Q&A with Shropshire Author Ahead of Debut Hardback Novel

Shropshire author, Carys Green, is about to release her debut hardback novel, Always On My Mind, on February 27th. We spoke to Carys to find out how this quirky domestic thriller came about.

Always On My Mind is the story of married couple Elijah and Anna, who on their tenth anniversary, decide to get an implant that will allow them to hear each other’s thoughts.

At first things are great and the novelty of communicating mind to mind is a thrill. But then Anna develops a strange side effect and begins having dreams that aren’t dreams, but memories. Memories that aren’t hers. And if Anna is now seeing Elijah’s memories, what if he can see hers? Will he discover what she’s kept buried in her past?

Tell us about your background and how long you’ve been writing for.

I’m 39, I’ve been writing professionally for 15 years. I previously wrote under my maiden name of Carys Jones, but as this new book is a slight departure for me in terms of genre, I’m now going as Carys Green and this is my first ever hardback release which feels really exciting. In the past I’ve worked for the NHS over in Shrewsbury at William Farr House but my dream has always been to write.

When did you decide you were a ‘writer’ and how did you know? 

When I was 23 I underwent major surgery for Crohn’s disease, and due to complications from this, I was unable to return to work for eight months. I was housebound, having daily visits from the district nurses and there was nothing to do but wait for my body to heal. And so I spent all my savings on a laptop and began writing my first book (First to Fall which went on to be published by HarperCollins). This set me on the path to being a writer, once I started writing, I just couldn’t stop! 

Tell us about the new book

To celebrate their ten-year anniversary, husband and wife Anna and Elijah get a revolutionary implant fitted, allowing them to hear each other’s thoughts. What could go wrong?  

How did you get the idea? 

Back when we were all going through lockdown, I went from being home alone with my two year old daughter to suddenly having my husband there too. All day. I was never alone from the moment I woke up to when I fell asleep and the only place I could escape for any solitude was my own mind. Which got me thinking, how would I feel if that was taken away? I had the idea bouncing in my head for three years before I sat down to write it. Ironically, it was always on my mind until that point and I knew I had to get it out! 

What is it based on?

Some of the struggles Anna goes through in the book (her fertility issues) are based on my own so it was cathartic to work out some of my feelings through her. 

How does living in Shropshire impact you as a writer, for better or worse?

I’m extremely fortunate to have met some incredible Shropshire-based fellow authors who gave me the confidence to write this book and push my career to the next level with my hardback deal. We have some amazing bookshops here like Booka and Waterstones. It is a beautiful county, one I’m proud to have always lived in. Whenever I do have to journey to London for book-related work I’m always grateful to come back to the greenery of Shropshire and home.

Who will most enjoy reading this – do you have a target reader in mind? 

I hope that any thriller fans will find something to enjoy in the book. I’m told it is similar to the works of John Marrs. I also think anyone who likes the TV series Black Mirror should hopefully enjoy the book! 

Is it in a similar vein to any other current books? 

Being speculative fiction I think there is a similarity to the work of John Marrs. But that said, I think it is a very unique spin on a domestic thriller. 

What keeps you going when you are writing? 

Many many cups of tea. And biscuits.

How hard is it to have faith in yourself and what keeps you going? 

Extremely. But I’m a very stubborn person. I always give everything I have to every book I write and I feel like I’m in a constant battle with myself to be the best I can be. I’m very hard on myself which I think helps me cope with all the inevitable disappointments that come with publishing. 

What have you learned in the process of getting this book deal and what are your top tips for other aspiring writers in Shropshire? 

A big tip would be to find your tribe. In the past, I’ve been so isolated in my writing. Finding friends who can celebrate your triumphs and commiserate when things inevitably don’t go well has been huge for me. Fellow writers can help you through the murky days when the words won’t come, and it is so valuable to have someone to bounce ideas off! I’m an introvert by nature so meeting others doesn’t come easily to me but I’m so glad I ventured out of my comfort zone and connected with other Shropshire authors who have since become firm friends. 

      

Always On My Mind is out on February 27th. Waterstones in Shrewsbury and Telford will be stocking the book or you can pre-order it here. Read an extract from the upcoming book here.