Author Interview – JM Simpson – Mine To Keep

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, researcher-turned-novelist JM Simpson talks about challenging societal preconceptions of domestic abuse through a gripping, character-driven psychological thriller in Mine To Keep.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed author JM Simpson about her gripping new psychological thriller, Mine to Keep, exploring everything from the real-life inspiration behind challenging societal preconceptions of domestic abuse to her unique “discovery writing” process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I was born in Essex, but raised primarily in the West Country, never far from a rugged coastline, a sandy beach, or harbour. With a degree and PhD, much of my working career has been spent undertaking research in a variety of subjects; most notably in construction and new development.

I live in Kent, with my two (occasionally stroppy) teenage daughters, my extremely long-suffering husband and rescue Border Collie.

I run a research consultancy; but I dream of becoming a full-time writer.  In what little spare time I have, I spend writing, walking the dog, being an armchair movie critic, dreaming of Scotland or the Pembrokeshire coast; drinking endless coffee’s in various local café’s (on the pretense of writing) or drinking copious amounts of wine in my most favourite pub with friends, (where no writing occurs whatsoever).

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I’ve never had a burning desire to be a writer or to write a book – it’s genuinely something I have never longed for! But! I’ve always been a big reader. Out of the blue I had an idea for a book when I was about 30. I wrote a few chapters of it and then put it aside as life took over. It was a cold war thriller idea and I think the main thrust if it has probably been ‘timed out’ now – but I could always go back to it!  It was only years later that I did actually have another idea for another book and sat own to write it.

When did you take a step to start writing?

The Book – Big Magic by Eliabeth Gilbert was the thing that made me think to myself “why don’t I have a go at writing.” I’d had an idea kicking about in my head for a while and reading the book prompted me to do something with it. If I hadn’t have read that book, I’m not sure I would have started. So, I think I first started writing in earnest probably about seven years ago.  

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

I started off writing this idea that I had as a TV script. After I had finished that, I then realised I wanted to turn it into a book; with life getting in the way it probably took about a year or so to finally make it as a book. It was a long process to write a script, then turn it into a book, manage a full time job with young children so it probably took me a few years overall.

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

I wrote this particular book ‘Mine to Keep’ quite quickly. Probably in about four months, I didn’t do anything with it for a while and then sent it to an editor I knew for a manuscript review. She suggested some changes, which I then made and submitted it for publication. After that it was about 18 months from the publisher receiving it to publication. 

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Mine To Keep?

The book touches on some tough subjects. I wanted to challenge some of the preconceptions we have as a society. I had been at a seminar for work and had sat around a table with a group of men who were talking candidly about the domestic abuse that they had experienced. It made me realise as a society that we often assume domestic violence is men against women, but in fact there is probably just as much of women against men, but this is much less reported. I wanted to challenge this and raise the profile.

I also wanted to explore the concept of a male teacher dealing with a student who is obsessed with them and what the fall out of that might look like. If the teacher does everything right and is innocent, but the student is relentless.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Mine To Keep?

Being authentic. I didn’t want this to just be a book about a man experiencing domestic abuse. I wanted to explore how he felt, what he thought and researching different accounts and hearing different experiences from men really helped with this. As a writer you want to tell everyone’s story but you can’t; in the end you have to just tell the story that feels the most authentic.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

Again, I wanted to challenge preconceptions. Doing the research for this, I was struck by the attitude of some of the men that they were in denial about this happening to them because they were strong and fit and their wife or partner might have been very small or slight. So I wanted to have a fit, strong character who struggles with the idea that he might be an abused husband, because of how he looks and his physical stature. 

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

I wanted a character who on the outside is a bit creepy but everyone puts up with. Someone that as the story moves on, becomes more unstable and bitter leading to them losing the plot completely. I’ve seen Steven Graham in a couple of these types of roles when he was younger and he inspired aspects of this character. 

What is the inciting incident of Mine To Keep?

The first time the main characters wife attacks him after he returns home from a night out. Then the picture becomes fully developed of what he is going through.  

What is the main conflict of Mine To Keep?

The central struggle is the main character and his mindset about whether he considers himself an abused husband. He feels he doesn’t fit the bill of what an abused husband ‘looks’ like or is. He tries to rationale the reasons behind it, without ever knowing the true feelings of his abuser.   

Did you plot Mine To Keep in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

I don’t plot. I’ve recently been told that I “discovery write” (who knew!). I always have a place, an event and perhaps one or two characters. I just start writing and it seems to happen quite magically for me. I sometimes get to the end of a book and wonder how the hell I got to that point. I feel like I have very little control over the process.  

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Mine To Keep need?

The book probably had the usual amount. A few minor points and then it went to line and copy edit.  I tend to edit as I write and I think I am much better than I used to be!

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

Write it! It doesn’t have to be perfect! Just get the bones of a story out of your mind and onto paper! Also, never delete anything – it can always be used in something or for inspiration.  

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

I’m hoping that this book is the first in a “Mine To” series of psychological thrillers. I usually write character-based crime thrillers, so I really enjoy writing these psychological thrillers as they are a bit of a departure from the norm for me. I’m hoping for a series of perhaps three or four.

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

I am incredibly proud of the books I write. It is always worth the effort when readers reach out and tell me they love the book or that it’s helped them in some way. I love that people get really invested in the characters and the places and contact me to tell me so. I only wish I had more time to be able to write more!

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

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

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4be4AFm

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4yJ8Ruz

Website: https://jmsimpsonauthor.co.uk

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