An interview with Emma Kavanagh – author of Hidden

Do you plan your books in great detail, or just go with the germ of an idea, and where does that idea come from?

I am a huge planner. I even have spreadsheets! I tend to come up with a general idea of where I want my story to take the reader, and then let that marinate for a while. I’ve had book four cooking on low for the past three months whilst I complete book three, The Missing Hours. Once I’m ready to start work on it, I begin with research, research, research, finding out as much as I can about the area I am going to be writing about. Then begins the planning. This will change as the story develops – which is why spreadsheets are so useful – but I always find it easier to have an idea of where I am heading. As to where my ideas come from, I am fascinated by psychology and true crime, which is an absolute gold mine for book ideas.

How do you actually work? In silence in a study, at the kitchen table?

Oh, I would love a study…no, my study is now a nursery for my youngest son. I write in the living room on a big cozy chair that has become known as “Mummy’s work chair”. When I’m planning or researching, I can’t cope with silence. It’s too intense. I tend to have documentaries running in the background, which I half-watch to distract me from the pressure. When I’m actually writing though, it has to be in silence. I’m not one of those authors who can work in a coffee shop. Who can concentrate with all that cake?
Did you have a writing background before you began writing novels?

I’ve written short stories since I was a kid, and was a passionate writer throughout school and college. But once I started my own business (I ran a consultancy practice specialising in training police and military personnel in the psychology of critical incidents) I let the writing drop away. I was working hard and my focus was elsewhere. Then one day a story idea came knocking and simply wouldn’t leave. In the end I decided that it had to be worth a shot…

Who has inspired you in the literary world?

So many people. I adore Kate Atkinson, especially for her willingness to push herself beyond genre boundaries and try something entirely different. Another must-read I have is Barbara Kingsolver. Her use of language is just exquisite. And I can’t not mention Agatha Christie. No one plots like she does.

 Do you read while you’re writing? I know a lot of authors don’t.

I always read. I read whilst I was in labour with my first child, whilst I was in recovery from a c-section with my second. I am always reading!! I know a lot of authors can’t read anything in the genre they write as they find it interferes too much with their creativity, but I’ve never found that to be an issue. In fact, it inspires me, to read beautiful language, clever plotting, awesome characterisation. I want to be that good!

Your favourite book as a child?

I can’t just pick one!!! The Folk of the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. Matilda by Roald Dahl. Heidi by Joanna Spyri. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken. Um…how long do we have here?

What would comprise your perfect day if you had a magic wand?

Being with my husband and our boys (aged 1 and almost 4). A scrumptious breakfast which absolutely must include bacon. Going somewhere fun where we can all play. My kids are little so the dream trip has to be Disneyworld. And it is totally not because I am a complete child. Then, an early night for my boys, a nice dinner for myself and my husband, somewhere overlooking the ocean, a glass of wine, and then a comfy sofa so I can read my book.

Hobbies?

Reading (d’uh!). I love to swim and these days try to get to the pool as often as I can. And, although I rarely have time for this nowadays, I also love to sketch and paint.
Have you always wanted to write novels?

Yes. It was one of those things that I deep down always knew I would have to do. And now that I have started, the idea of stopping is like the idea of no longer breathing.
Ambitions/dreams.

My ambitions…I want to keep doing what I am doing. I want to be respected for my ability to tell a story and create characters that take on a life of their own. I want to be able to give my children the opportunity to travel and experience the world, and to teach them that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.

If you could choose one person to read your books, who would it be? 

I’ve seen this happen to a number of my author friends – a celebrity or big name author reads their book and then starts shouting about how wonderful it is. So it got me thinking, who would I want to shout about mine? Well, George Clooney would be nice (Hi, George!). But my hands down, would-immediately-pass-out-with-excitement person would be JK Rowling. I really don’t need to explain this one, do I? She knows Harry Potter, people!!!