part of my childhood for my parents and my mom still talks about it to this day. The way she describes it feels like listening to a horror / paranormal event that I survived. She always says she believes they were a spirit that stayed around to play with me and be my friend (I didn’t have a lot growing up), but her describing how I would talk to them in my room late at night and she would hear it through the walls, always gives me a creepy sense. I thought about what my own reaction would be, if it were my child (my mom was very understanding), and I think I’d be creeped the F out! That was the inspiration for Come & Play. 

What does your writing process look like when crafting a thriller or horror story? Do you plan the twists in advance or discover them as you write?

I’m more of a panster than a planner when it comes to writing. My process looks very much like a spark of an idea (either a premise, or sometimes an ending or a twist!) and then turning that into a full story. So, sometimes the twists come first, yes. But the majority is the opening coming to me first… or characters coming to me very clearly. Josie, in my second book Smile For Me, was a character I really wanted to write and I built that story from her character. All The Lies We Told came from the seed of an idea of… what if an abductor sent a close family member clues? Usually, I have one twist in mind before I start writing but this can evolve and I like to include a LOT of twists, so some others come later. Sometimes even after the first draft! 

What can readers expect next from you, and are there any new dark tales or projects currently haunting your imagination?

I’m working on two projects currently (because I can never stick to just one it seems!). One is the sequel to All The Lies We Told! Another is a dark psychological thriller that I plan to query for trad publishing and is top secret right now, but I’ll leave you with— think TWO serial killers ;). I also want to branch out into the Fantasy / Romantasy genre and bring together the murder and bloodshed and twists of thriller into the magical world of betrayal and love. 

And, lastly, tell me all about your new podcast!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE to talk…especially about all things books! Books have taken over my life in the last few years, in the best possible way, and I love bookish podcasts, so doing one of my own is an amazing new venture for me. I’m co-hosting with my amazing fellow Indie author, Molly Jade, and we have so many bookish discussions ,debates, and games in the pipeline! We also have some amazing indie authors in the wings, ready to tell us all about themselves and their amazing books. We can’t wait to network with everyone and connect with readers in a new way. The first episode is dropping Friday 10th April, and will release every other friday from there! We hope you’ll all tune into For The Book Plot! 

Thanks so much, K.J., for agreeing to be interviewed and for such insightful responses! K.J. also interviewed me for her socials, so be sure to follow her Instagram so you can see that.

Jessica Rollins is the creative behind the gorgeous Mirrordom sprayed edges collection – and she’s recently created a breathtaking piece of character art for my upcoming trilogy. Jess has recently opened her books for new character art clients, so it felt like the perfect time to sit her down and interview her about her amazing work.

You’re incredibly artistic. What’s your earliest memory of painting or drawing?

I have fuzzy memories of painting at play school age 3/4. I’ve always loved to draw. I used to dream of starting my own clothing line and studying art in Florence.  

You create character art and sprayed edges. What’s your dream project?

Oh!! I’d love to work with one of the big book box companies or publishers on edge designs or endpapers etc! 

What’s something people might not know about the process of spraying edges?

Fore edge painting is actually incredibly simple but VERY time consuming!! 

It’s generally recommended to lightly sand the edge and it makes it easier to paint the surface, but if you aren’t careful the paint can mix with the dust and form a crust, ruining the edge when cracked. 

Otherwise, watercolour paints in thin layers and a setting spray.  It really is that simple.

I always say you champion indie authors like it’s your day job. Have you any dream indie authors you’d like to work with? 

All of you! Haha! Really! Especially since starting my business, ARC reading has taken a little step back. I think I’ve created art for most of my personal favourite indies but there’s always room for more!

What’s your favourite thing about spraying edges and creating character art?

Designing them and seeing them finished. I actually detest the middle bit. Drawing and painting isn’t relaxing for me but it is satisfying.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently putting a lot of work into improving my digital drawing skills. Different courses, style and tools. 

Thanks so much, Jess, for taking the time to answer my questions. Can’t wait to work on more projects together!