I’m delighted to be part of the launch celebrations of Prima Facie by Netta Newbound which was published by Junction on 8th July 2016. Prima Facie is available for purchase here.

To celebrate this fourth novel in the Adam Stanley series, I have an interview with Netta today all about her writing.

Prima Facie

A Compelling Psychological Thriller Novel.

In this fast-moving suspense novel, Detective Adam Stanley searches for Miles Muldoon, a hardworking, career-minded businessman, and Pinevale’s latest serial killer.

Evidence puts Muldoon at each scene giving the police a prima facie case against him.

But as the body count rises, and their suspect begins taunting them, this seemingly simple case develops into something far more personal when Muldoon turns his attention to Adam and his family.

An Interview with Netta Newbound

Hi Netta. Thank you so much for agreeing to answer some questions on my blog about your writing.  

Hi Linda, thanks for having me.

Firstly, please could you tell me a little about yourself?

I’m originally from Manchester, England, but immigrated to beautiful New Zealand, eighteen years ago with my husband, three young sons and five suitcases. Before getting into writing I worked as an early childhood teacher and also a real estate salesperson.

I know you didn’t start writing seriously until your children left home, but when did you first realise you were going to be a writer?

I’ve always been interested in writing, but my parents brought me up with a practical outlook— it’s fine to have interests, but I would need a ‘proper’ job in order to put food on the table. This was correct, I guess—when the children were young we certainly needed two incomes to fund our lifestyle etc. But as soon as we could afford to lose my income, I didn’t hesitate. I’m fortunate that my husband fully supports my writing.

If you hadn’t become an author, what would you have done instead as a creative outlet?

I sing. Does that count? I’d never make a living from it, and I need a glass or two of wine to get the old voice box lubricated, but there’s nothing I love better than desecrating a few numbers. I also enjoy restoring furniture and interior design and decorating.

What drew you to the thriller genre as opposed to any other?

I love thriller novels. I’ll read most genres, but my true love has always been psychological thrillers. I love watching what happens to ordinary people when the shit hits the fan, and delving into the psyche of the characters

Deception is at the heart of many of your books. How far do you think deception is a usual human characteristic?

I’d say that varies person to person. Everyone is capable of deception if the situation demands it.

How do you go about researching detail and ensuring your books are realistic?

If there’s something I don’t know about, I’ll avoid going into too much detail, but, thankfully, with the internet, there’s very little you can’t become an expert on—within reason of course. I wouldn’t go into too much depth on something like rocket science or brain surgery.

Which aspects of your writing do you find easiest and most difficult?

The actual writing flows easily, so long as I have a general idea of the direction I want the story to go in. But I don’t plot, preferring to be as surprised by the plot twists as the reader is.  However, I struggle with the tediousness of editing.

What are your writing routines and where do you do most of your writing?

I have an office, and for a while I forced myself to stick to office hours, but that didn’t last long. I’ll go into the office at around 9am and work until 5pm then after dinner will continue in front of the TV until bedtime.

I write, edit, critique and proof read, from waking in the morning to going to bed at night – I don’t have an off switch. Even if I go out with my hubby for the day, I take my laptop and continue while in the car. I drive him to distraction.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to read?

Thrillers, of course – and some horror novels so long as they’re not too far-fetched. I love Stephen King – he is my all-time favourite.

Do you have other interests that give you ideas for writing?

Just life. I can obtain ideas from anywhere – the news  – the supermarket – the café – absolutely anywhere. Often an idea will start off as a tiny thought and morph into something bigger that just can’t be ignored.

Your novels have very striking covers. How do those images come about?

It takes me hours and hours of trawling through stock photos and, although I don’t have a clear idea what I’m looking for, I always know it when I see it.

If you could choose to be a character from one of your novels, who would you be and why?

I’d say Geraldine from The Crime Files series. She’s probably the most like me and yummy James Dunn would be a bonus.

If one of your Adam Stanley books became a film, who would you like to play Adam?

Without hesitation, Tom Hardy. I actually write Adam’s scenes with Tom in mind. Haha.

If you had 15 words to persuade a reader that a Netta Newbound book should be their next read, what would you say?

Looking for a thrilling ride? Take a seat, buckle up and hold on tight!

Thank you so much, Netta, for your time in answering my questions.

My pleasure, thanks for the opportunity.

About Netta Newbound

Netta Newbound, originally from Manchester, England, now lives in New Zealand with her husband Paul and their boxer dog Alfie. She has three grown-up children and two delicious grandchildren.

As a child, Netta was plagued by a wild imagination, often getting in trouble for making up weird and wonderful stories. Yet she didn’t turn her attention to writing until after her children had grown and left home.

Although she mostly writes psychological thriller novels, all of which consistently rank highly in the best seller categories, she has also written several non-fiction books with a close friend and fellow author under the names of Sandra Rose & Jeanette Simone.

You’ll find all Netta’s books here. You can follow Netta on Twitter, find her on Facebook and visit her website.

There is more about and from Netta with these other bloggers: