Author Interview - Greta Alp
Greta Alp is a UK based novelist who lives with her wife, young son, and two cats. Saltwater is her debut novel coming out this November 2022.
Genre: Dark romance/contemporary romance
Q&A
Q1:
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Saltwater. I had had the idea in my head for a long time and I have finally put it down on paper. I was inspired in part by my own grief after the loss of a loved one. Violet, my main character, returns home after the death of her twin and struggles to find her new identity in this turmoil. I really let the idea flourish when visiting a beach in Brighton. There was a storm brewing and the drag of the sea in and out inspired the dark, paranormal aspects of the book as well as her tumultuous relationship with her new neighbour.
Q2:
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
I always write whilst listening to music. I have a playlist particularly for emotional scenes and I really lose myself in the feelings of my characters when writing.
Q3:
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow – so many! Tessa Bailey (It Happened One Summer) had some influence on the seaside location and grumpy MMC (male main character). I have been really influenced by Penelope Douglas and her exploration of the forbidden romance, as well as Megan Nolan and the poetry of Nikita Gill.
Q4:
Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?
My main character Violet. She’s going through the grief that I went through and trying to find her way in this changing world. She’s looking for somewhere to call home and finds it in the most unlikely person – just like I did!
Q5: What advice would you give to a
writer working on their first book?
Write first, edit later. Let yourself into the flow of the story and fix bits later. Also get yourself an editor who will go through it as you write – it’s so motivating to have people reading your work as you go and encouraging you.
Q6:
How much research did you need to do for your book?
A bit. I researched the area Saltwater is set it in and I needed to know police procedures for after someone commits suicide.
Q7:
What was your hardest scene to write, and why?
The funeral scene. I was heartbroken for Violet as I wrote it and I cried a lot! It brought up a lot of memories too.
Q8: What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?
I think a little of both. I find it important for myself as a writer not to over plot as things can change all the time, but I did write out a rough outline for each chapter and where I wanted to my characters to end up so I knew their motivations.
Q9:
What are you working on now?
Currently I’m working on promotion for Saltwater for its release in November, but I am already brimming with ideas for a second book.
Q10:
What are you currently reading?
I’m
currently reading Does it Hurt by HD Carlton.
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