I am delighted to introduce Jo Worgan today, to tell us about her writing life and her novel, Picking up the Pieces. Before we hear from her, here is a little about the book:
A compelling new novel about a mother’s love for her
autistic son.
Kate has a six-year-old autistic son, Sam. She has started a
new life to escape her controlling and abusive boyfriend Jake and thinks that
the past is behind her and that she and Sam are safe. But after spotting Jake
through a misted-up cafe window, Kate knows that he has found her.
Kate confides in her neighbour Matt, a man running from his
own past. He seems to offer a genuine chance at happiness for her and son Sam,
but Jake is determined to get them back at all costs….
Picking Up The Pieces is an original, moving but gripping
page-turner about a woman’s search for happiness as she fights to protect her
autistic son’s future.
Welcome to Books, Life and Everything .Thank you so much for
agreeing to answer some questions on my blog about your writing.
Would you like to start by telling us a little about
yourself and how you started as a writer?
Hello, and thank you
for inviting me on your blog. I’ve been married to Andrew for twenty years, we
met at school, and we have two sons. My youngest son was diagnosed with
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of three. I studied English
Literature and Drama at University, but then decided to go down the healthcare
route, which eventually led to me becoming a renal nurse. I worked on a busy
dialysis unit and renal ward, firstly in Liverpool and then later in Dorset.
I’ve always loved reading and writing stories, ever since I
was a little girl, but this had only been for me. The real catalyst I suppose
was when I wanted to share the support and help that I had received for my son
both before and during his diagnosis, which then led to writing my fist
non-fiction book. This gave me the confidence to carry on writing and to
eventually feel brave enough to write fiction.
Your latest novel is called, Picking up the Pieces.
Without spoiling the plot, could you let us know a little about the story?
Yes, no problem. Picking Up The Pieces is fundamentally
about the importance of family, of friendship and protecting your child at any
cost. The novel revolves around Kate, who is a single mum to Sam, her
six-year-old autistic son. She believes that her past is now far behind her, as
is her abusive ex partner, but she soon learns that she is not safe, and her
life as she knows it will be turned upside down.
One of the themes of Picking up the Pieces revolves
around having a family member on the autistic spectrum. How far have you drawn
on your own experience in writing the novel?
Although Sam is not my son, he does share some of his
characteristics. The difficulty is that autism is a spectrum condition and that
no two individuals are the same. I drew on my own situation and understanding,
as I think that this is what all writers do, you write about what you know.
But, at the same time I did conduct my own research and read many accounts and
stories from both autistic individuals and family members. Sam is an entirely
fictional character.
Was writing your second novel harder than the first?
I found this novel much easier to write than An
Unextraordinary Life. I think the main reason was because this story had been
bubbling away inside me for years. I started with a rough idea of how it began
and ended, and I just took it from there.
You have written both fiction and non-fiction. How does
your approach to writing differ, if at all?
That’s a really interesting question. My approach to writing
fiction is very different. When I wrote my non-fiction books I knew the topics
that I wanted to cover, and so each chapter was devoted to that one area. It
was information that I wanted to share. Writing fiction is very different, as I
must consider plot, pacing, location, characterization and the story arc. I had
notebooks full of character ideas, plot notes and general brainstorming ideas,
that eventually came together to form the novel. I love the creative process
that is involved in writing fiction, for me it’s pure escapism.
Can you give any hints about any upcoming books you have
planned?
I’m working on a new novel now that revolves around a young
woman coming to terms with sight loss. It’s about learning to take risks in
life and that we sometimes need to trust others and take that leap of faith.
I’m really enjoying writing it and hope to have it finished by the end of the
year.
Finally, do you have 3 words which sum up Picking up the
Pieces?
Oh my, that’s a tough
one. Three words? Okay, they would have to be family, love and hope
Thanks, Jo. It will be fascinating to read your next novel when it comes into print!
About the Author
Jo Worgan is a freelance copywriter, columnist and book
blogger. She has published 4 non-fiction works aimed at parenting children on
the Autistic spectrum, based upon her experiences as a mother of an autistic
son. Writing is what she truly loves, and Picking up the Pieces is her second
novel following her first, An Unextraordinary Life. Today Jo lives in Lancashire
with her husband of 19 years and their two young sons. When she is not busy
writing, she likes to take her boys to the local museums, cafes, cinema, the
Lake District and lots of playgrounds.
Thanks to Kelly Lacey of LoveBooksGroup for a place on the tour and Jo Worgan for her author post.
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