Lucky 13 Interview With Natalie Chandler

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

The Voices is my first hardback, a high-concept reading group thriller publishing 12 February from HarperNorth.

Tamsin Shaw has been trapped in a vegetative state for three years after a tragic accident. In two weeks, her husband Jamie plans to withdraw her life support. But Tamsin is aware, and she is listening to all her visitors' secrets. She is the only one who knows what truly happened before the accident, but can she wake up in time to expose the string of crimes?

I can't tell you how excited I am to share this book with the world! It has been my obsession from the moment I started the first draft and I can't wait for readers to meet Tamsin so I can finally stop telling my friends about how much I love her.

2 – What book (if any) has had a significant impact on your life?

I really had to think about this one, because so many books have inspired me over the years, from Great Expectations to the Famous Five (George was my childhood hero), but eventually I had to conclude that Brave New World is the book that has lived in my head the longest. I always thought I wasn’t drawn to dystopia but Huxley made me question everything, including my taste in fiction and the power of soma.

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Savoury. Always. I've never had a sweet tooth, always starter over dessert. Offer me a cheeseboard and I'll be there before you can blink, and I'll only share if you're a dog or I really, really like you. 

4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. An old favourite for many years. I'm still irresistibly drawn into Lin's Bombay and this was the book that inspired my own love for travel.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Such a powerful, compelling story, and I loved the intelligence of this book. It was so far ahead of its time. 

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith. The former USSR has a special place in my heart and I adore his fierce, complicated Leo Demidov, torn between loyalty to the state and his own innate morals. 

5 – What is your favourite ever literary character?

So many to choose from. Mrs Bennet? Rupert Campell-Black? Spot the Dog? But I'm going to go for Commander Sir Samuel Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. I was introduced to the Discworld series by a good friend, and I adored Vimes from his first appearance for his imperfect, cynical goodness and his determination to do right by others.

6 – If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I've recently been converted to Marvel by my super-geek husband after previously never seeing a superhero film in my life, so I can actually give this question serious consideration. I think it would have to be teleportation. So convenient and I wouldn't have to sit on planes for hours or battle the Tube.

7 – Music or Silence when writing?

Neither. I zone out when I'm writing and don't listen, especially if my husband's talking, so it is pointless having music playing. But I also hate silence and hearing my own thoughts, so I put the TV on in the background then ignore it completely. It keeps the dogs distracted from defending the street from cats, Amazon deliveries and Beelzebub.

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

Previously I would have said my beloved Tbilisi but I've recently fallen madly in love with Barcelona and genuinely hope that one day we will actually live there. Then I can spend every day eating pintxos and sipping cava while tapping away on my laptop being a Proper Author.

9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

Mr Brightside. My bestie and I always belt this one out any chance we get. We have zero musical talent which must make it an even better experience for the audience.

10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Thick skin! Develop the hide of an elephant. Mine comes naturally after years of attempting to teach teenagers but rejections are part of a writer's life and they are tough. Even after you get an agent, get a deal, get published, you're still going to have rejections, bad reviews, one-star ratings. You just have to take them on the chin, whatever stage of the journey you're at, and have some wine, eat an entire truckle of cheese and hug your pet who doesn't care whether someone thinks your book is crap.

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?

Morgan's Dog Rescue in Cumbria. Donna does an incredible job in a very remote location taking in failed farm dogs and is constantly having to battle the elements to keep the dogs warm and safe. The other half would be buying my wonderful parents anything they wanted and a few long trips we've been planning - Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam. We would also like to adopt all the dogs and could I have a wine cellar too, please. 

12 – Horror films, yes or no? If so, any favourites?

Not my first choice, though I'll always watch a Stephen King. I like a good ghost story and I'm happy with blood and gore (The Boys is my current TV obsession) but I prefer fist fights, impossible leaps from tall buildings and manic foot chases through capital cities, so basically Mission Impossible to Deadpool and anything in between.

13 - What are you currently working on?

I'm halfway through the first draft of Book 4 for my current contract, plus I'm working on plans for Book 5, and writing a secret project that I've had squirreled away for years and am attempting to resurrect. Watch this space and send coffee.