Author Interview – Gemma Denham – The Storm

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Gemma Denham talks about her new novel, The Storm, a tense locked-room mystery where a woman seeking escape from a suffocating relationship finds herself trapped in a remote Lake District hotel with a killer during a deadly storm.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Gemma Denham about her life and career, the inspiration behind her new book, The Storm, and her creative writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I am an author illustrator who has recently broken into the world of adult literature. I started my career as an illustrator, illustrating children’s picture books, and quickly moved on to writing them when I had my first child. I have since moved on from children’s fiction to write for adults.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

It’s difficult to remember exactly when I first consciously thought about writing. I’d been writing children’s books for a while, and it was a vague thought I kept coming back to; could I write a full-length novel? Could I write for adults? It wasn’t until my approaching 40^th birthday that I put anything into action. There’s nothing like a big birthday to help focus the mind after all. This was the first birthday that bothered me, and I wanted to do something to lessen the blow and make it more fun. So, I wrote a list of 40 things to do before I’m 40. A list of silliness, fun, challenges and ambitions – and write a novel was one of them. This was all created on my 39^th birthday – I had a year to complete my list.

When did you take a step to start writing?

My first step toward writing was going on a writing retreat (also on my list), because I didn’t actually know what I was doing. I spent a good while researching what was available to find the right one for me and found one that was mainly tutor lead. We had to submit the first one thousand words of our novel and a synopsis to attend, but we then got a 1:1 and the tutors went though the whole process involved in writing. It was invaluable! This was about three months into my 40 challenge.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

I had my first draft written in six months. Subsequent drafts and edits, I’m not sure, it’s hard to keep track. It was signed by my publishers, Cahill Davies, in April 2024 and it was published in June 2025. From idea to physical book was about three years, but this wasn’t three years of constant work on the book. That includes querying time looking for a publisher as well.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

My next book is due for release in June 2026. I wrote the first draft for this in four months. I’m currently editing. I think from idea to publication will probably be two years.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Storm?

My 40^th list was the catalyst. Without having that kick I would probably still be wondering and telling myself I was too busy to do it. There’s always an excuse not to do something, but if you really want it, there are probably more reasons why you should.

What were your biggest challenges with writing The Storm?

Learning the craft, for a start. You can’t just sit down and write. There are certain patterns that books follow and that readers will be expecting, and if you want to sell your book then you have to follow them. After that, I think the moments of quiet. Just because you have the time to write doesn’t necessarily mean you will be able to. Your creative mind can’t always work on demand and that’s a difficult and frustrating thing to deal with and accept.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

A lot of people (or those who know me) read the protagonist as me. It’s not, and wasn’t meant to be, but I guess I did put myself in her shoes and think what would I do in this situation, so maybe that’s where that came from.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

I think I drew on and exaggerated past relationships for the books main antagonist. Thankfully most of this is complete fiction.

What is the inciting incident of The Storm?

Lizzy decides she needs a break from boyfriend Luke. Their relationship is suffocating her and she needs time away to decide how she is going to deal with that, so she books herself into the most remote hotel that she can find to get some distance from him – the ill-fated Briar’s Cragg in the Lake District.

What is the main conflict of The Storm?

Lizzy’s relationship with Luke is at the heart of the book, but this is soon interrupted by the appearance of a body, and then the realisation that it isn’t the first, that they are trapped with a killer, and there is no way out.

Did you plot The Storm in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

I’m a plotter. Before I start writing I create character sheets along with pictures and a floor plan for the main area of action in the story. I also know where my story is going and have plot points to hit to help me get there. Although, when writing ‘The Storm’, even though I knew the ending I didn’t plan the killer. I kept this open until quite near the end. I thought, if I don’t know who did it then how will the reader know.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Storm need?

Yes. I do about three rounds of self-edits, then I pass my manuscript on to my alpha and beta readers for their comments. Once I’ve gone through and made changes following that I send to my publisher. They then edit it – which is probably another three rounds.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

Do it! Get writing and keep writing – the first draft doesn’t need to be perfect, so just get it down and don’t get bogged down in the details. If you fuss about with it as you go along you’ll never finish. So write and keep writing!

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

‘The Inheritance’ is out in June 2026. It’s a psychological thriller featuring a young family and the events that happen after they inherit a house. At first the gift is the answer to their prayers. They are in financial difficulties and the house comes at just the right time to dig them out of it. However, not long after moving in, Kate, starts to hear and notice strange things. Is she going mad, do they have a ghost, or is someone getting into their house?

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Absolutely! To both of those questions. It has been so worth it, and I’ve enjoyed it so much, that I am currently working on my fourth novel. I can’t stop!

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Apple Book: https://apple.co/4cM6lLm

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ZZQT6W

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4bdZtnZ

Website: www.gemmadenham.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gemmadenhamauthorillustrator

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadenhamauthorillusrator/ 

X: www.x.com/gemmaEdenham