Meet the Author Monday: Nicola May

To escape a public scandal, a jilted actress journeys to Ferry Lane Market 

When soap actor Sabrina Swift loses her way due to a public scandal, she packs up her life, heads to Cornwall and finds herself running a gift shop in the quaint and quirky Ferry Lane Market.

Changing her looks and identity to keep her anonymity, the newcomer starts to make friends and enemies as she walks a frosty path in the established marketplace community.

And as rumours start circling that the outside market is going to be shut down, Sabrina is not only ensconced in an unexpected love triangle but is also faced with a difficult decision that could alter both her life and those of the inhabitants of Hartmouth forever.

Charming characters and a beautifully written setting make for a delightful and uplifting tale that explores themes of self-discovery, belonging and the importance of following your heart.

Author Interview with Nicola May:

1. If you could tell your younger writing self-anything, what would it be?

To keep writing. If you want to make a living as a writer, then you need to keep putting those books on the shelf.

2. What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

When my book, The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay got to #1 on the Amazon Kindle Store, it was such a pivotal moment for me. I got myself a new kitchen and decorated one of its walls with some gorgeous bookshelf print wallpaper.

3. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

As a spirit animal, the bee represents knowing how to make the most of your talents, and to properly understand how to use energy. I have a wonderful silver door knocker in the shape of a bee. I think they are incredibly special creatures. I also buy local honey for its healing properties internally and externally.

4. How do you select the names of your characters?

I look at gravestones and sometimes find names that aren’t so common now. I also check out names relevant to a particular area, so for my Ferry Lane Market series I research any names relevant to Cornwall. I also peruse credits from tv shows and films. 

5. If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

I would like to be either an actor or an A&E Doctor

6. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

Yes. I have a friend called Ralph; he has appeared in many books as random characters. He is the taxi driver in Cockleberry Bay and a kid with a nut allergy in The School Gates.

7. How long on average does it take you to write a book?

I write extremely fast so between 3 to 6 months.

8. How do you handle writer’s block?

I go for walks in nature and then quite often get a eureka moment. Also, I chat through current plots with my best friend, who I have known since primary school, and we work through it together.

9. What are the tools of the trade?

Mine is a laptop and a caddy full of English Breakfast tea bags.

10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written seventeen books. I have a soft spot for Working it Out, which I first self-published about Ruby Matthews who decides to take it on herself to do 12 jobs in 12 months to find the one of her dreams.

To learn more about Nicola May, here’s where you can find her: