I can’t believe I’m saying this, but my third novel, The Mothers of SW19, is out on August 27. I wrote it during lockdown, banging out 3000 words a day while pregnant, taking care of a toddler, and homeschooling my firstborn. I love this book. I hope you do too.
Obsession, jealousy, revenge, cliques, motherhood, female friendship, loneliness, social media influencers, journalists… The Mothers of SW19 has it all in a famous postcode.
Unassuming Emma, a blogger turned wannabe social media influencer, moves to an exclusive enclave in SW19 to get her son into the best school in the area. On the first day of school, she bumps into Annabel, a gregarious journalist who is head of the PTA.
An unfortunate misunderstanding leads to a clash, and the school gate mothers taking sides. Emma’s world has been blown apart by motherhood. As she struggles to find her new identity, she has to defend herself against Annabel and her clique. The mean girls with mortgages.
Emma learns a devastating secret about Annabel that could destroy her entire life. Will Emma play dirty to win, and what lengths will Annabel go to protect what she has?
There can only be one winner. But what will be the cost?
So, about a year or so before I started writing this book, I had an illness which caused brain inflammation and had me hallucinating and having very vivid dreams. One night, I dreamed of these three young women’s faces—all were very beautiful, with long dark hair and alabaster skin, and two of the women were identical. The third seemed a bit more on the periphery, and there was anger in her eyes.
This dream stayed with me for a while—particularly, as I felt like these women were looking right at me. I can’t remember if they did anything in the dream, or what the context was, but I remembered their faces.
And then, much later, and after I’d started treatment for my brain illness, I was visiting a charity shop and looking through a donated photo album. I turned the page and there was a photo of these three women. It really made me freeze, because it looked exactly like them. Two identical twins and another who looked very similar, maybe a sister.
It freaked me out and I left quickly, without the photo album. Yet I couldn’t stop thinking about the women—and I felt almost haunted. When I went back to buy the photo album, it had gone. But I just knew that I needed to ‘spend more time’ with these sisters, and so I began writing.
I love books about sibling rivalry. Do you have siblings!
I do, yes, and I’m quick to say that the experiences in We Are Monsters are not based on real life! I think sibling rivalry is such a fascinating thing to write about as so many people are able to relate.
Dark academia is a popular genre and going nowhere. Why do you think it resonates so much with readers?
I think there’s a strong aesthetic appeal with dark academia—the crumbling Gothic architecture, the isolated landscapes, and the powerful institutions that are never quite as they seem. Tradition is also something that’s seeped into the plot and it can be both a good and a bad thing, which gives so many possibilities to explore. There’s also quite a melancholic atmosphere that comes with dark academia, and it’s also the perfect setting for stories about rivalry as academic competition is often at its heart. The characters are also very much contained within the landscape, often unable to leave or go anywhere else, and there’s something quite frightening about that which also makes it an ideal place to set a psychological thriller.
Dark academia settings are also very much romanticised by a lot of readers. This genre represents passion for knowledge and desire to know the truth, while also immersing yourself really deeply in one aspect of life. Intellectualism is often at the heart of these stories, along with appreciation for education and the arts, and this is something that We Are Monsters really draws on: Elara is an art student living on an isolated university campus on Bodmin moor. She’s fascinated by what art can say about the human condition and what it means to be human, particularly in situations that bring out rivalry and (deadly) competition.
What is your writing routine?
The more books I write, the more I realise I just don’t have a set routine. Each book comes to me differently, and each book is written in its own individual way. But the thing that I have in common with them all is that I do very little planning. I just start writing and see what happens, and I love it when I get lost in a story and suddenly realise that hours have passed and the words have just been flowing beautifully.
I also love to hand write a lot of my drafts as I have limited vision and I find handwriting easier than typing. Luckily, I have a Remarkable Tablet which then converts my handwriting into text, which makes rewrites and editing so much easier!
What is your favourite part of being a writer?
It’s the ideas. I love getting lost in ideas and what-if scenarios. I process a lot of my own experiences through writing, and it helps me understand who I am. There’s something so satisfying about delving into the psyches of characters and becoming immersed in a story in the process.
And the worst part?
I’m one of those writers who works on about five or six different manuscripts at a time. I write under several pen names, across several genres, and I dip in and out of different stories several times a day when it is a ‘writing day’. This can be so overwhelming at times, and I often panic about it. I also often wish I was more organised and just focused on one story at a time, as then I’d get them written so much quicker!
What would you like readers to know about you?
I am a chronically ill writer, and I think it’s important to share my ‘reality’ with readers where I can. There’s often a tendency to put writers on a pedestal and think of them as these whimsical little creatures who have fun being creative all day, but I do have to treat this as a job (and it is my income!). My physical health limits what else I can do, but writing is my one constant, and it’s honestly all I’ve ever wanted to do. But I don’t—can’t—write every day. My health dictates a lot of it. I’m often writing while in hospital, dictating into my phone when my fingers are too painful, and wishing that I was well enough to write just another chapter rather than needing to rest. But when I finish a manuscript, it’s such a proud moment.
Who are your favourite authors?
I am a massive fan of Mary Kubica, Dawn Kurtagich, C.L. Taylor, Helen Oyeyemi, Susannah Clarke, Lucy Rose, Shanora Williams, Rebecca Wait, Coco Mellors, and Nova Ren Suma. I will read any books they release!
Did you always want to be a writer?
Yes! Some of my earliest memories are of me creating stories with my parents. I come from a creative family that really encouraged my imagination, and right from the start, I wanted to be a writer. As I got older, I was told by teachers I’d need to do something more practical with a guaranteed income (one even suggested I become a carpet fitter, which was…odd), but writing remained my goal.
I was a teenager when my autonomic system failed, followed by decades of health problems, and writing was the one thing that gave me an escape. My illnesses then made me more determined to be a writer, as it was a job I could still do. I’d just need to find a way to make it into an income.
I began writing under a couple of different pen names, and I was lucky enough to get my first book deal when I was nineteen, followed by my first literary agent a little while later. Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time learning about the business-side of writing to ensure that I can keep doing what I love and making it into a full-time job.
What books have you read recently and loved?
I absolutely adored Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke and White is For Witching by Helen Oyeyemi. These are definitely top reads of 2026 for me!
People, my bedroom is tidy. Why? Because this excellent book told me so. It had a positive impact, and was one of many little nuggets in this book that will enhance your life. Written by Neuroscientist TJ Power, who really knows his stuff, this book will make your 2026 the best year so far. Because it focuses on everyday habits, the advice in it all seems achievable. It is as easy to read as it is to implicate. Brilliant stuff. Get your copy now.
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In my novel, Where The Light is Hottest, Natasha Jones makes it as an actor. Going from small-town Scotland to big-time Hollywood. I was an actor for over fifteen years. I acted opposite Eddie Marsan in Junkhearts and performed on the West End in And Then They Came For Me. A play based on the life of holocaust survivor, Eva Schloss, who sadly passed away recently.
My own journey as an actor is similar to Natasha’s journey as we were both born in small towns in Scotland and moved to London to ‘make it.’ The difference is that I did not become a Hollywood superstar! You can read about why I put acting on the back burner here. I also worked as a director, casting director and producer. I still have a toe in the industry in general. Here are the essential things actors can learn from my true-to-life novel. If you want to know the truth about the film industry and acting then I recommend that you read it. It is available from Kindle Unlimited, paperback, ebook and from your local library.
Natasha’s persistence.
Natasha does not give up. That is what makes her successful. Most people who fail at acting do so because they quit. Especially as people get older and get sick of the erratic lifestyle. You lose 100% of the chances you do not take. The best way to become successful is not to quit. You can take time out, but get back to it.
Keeping her goal in mind.
Natasha focuses on the win. She knows what she wants and what she needs to do to get there. When you focus on a goal it stays in your mind. You work towards it without even knowing sometimes. Read the trades like The Stage, know what is being cast. Network.
Perfecting her RP accent.
You need to be able to do a good RP (received pronunciation) accent. You should also be able to do a good American accent. I was once at an audition and they saw I put that I was good at an Australian accent on my CV. I had never done one before, but I had to do it on the spot. Thankfully, I passed, but it is better to be prepared.
Putting herself out there.
You should be proud at your courage. To choose a creative life is brave. It can be a hard life and a lot of people would never put themselves out there. It is hard to be on stage and make yourself vulnerable. To go to auditions and face rejection again and again. Do it, and be proud. Putting yourself out there is the only way to become successful.
Making her own work.
Natasha starts a production company and starts making films with her friends. Even the best, and most successful, actors can be out of work for years. We live in a new world and making your own work on TikTok and Instagram can get you seen and make you money. YouTube is another great option. I made a comedy web series which a casting director saw and then they cast me in a few things. Acting has never been more democratic than it is now. It is not easy to make successful social media accounts, but it is possible. My socials are below if you want to follow me. I will follow you back.
Not forgetting to actually live.
Being an actor is all-consuming. It feels like if you step off the treadmill then you might miss an audition or a job. I certainly thought that and I put my life on hold too much. I remember I went skiing once and my agent called me when I was up a mountain. I seriously considered jumping on a plane home, after skiing down the mountain, of course. I am glad I saw sense and turned the job down. Life is for living. Life experience also makes you a better actor.
The best thing about having your book published is the reception it gets. When the reviews start coming in and people tell you they read it and enjoyed it. That is gold. Where The Light is Hottest went on a blog book tour with Rachel’s Random Resources. I cannot recommend doing this enough. It’s a wonderful experience and the dedicated book bloggers and influencers make such a difference to the book community.
Scottish soap, River City, is sadly coming to an end. I got my first acting break on River City. I was an incredibly ambitious 18-year-old who had studied acting at college and was desperately trying to get as many auditions as I could. Auditions are hard to get so I was doing extra work to earn money and get some on-set experience. An actor didn’t turn up and I was picked out alongside one other woman to audition for a small part with lines. I was the one who aced it, and got my first ever speaking role on TV, and the BBC no less.
The scene was in a cafe. I ordered a drink from Luca, the character that all of the women fancied. My heart was beating fast, and I was happy. Exhilarated. I knew this was a great credit to have. When the episode came out I watched it with my family. I was left with a feeling that anything was possible. A moment of luck gave me my first proper acting credit. In truth, these moments of luck, along with a huge amount of talent, work ethic and perseverance is they key to success in any creative career.
Seeing myself onscreen was a learning curve. I was a teenager with terrible roots, who needed her blonde highlights redone. I was wearing a coat that looked instantly unfashionable the moment I saw it on screen. I cringed when I saw myself, but I delivered my lines well.
The main character in my book, Where The Light is Hottest, is based on my own experiences. Unlike me, Natasha doesn’t quit when things are going well. She continues on going from small town Scotland to big time Hollywood. As acting books go, Where The Light is Hottest, is a no-holds barred, real and raw inside into what it takes to make it as an actor. My acting career was a wild ride that left me with a lifetime of stories. The highs were like nothing else, but the lows were crashing. All thanks to that moment on the set of River City. Thank you. The show is supposed to end in 2026, but people are protesting and there is a petition. Good luck, River City. Long may you burn bright.
I’m reading your book, Greek Myths: Folk Tales and Legends, with my 10-year-old son at the moment. We are both loving it. Where did the idea come from?
The idea landed on my lap from the Greek gods and goddesses themselves I reckon (ha) and in the form of a modern day Hermes in my literary agent, Jo Bell, whom Scholastic had contacted to see if she represented anyone of Greek origin who might like to write the book as part of their Classic series. I submitted a draft retelling Medusa and another as the first was a little too mature for 8-12s and was commissioned to retell 20 myths. What followed was a period of immersive and meticulous research prior to allowing myself creative licence to retell these famous and some rare stories too, for a modern audience. It was a joy to reconnect with my ancestry and culture, the process provided intellectual stimulation and by the end I’d felt like I’d crammed a Classic MA into a year!
What is your writing process? I would submit 3 stories at a time to my diligent editor Bella and enjoyed working in batches, writing a minimum of two drafts of each story, before sending on for feedback and then rewriting. Writing is all in the rewriting after all. I had several months to write each batch and would aim to write 500 words a day as a minimum. I shed characters that didn’t drive the stories forward and invented poems and songs within the plots so these stories are very much my own interpretations, based and inspired on the original myths written over 2500 years ago. I used my experience as a screenwriter to create what I hope are memorable, cinematic stories children could imagine with ease. I wanted history to come to life for the reader.
This is your second book. Does writing them get any easier? I think when you’re passionate about a project, in my case anyway, I tend to hyper fixate on it and write, and write and write. I loved the research required here and returning to the earliest versions of these myths I could find, and then working from there, in many cases righting some of my ancestors’ wrongs in the process.
I find you inspirational. You are a mum-of-three, an influencer, broadcaster, and writer. How do you manage to juggle it all? I think I often fail, freak out, feel burnt out and struggle with imposter syndrome as much as I experience career milestones and highs, just like everyone else. In terms of the practical infrastructure in place, my youngest is at pre school and my parents help out in the holidays. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a village to raise a working mum.
Emotionally, I oscillate between feeling confident and content and completely unworthy and sometimes in a single day. Sleep deprivation doesn’t help. My 4 year old has never been a great sleeper so that hasn’t helped with regulating emotions but I take each day as it comes, it’s the only way. Creative pursuits feel healing and give me purpose.
What advice do you have for other working mothers? Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t. That applies to every area of motherhood, careers, friendships and relationships. If you want to write, try to commit to 200 words a day or 500, whatever feels possible. Know that each phase passes, the best of phases and the worst.
You interviewed Keir Starmer. Tell us about the experience. It was a surprise to receive an invitation from No 10 asking if I’d like to interview Sir Keir Starmer during a school visit in Reading so we could discuss the success of the first 500 Breakfast Clubs rolled out across the country. 1 in 3 parents sadly struggle to provide breakfast for their children so these clubs are helping the most vulnerable, with many more planned. They will also serve working parents who are time-short on a morning, providing additional free childcare along with breakfast for children. The PM shared that he was committed to help improve the workplace for working parents. I’ve spoken in Parliament on several occasions, collaborated with the Department of Education and helped encourage the Online Safety Bill to be passed onto The House Lords (which it was and is now the Online Safety Act 2023). Politics is an area I’m interested and invested in although I couldn’t stand as an MP currently with a young child and two teenagers but I’d like to work more in this sector, continuing to advocate for working parents in particular.
Who else would you like to interview? I think Jacinda Ardern, the former PM of NZ would be top of my list. The way she led from the heart and during the pandemic under such unprecedented times, turned everything on its head that we’ve been led to believe about leadership. She’s an inspiration.
You’re incredibly supportive of other women. As well as being open and honest. What can women do to support each other? I think working on yourself is number 1, accessing therapy if you can or working on meditation/ yoga/ self improvement because operating from a healed place makes us the best and most calm and in control version of ourselves and in turn better friends, parents and allies to others. Ascertaining what your triggers are, if you are holding onto trauma or internalised misogyny for eg allows you to work through learnt behaviours and patterns and bad experiences, that might be harmful or destructive to yourself and others. I’ve had years of therapy and have found them to be life changing. There are a lot of women professing to support others when in truth, they haven’t done the work to fully champion those they profess to be behind. I am lucky to have a supportive community around me and have always enjoyed championing others, there’s a genuine ‘helper’s high’ from seeing others shine. I know myself deeply and I know there’s room for us all to thrive but only when we work side by side.
Tell us an interesting fact about you. I came 4th in the North in Junior Masterchef at 11 in the regional heats. My Dad was gutted I didn’t make the TV show as they only needed 3 contestants. My caterpillar brows at the time are forever thankful I didn’t. Another plus is that I learnt to cook well like high end fare and I wasn’t even a teen. My first week at uni was cooking 3 course meals for the other students in my halls. My Mum still laughs that I asked for a dinner set before I left home!!
I would also say as a bonus fun fact, that many don’t know I had what feels like another lifetime of a career as a screenwriter and filmmaker before pivoting into the digital world. My dream is to return to that industry one day.
You have had an amazing year. What’s next for you? Ooh, I’m not sure, a novel or screenplay perhaps, I relish a challenge and have a few ideas which I believe ‘have legs’ as they say in the film industry!
Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends for 8-12 year olds, published by Scholastic UK is OUT NOW in all good books shops and onAmazon.
“I’ve never read anything quite like Alchemy of Secrets – it’s full of adventure and magic and quirky twists will keep you guessing until the very last line.”
– Jodi Picoult
Alchemy of Secrets By Stephanie Garber will be published in hardback by GOLLANCZ on the 7th October 2025.
In a world that can be a bit much there is nothing I love more than escaping into a book, and, damn, does Stephenie Garber let you escape. Alchemy of Secrets is much anticipated and I was honoured to receive a copy. This book feels like the perfect autumn read. Partly set in a university class about urban legends and myths, you feel like you are immersed in a magical world. It is full of adventure as you are taken on a tension-filled treasure hunt through Los Angeles.
Set in old Hollywood, it is full of the glamour you would expect. I found it an enchanting read with a whole lot of twists. With first-class world building, characters that you will love and be frustrated by, and an original story that sweeps you away, Alchemy of Secrets is a stunner.
I love the way Stephanie Garber writes. Her books are highly addictive and fast paced. I was completely gripped through this book. It ends in a bit of a cliffhanger and is full of glorious lore. I can’t wait for book two.
It starts with a class in an old movie theatre.
Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor.
Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction. There isn’t a man in Hollywood who you can call to find out the time you’ll die. There’s not a haunted hotel bar in Los Angeles that the devil likes to frequent. There’s no such thing as magic.
But . . . most students don’t have the same tragic past as Holland St. James.
Now a graduate student, Holland is hoping to use her thesis to rewrite her past by proving that some of the most infamous deaths in old Hollywood were actually murders committed by the devil. She has no idea that this quest will lead her into a deadly world of century-old secrets and unimaginable lies and onto the path of two very dangerous men, both of whom are willing to do whatever it takes to find a magic that will either forever alter Holland’s life or completely destroy it.
Alchemy of Secrets is the first adult novel from global fantasy phenomenon Stephanie Garber, the multimillion-copy bestselling author of the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series.
About the author: Stephanie Garber is the No. 1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of the Caraval series and the Once Upon a Broken Heart series. Her books have been published in thirty languages.
