Lucky 13 Interview With Hayley Barker

1 – Can you start by telling us a little about your latest book?

Show Stealer, which was published in the UK last September, is the second part of a duology and the sequel to Show Stopper. They are YA dystopian thrillers set in a deadly circus.

2 – Are you a plotter or a panster?

A panster. Whenever I plot, I end up diverting from my plans so much that there doesn’t seem much point bothering in the first place! I usually have a fairly clear idea in my mind of the end scene, so I write the first line and go from there!

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Savoury (but, also, chocolate!)

4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte, Wonder, by R Pallacio, Ulysses, by James Joyce (The last one because I’ve never had the patience to read it - this would be the perfect opportunity!)

5 – Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars - my husband and children will be very upset if I say otherwise!

6 – Music or Silence when writing?

Silence.

7 – You’re a professional wrestler. What would your ring name be?

Oooh, that’s a tricky one. I guess it would have to be ‘Not So Giant Haystacks,’ as he’s the wrestler I remember most from being a kid, and I’m called Hayley!

8 – If you could live anywhere in the world, and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose?

The Maldives. Sigh, just thinking about being there makes me feel calm!

9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

Crazy, by Patsy Klein.

10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Give up ironing! I swear I’d never had found the time to write if I bothered ironing anything. Just dry it carefully and save yourself hours!

11 – You win £1 million, but you must give half to charity. Which charity do you chose, and what do you do with the rest of the money?

I’d choose Cancer Research. This most evil of diseases has caused so much pain and devastation to my close friends and family this year. With the rest of the money, I’d want my husband to give up work, or at least cut down on his hours—he hates his job —and I’d go on an amazing safari holiday with my family.

12 – Horror films, yes or no?

Yes, but not on my own!

13 - What are you currently working on?

I’m writing an adult thriller. My agent likes it so far, which is a huge relief as it’s a change of genre for me and means we will have to attempt to find a new publisher. I’m currently working on a second draft. Watch this space, hopefully!