Today we talk about A Scarred Heart, a book by R. M. Gray published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, R. M. Gray, to get to know her better, the moment that brought her to the writing of her book A Scarred Heart, as well as how she defines her writing style.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- What is the moment that brought you to the writing of your book?
Although writing was always ‘THE dream’, a huge part of my professional career has been spent teaching in secondary schools across Northern England. For me, this was a true vocation and I genuinely loved interacting with young people, striving for growth and ambition often in very testing situations. I am thankful for all of the experiences I had while working in education but I couldn’t shake off the innate calling to write. Perhaps I was haunted by the old (and, let’s face it, ridiculous) adage of “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach”, but I always knew that I had a personal point to prove which was to fulfil my own dream and actually put pen to paper.
- What is the message you want to communicate to your readers?
Every book that has touched me and left a lasting mark on my own perceptions of life has had the commonality of encouraging me to look deeper into the motivations and experiences of the characters within. I very much hope that ‘A Scarred Heart’ asks the same of my readers. Who, what, where, when or how pale into comparison if we consider why.
- What are the crucial themes of your book?
The crime scene setting of ‘The Pit’ in ‘A Scarred Heart’ wasn’t actually a throwback to Poe, although the sinister connotations obviously help. In actuality I was taken to an old Bear Pit which still exists in Yorkshire when I was a young child by my grandmother. When deciding upon a place to anchor the events of the novel I was struck by the idea of the most frightening of places being those which are seen through a child’s eyes. The notions of repercussions and the need to unpack lasting impact are central to the story as it also follows our protagonist Jill on her own journey to discover the rippling effects of her past decisions.
- How would you define your writing style?
My goal was to create a writing style which readers find to be relatable and engaging. I hugely idealize the concept of genuine connection with an audience and hope that some of my own voice is evident through parts of the text. Dealing with a complex and challenging genre type can mean that realism can appear to be a somewhat mythical beast but I have endeavoured to incorporate heart and humour into my storytelling wherever possible.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
I always intended ‘A Scarred Heart’ to be an introduction to characters who will appear in a series of novels. I am pleased to say that this series now has a title; ‘Shadows of the Dales’, the second installment of which is very near completion! This following story will look at the ongoing effects of trauma and tragedy with a specific focus on how the events in ‘A Scarred Heart’ have gone on to shape the futures of many of the original characters, particularly Jill and Sally. The concept of vengeance will be a key theme. I very much hope that readers will be eager to join me as I revisit the community and characters founded in ‘A Scarred Heart’.
Europe Books thanks the author, R. M. Gray, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book A Scarred Heart. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may this book touch and excite you. At the same time, may it be a source of reflection and provide you with ideas to apply in your everyday life.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!