The Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness.

 

AUTHOR OF THE MONTH

 

Laura Kemp.

 

Interviewed by Irene Edwards.

 Laura Kemp has written a new book, folks. Look out for it in February 2018 in the shops. It’s called…

 

The Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness.

 

Published by Orion. ISBN…1409174837.

 

Laura Kemp writes tender, but hilarious comedies. She is a journalist, having written for the Guardian, Daily Mail and the Sun, among others. She lives in Penarth, Cardiff, with her husband, son, stupid dog and ancient cat.

 

Here’s what Milly Johnson writes about Laura Kemp’s fabulous book…

WITTY, WARM, WELSH AND WONDERFUL.

 I LOVED IT!

‘Sometimes all it takes to make the world a better place is a small act of kindness.

When Ceri Price arrives in the small seaside village of Dwynwen in West Wales, she only means to stay for a couple of nights- long enough to scatter her mother’s ashes, and then go back to her life as a successful entrepreneur.

But a case of mistaken identities means she lands a job as barmaid in the local pub, she unexpectedly finds friendship, and wonders if love might follow. But, when the plans for a new housing estate puts the local woodland under threat, she fears the way of life here could disappear.

Then mysterious acts of kindness start springing up around the village- a string of bunting adorns the streets, a new village signpost appears out of nowhere and someone provides paint to spruce up the houses on the seafront. Who is behind these acts of kindness and can they help in the race to save the village from the faceless developers…?’

 

Hi folks,

I’m Irene Edwards, and I’m delighted to tell you that I recently received the privilege of being asked to interview Laura Kemp on her thoughts towards her new book ‘The Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness’ and of her views in general.

Just prior to Christmas of 2017, Lauren Woosey, Publicity Manager for ‘The Orion Publishing Group’ kindly sent me a proof copy of Laura Kemp’s new book, ‘The Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness.’ I relished the idea of a good holiday read, and also the opportunity to interview Laura about her book. I will shortly be delighted to relate the contents of this interview. But first let me tell you how much I enjoyed this novel which is a truly great story having a well driven plot, endearing characters and a wonderful message of kindness.

To reflect on the story and give you a bit more of an insight here are a few more pointers to absorb and follow…

When Ceri Price first enters Dwynwen village she has a feeling of loss and confusion. To start with, she has no idea why her mother had requested in her will that her ashes should be taken to Dwynwen. It seemed such a sad, run down and completely shabby place Ceri thought on her arrival.

But, Ceri very soon becomes surrounded by the warmth of a wonderful Welsh welcome by the Dwynwen villagers and she begins to feel a new freedom in her soul. She even changes her name to avoid recognition as a bit of a wealthy celebrity, as she takes on a job as a barmaid at Gwen and Gwil’s pub…The Dragon.

It is here that Ceri meets the locals…Melyn Thomas who has a rented cottage available and runs Cabin Cwtch, Rhodri Cadwalader, a professional Recycling Officer, and a rather glamorous lad called Logan. As the story moves forward Laura Kemp introduces us to other  local villagers, as we begin to learn about Ceri’s other immediate neighbours.

But, I’m sorry… this is where I stop my relating… because I hope I have already whet your appetites and given you all some food for thought towards learning a lot more about Dwynwen, and what actually happened there during Ceri’s stay.

I loved the novel…everything about it really… the setting, scenery,  descriptions, the lives and warmth of the characters, the plot with its thoughtful acts of kindness, the ‘laugh out loud’ kind of humour, the style of writing with the occasional Welsh phrase, and so on, and so on. It has a little sparkle of Welsh magic in it for me, an uplifting into the world of bonds, friendships and kindness. I recommend you buy this enjoyable novel in February, and see for yourselves.

 

 

 

 

 

An Interview with Laura Kemp

 

Irene: Hi Laura…welcome to our interview.

Laura: Thanks so much for having me!

Irene: What inspired you to write your new novel ‘The Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness?’

Laura: I wanted to write a cwtch of a book that was an escape from the doom and gloom in the world. My mum has always impressed upon me how important it is to count your blessings and to be kind so I thought I could combine the two to give readers a little hope if they were feeling down.

Irene: One of my favourite sections of your new book is the pub scene when Ceri appears as barmaid and observes the apparently traditionally crazy behaviour of the locals as they gather to watch rugby on TV. I found this chapter hilariously funny and I know both rugby fans and country natives will simply love the comedy within the Welsh singing and sayings. Which is your favourite section of the book?

Laura: Oh, that scene was great fun to write! I moved to Wales in 1999 and had been as confused, fascinated and delighted as my heroine Ceri to see how the nation behaves when Wales play England! My favourite bit is the ending – it is so rewarding to pull all the strands together. I can’t say any more because I don’t want to spoil it!

Irene: There are many emotional conflicts within the novel, due to bereavements or family breakdown, and many concepts of ‘love-lost,’ ‘ fears and hang ups,’ ‘searching,’ ‘taking’  ’sadness’ as opposed to ‘ love found,’  ‘boldness,’ ‘finding,’ ‘giving,’ or ‘joy. ’ The swing of contrasts and conflictions running through the novel is interesting because it gives the story its shades of humanity. In turn, these elements provoke an emotional page-turner for the reader. When you planned the book did you set out to compare, contrast and conflict emotions and what is your writing process like?

Laura: Yes, I think every author in women’s fiction hopes to reflect real life and the intensity of emotion felt by people in those situations. I’m really thrilled you thought the book did. My process is a mixture of plotting, which is the biggest, most time-consuming chunk, and a dash of seeing what comes when I sit down to write. I do it at the kitchen table so I’m close to the kettle at all times!

Irene: How long did it take you to write ‘The Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness?’

Laura: The writing bit took ten weeks but the planning stage took several months. I have to know my characters inside out, their motivations and what journey they’re on, before I actually start writing.

Irene: What was your hardest scene to write?

Laura: There was no one scene I found harder than any other to write – every chapter is like sitting an exam because you owe it to your characters to get their thoughts and reactions pitch perfect.

Irene: If you could do one major act of kindness in this world of turmoil, what would it be?

Laura: It’s really easy to feel helpless in the face of turmoil. That’s why I think acts of kindness at ground level – doing good turns for somebody or your community – can make you feel you are making a difference.

Irene: Your new novel, Laura, holds many secrets of love, betrayal and discovery as it sets out to reveal a village where there is a real community spirit. Do you think there is still a strong community spirit to be found in some Welsh villages today, and UK wide, what more should people do to inspire kindness within the community.

Laura: Definitely! Living in Wales is one giant cwtch! People are so friendly, they look out for one another here, even in the capital of Cardiff. I encounter kindness every day where I live – it can be as minor as eye contact and a smile or a chat with a stranger in a queue. But this connection makes us feel part of something, that we belong and we want to invest in it – looking out for one another, even if that’s just picking up some litter in the street or being patient behind the wheel, can be contagious.

Irene: If you could live anywhere on this planet and take everything you love with you, where would you choose to be?

Laura: It would have to be Wales! Either, West Wales by the beach. Or in Penarth- where I live. I love it!

Irene: How many unpublished or half-finished books do you have, and have you already penned some ideas for your next book?

Laura: I’ve already written the first draft of my next one, which is due out in 2019.  I can’t tell you what it’s about yet but my editor says ‘it’s a corker!’ so fingers crossed! I don’t have any half-written or unpublished ones – but I do have lots of scribbles and notes and thoughts which I keep for future books.

Irene: What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Laura: Keep going! It is a slog trying to get published – there are lots of hurdles, from your own doubt and forcing yourself to write when you don’t want to, to getting an agent and submitting a manuscript for a book deal. There’s lots of rejection involved and while it can be very dispiriting – very! – the important thing is to take it on the chin, take any advice offered because these people are professionals and their criticism is only ever constructive, allow yourself a bit of time to feel upset but then get back up and try again.

Irene: Thank you, Laura Kemp, for taking part in this interview. May I wish you and Orion Publishing Group every success in what looks like a future best-seller.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laura-Kemp