The first launch event for Heartsound happened two weeks ago, the second, hot on its heels, two days later. I’m still coming down from the buzz of two fabulous events.
These launches and the audience reaction helped focus my mind on what the book’s about, so this post expands on that and explores what’s next.
Firstly, thank you to everyone who came to one or other of the events, to guest poet Scotty Clarke for reading, my guitarist John Perkins for his solo performances and Ross Bradshaw at Five Leaves for hosting us – twice!
Heartsound is currently the bookshop’s best seller, so thank you to all those who bought copies there, or ordered online.
Some interesting questions came up at the launches, so I thought I’d use this space to expand on some of the answers, now I’ve had time to reflect.
What’s the novel about?
Written during lockdown, and set against the backdrop of the Covid pandemic, the novel follows main character Chrissie from late teenage to middle age.
Part One is set in and around Bath in the south-west of England in the early 1980s. Chrissie is sixteen, and just starting college, where she meets Tara, who she falls in love with. The two keep their relationship secret, for fear of the attitudes of the day and the prejudices they encounter. Chrissie in particular is torn between the rural close-knit community she’s grown up in and her intense relationship with Tara.
Turmoil
But this double life takes its toll and leads to tensions. When Tara disappears, leaving no forwarding address, Chrissie is left to navigate the emotional fallout and heartbreak alone, until she learns who she can trust with her secret.
Fast forward to Nottingham in 2005, the setting for Part Two. Chrissie’s now 40, with a boyfriend and daughter, and the Internet has opened up new channels of communication. It’s also made it possible to trace people from the past. Chrissie and Tara reconnect, and begin a virtual relationship, which Chrissie again keeps secret. She tells herself it doesn’t matter because it’s all online. It’s only when the pair arrange to meet that reality hits home.
The final part of the book is set in 2020, when, locked down with her daughter, Chrissie starts to sort through boxes in her garage, unearthing memorabilia that reminds her of the past. Lockdown is a catalyst for her to unlock those unresolved pieces of her life.
Where did the title come from?
There were several working titles, but in the end, my publisher came up with ‘Heartsound’ – it links to the musical theme that runs through the narrative.
In the early 80s, Chrissie is into post-punk and new wave music, and many of the chapters in Part One are prefixed with songs that sound-track moments in her life.
We’ve created a Spotify playlist containing all the songs, which you can download here.
How did the novel come about?
This wasn’t meant to be my second novel, but sometimes an idea intrudes on current projects, and demands to be written. In 2020 I was working on another novel (now to be my third), when the idea for Heartsound started to take shape.
Initially it was intended as a novella, which I’d rattle off in a few weeks before getting on with what I was meant to be doing. But the characters had other ideas and the narrative took over. So the novella grew into a full length novel spanning four decades.
What’s next?
I’m now continuing with novel three, which tells the story of a bunch of baby boomers who buy up their old college building and turn it into a retirement complex for themselves. A place where they make the rules and can recreate their student days. But it doesn’t all go according to plan.
I’ll try not to get distracted this time!
Where can people buy Heartsound?
It’s available through the Inspired Quill website here, on Amazon, at various bookstores in Nottingham and Bath, including Five Leaves, A Stones Throw, and Mr B’s Emporium. It can also be ordered from any major book retailer.
What’s the response been so far?
Reviews have started to come in, which is exciting. And I’m thrilled to have received endorsements from award-winning authors including Man-Booker prize listed Alison Moore.
On the subject of reviews, they really help raise the profile of new books, so if you’ve read Heartsound, please consider leaving a review or a rating on Amazon or Goodreads.
And if you enjoy the novel, please tell your friends about it, or recommend it to your book club if you’re a member of one.
Are any more events planned?
I’m at various events throughout the summer, including States of Independence in June and Newark Book Festival in July. Details here.
I’m also talking to a few book clubs. Let me know if you’d like me to come and speak to one in your area!
I’m also considering a virtual launch for those who couldn’t make the physical events.
