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On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK,” psychic author Sue Penney talks about the inspiration behind her new supernatural thriller book, Hidden In The Mist.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed psychic author Sue Penney about her life and career, what made her start writing, and the inspiration behind her new supernatural thriller novel, Hidden In The Mist.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I’m a mother of five who owns three businesses, a psychic, and all round good egg. I love animals and have three dogs, two cats, a pony and a hamster. I love spending time in nature, walking my dogs and visiting historical buildings and researching for future books. I live in Surrey with four of my five children.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I’ve been writing poetry since I was 14 and have already published two poetry books under the name of Soul Verse. I wanted to write a book for ages and I started writing a book in 2008 and never finished it. I still have so I will probably finish it at some point, however the new book was badgering me to write it.
When did you take a step to start writing?
During lock down my life was a lot more routine and I knew where I was and I could do things at set times. And for eight months I wrote from 7 to 7.45am and completed my book in this time.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
After taking eight months to write, the editing took the same time to complete as it took me a while to source the right editor. The editing process as a whole took about four months and that’s from reading the book, sending and dealing with queries and then setting the book into the right format for print.
What made you want to write Hidden In The Mist?
I had the story nagging at me and the second book I’m about to write is the same. If this woman doesn’t come out of the river soon, she will be all wrinkled or melted… LOL I need to set aside the time so she can get out of the river as that is where she is currently sat in my head.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Hidden In The Mist?
During lock down there wasn’t particularly a challenge, but now it’s finding the time.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
Myself. A lot of it is based on me.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
Ex’s and experiences in being in similar relationships.
What is the inciting incident of Hidden In The Mist?
The house that I grew up in Stoke D’Abernon, Surrey which was haunted.
What is the main conflict of Hidden In The Mist?
How struggles for power changes people’s behaviour.
Did you plot Hidden In The Mist in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
The story unfolded as I wrote it.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Hidden In The Mist need?
Yes I had help with grammar and sentence splitting. The story was not altered at all.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Make a start. Everyone has their different writing styles but there are no fixed rules. Nobody is going to come after you with a giant stick if you have done it differently to anyone else.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
My new book is based between the present day and the 1640’s. It’s set in Manningtree in Essex and follows the lives of Rebecca, a healer wrongly accused of witchcraft and Sarah, who presently lives in the house she inherited from her aunt which used to belong to Rebecca before she had to flee from the witchfinder general. But when snippets from the past begin to infringe in Sarah’s everyday life, she starts to investigate the previous owners of her new home which uncovers disturbing events.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
It’s a massive accomplishment. Lots of people would love to write a book and I have the physical proof that it’s possible.
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Published by Raven Witch Publishers, Hidden in the Mist is available in paperback (£12.99) and Kindle format (£4.29) on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3yjHoRX and https://amzn.to/3nzbJXH
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