I’m delighted to welcome Miriam McGuirk onto my Friday Reads blog today. Miriam is going to talk to us about her recently-published novel, Second Chances, and her writing life.
Blurb
Second Chances highlights the human connection, linking community, family, and the emotions that bind them. Fate sets them on the same path.
Following a planned move to Kent, Molly’s future disintegrates. Jamie, her son, leaves a note and walks out. Burying her grief and secrets, alone, she steps into a new life and throws herself into the community hub.
Headstrong Florence and regimented Colonel Bryce Beckwith, once childhood friends in India, now live next door to each other. Why did Bryce break his promise?
Florence’s sister, Boudie, yearns for their relationship to mend.
Love and a need to resolve painful questions drive the characters and like Molly, they are desperate for second chances.
Three years after Jamie’s departure, their lives become intertwined. Can ultimatums, secrets, and love bring second chances and happiness to all?
Miriam is sharing an extract from the story with us today:
Chapter 1
Molly raced up the stairs, taking them two steps at a time. She pushed open the door to Jamie’s bedroom. His bed lay bare. She turned and snapped open the double wardrobe doors. Cleared out. Not even a pair of muddy trainers or an old, frayed T-shirt littered the floor of the closet. She ran back down the stairs and out into the garden. In the winter silence, her breath puffed out as she spun around, calling out his name. She shivered and tore back into the house. Her mobile sat on the carpeted floor in the living room. Yanking it from its charger, she scrolled to Jamie’s number and pressed it, only to hear a recorded message.
“Hey, Jamie, where are you?” she said after the beep, doing her best to keep from sounding pleading. “We have plans, remember? Today is the day, and we promised to share a last breakfast at the house. Hurry home.”
A shrill buzzing startled her. She bent down and picked up the mobile from the carpet and saw Brandon O’Neill’s name flash up. At the same time, the doorbell rang, reverberating around the house. After a few moments, an irate voice called through the letterbox. “Hey, Molly, it’s Brandon. Where are you? Time is pressing. We need to get a handle on the day. Open the door.”
“Jamie, Jamie, where have you gone?” she whispered. Were the bridges of her well-planned future about to crumble?
It sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? If you fancy reading the book you can get a copy here:
Amazon UK https://rb.gy/e1pl Amazon US http://shorturl.at/dlyEU
Welcome to my blog, Miriam. Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes. As a little girl I was the storyteller and script writer, creating and staging plays at my grandparent’s house in Kinsale, Co. Cork. Relatives would arrive from America, England, and Australia over the summer holidays, and they happily paid an entrance fee to watch my sisters, cousins and myself, act.
Being Irish, storytelling is a huge part of my heritage.
Because of my past careers and back story, I thought I would write cookery books, and about health and wellbeing.
It sounds like storytelling is in your blood! Has any author inspired you?
There are many- Rachel Joyce, Dinah Jeffries, Maeve Binchy, Ann Patchett, and William Trevor to name a few. I believe we catch glimpses of our lives through beautifully written stories.
I totally agree. What do you like writing most?
Fiction and sometimes health, wellbeing articles and blog posts; writing about an author’s life, the process, and my journey that has brought me to here.
Interesting topics. Do you have a special place for writing?
My Writing Shack about 20 steps from my kitchen. Where only my characters are allowed to join me.
Are you a panster or a plotter?
I am two thirds a planner and the rest -panster. I believe in spontaneity and the changes that can happen with the transition from pen to the computer and finally to the pages of the book.
Is your writing ever inspired by your family or real-life incidents?
My writing has been inspired by life experiences and the people I observe when I go out on date days with me, myself, and I. There is always a notebook at the ready.
Some characters have my traits or are friends, neighbours, from my past.
Others, I create and develop until they become close friends.
What are you writing at the moment?
A collection of short stories and I write a monthly column, M’s Author Corner for The Rye News, East Sussex. https://www.ryenews.org.uk/culture/welcome-to-ms-corner
What inspired you to write this book?
Second Chances released earlier this year, came from my wish to embrace the human spirit, connection, and communication. I wanted to write a multigenerational story. This novel began with me observing a forlorn looking woman walking her dog every morning on the same route as myself. Curious, about the woman and the dog, I wondered what was the backstory of this woman’s life? That prompted me to write a short story. I knew as I was writing, I could develop the theme into a novel. Finally, the title became Second Chances.
What time of the day do you write best?
My favourite time is early morning, as the sun rises in summer and somewhat later in Winter. I move my office into the kitchen during the cold season.
Authors need to feel warm to be inspired and our fingers, need to be mobile as you well know Karen.
We certainly do. What are your hobbies?
Swimming in the healing sea. A daily walk regardless of weather, either by the sea or in nature. The sound of birdsong, the lapping waves or the wind blowing in the trees inspire and uplift my energy. Yoga stretches. Note to self-must get back to a class this year.
These last years, photography has become a great hobby. My father would be proud! He studied, Art, Sculpture and Photography at University in Dublin. Like me, his favourite was black and white photos and photographic exhibitions.
What advice would you give to other writers?
Ensure you develop the habit of reading a diverse range of books along with the genre you write in. This helps to develop skills and continue to use your unique voice in telling stories.
Develop a writing routine that you consistently stick to.
I need silence and my own space when immersed in writing.
Perhaps set up an area in your home dedicated to writing.
The three P’s Passion, Patience, and Perseverance will see you through.
Good advice! Thanks for dropping by to talk to us today, Miriam. Wishing you lots of success with your writing. 😊
Meet Miriam
About Miriam
Born in Dublin, there has been a constant thread of writing and storytelling running through Miriam’s life. She proudly nurtures her ability to tell stories thanks to her Irish heritage.
Miriam lives in the historical town of Rye, East Sussex with her husband, Chris, spending time in her Writing Cave where only her characters join her.
When not writing, Miriam enjoys reading, cooking, sea swimming, and walking along the healing coast.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Follow Miriam on www.miriammcguirk.com
Facebook Page – Miriam McGuirkAuthor
Twitter @Miriam_McGuirk
Instagram- miriammcguirk1
LinkedIn – Miriam McGuirk
YouTube Channel – Miriam McGuirk
Karen King – Writing about the light and dark of relationships.
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Karen-King/e/B0034P6W7I
Website: https://karenkingauthor.com/
Karen King 