It’s time for another Friday Read’s post and this week I’m interviewing thriller writer Teri Terry whose latest page turner, The Step Daughter’s Lie is out now! We’re going to find out more about the book, and Teri’s love of dogs and how she features them in her books. So grab yourself a cuppa, get cosy and let’s get chatting to Teri. 😊
The Stepdaughter’s Lie: publication date 29 July 2024!
My life should be perfect: a loving, successful husband, our first baby on the way. But my stepdaughter wants to destroy it all …
Ellie’s always hated me, ever since she realised it was no longer just her and Theo.
Now she’s seventeen, beautiful and smart – smart enough to see through me. And if Ellie decided to uncover my secrets, it wouldn’t be just my marriage at stake … it would be my life.
I know this precious life inside me is more than I deserve – and there’s nothing I won’t do to protect it.
Buy link: https://geni.us/B0D5YK4DC6author
Welcome to my blog, Teri. We’re all sitting comfortably, waiting to hear about your love of Dogs & Books. 😊
Hello everyone!
If you’ve come across me IRL or on social media, you’ll know that I’m bonkers about animals generally, and dogs and cats in particular. Especially my cockapoo, Scooby. She’s almost seven now – how can that be possible?! – and often sits next to me or under my desk when I’m writing. When she thinks I need a break – or that it may just be dinner time – she jumps up and slams my laptop shut: it is occasionally annoying, but always makes me laugh. (photo 1, Scooby the cockapoo)
I remember at a SCBWI retreat years ago, agent Julia Churchill saying that a good way to engage readers with a character who isn’t that likeable is to give them a pet that they love. I’ve had characters like that along the way, like Phoebe in YA thriller, Slated. Beyond that, it’s natural for me for characters to care for pets as a part of the tapestry of their lives. So, Kyla had a cat and Ben had a dog, also in Slated, and other pets have appeared along the way.
Moving on to my second adult book, The Stepdaughter’s Lie, there is a roan show cocker spaniel named Sasha. This is a photo of how I imagine her – the photo is actually of Lexi, a beautiful hearing dog (and brilliant charity to support and also to follow on Instagram, to see all the very cute puppies and dogs they train). Thanks to Roisin Stewart for the photo (Photo 2, cocker spaniel).
My main character, Rowan, had a traumatic past that she still struggles to deal with, decades later. So did Sasha: she was rescued from a puppy farm. She was terrified and it took time for Rowan to win her trust.
It wasn’t until after I finished writing the story that I really got how important Sasha was and what she represented to Rowan. I’ve been waiting for someone to comment on the parallels between their lives in a review, but that hasn’t happened yet, so I’ll keep that to myself for now.
But in chapter 2, this is Rowan’s thoughts about volunteering for an animal rescue charity:
I get more from it than the time I lose. Sometimes spending a few hours with a dog that doesn’t judge or care who or what I was, or am now, is just what I need.
And isn’t that why dogs make the best muses and cheerleaders? No matter what, they love you, unconditionally. And no doubt my fictional pets will continue. My secret WIP just now has a beautiful cat, Binky, and a massive Irish wolf hound called Othello.
If books and pets are your thing, I have recommendations! I love @swanseastones – Waterstones in Swansea – and their dogs who visit bookshops posts. Scooby is very sad that they are too far away to visit. Also, Scooby loves Pablo’s posts, muse of writer @jonathanmeres.
Finally … I’ve never forgiven a certain author for the sad and shocking end of Manchee. Have no fear, no matter the body count in my books, I will ALWAYS save the cat. Or dog, rabbit, hamster …
Totally with you, Teri, never kill a pet in a book! 😊
Meet Teri
Bio:
A new voice in psychological thrillers, Teri Terry’s The Stepdaughter’s Lie and The Patient both published with Bookouture this year. She is also an award-winning, internationally bestselling author of over a dozen young adult thrillers, including Slated and, most recently, a ghost story, Scare Me.
Website: teriterry.com
Instagram: @TeriTerryWrites
Facebook: TeriTerryAuthor
Thanks so much for dropping by to talk to us today, Teri. Wishing you lots of success with your new book.
Karen King 