The tale of Edith Rose Maye: A new novel by P.A.Davies – Q&A

Firstly, can I say a huge thank-you to those who have contacted me via e-mail or DM and shown some amazing support for the upcoming release of my new novel: The tale of Edith Rose Maye. Your interest and enthusiasm has been overwhelming!

There have been some super questions asked and – as well as replying personally – I thought it would be a good idea to list a few of those questions on here.

Please keep your comments coming through and remember that no question is a stupid question … unless it’s offensive of course. You know who you are!

So, without further ado, let’s get into the questions.

 

What is the novel about?

The tale of Edith Rose Maye is simply a story about life and all the many ingredients that go into making it – the loves, the losses, the jubilations, the tragedies and the friendships that are made along the way.

Edith’s life was no different to that of many others who lived through an era of war and ever-evolving social change, nor did she rise to the dizzy heights of public notoriety. She didn’t find the cure for some dread disease, she didn’t invent the “next big thing”; she wasn’t an activist, an author or an artist. No. Edith was just like the millions of other Edith’s in the world who merely live their lives in the best way they can.

For Edith, life was about love, family, friends and making memories that would last forever – much like a vast majority of others, I would imagine.

The tale of Edith Rose Maye is a journey of fate, fortune and circumstance: a journey that I believe will resonate with many, whilst enlighten those who are just beginning to walk along this well-trodden path.

 

Is Edith based on anyone in particular?

Edith’s character and the characters related to her story, are purely fictious though I’m sure that any person reading the story – regardless of their sex, age, colour or creed – would see a little (or a lot) of Edith’s personality traits in their own.

 

Do you use any factual content in the story?

Simply put, yes.

References to WW2, public figures and historical events are made throughout the story, with each inclusion being checked for accuracy.

That said, a little “poetic license” has been used along the way.

For example, whilst the town of Croston in the UK (in which the story is set) actually exists, the description of its physical make-up and social structure is purely a work of fiction. I just hope I haven’t offended any residents of the town by allowing my imagination to roam free!

 

 How long did it take you to write the book?

 Well. I have to admit that I am somewhat of a “lazy” writer; always procrastinating, always going off on a tangent. But, to answer your question, the novel has taken around 18 months to complete which – given my propensity to find other jobs to do – isn’t such a bad length of time I suppose.

 

Are you influenced by any other writers?

 Good question to which the answer is a definite yes. For instance, I am a big fan of Jeffrey Archer and love his style of “storytelling”. Thus – whether consciously or subconsciously, some of his style is undoubtedly mirrored within my own writing.

That said, it is of course dependent on the story I am telling. Authors such as Greg Hurwitz, Stephen King, James Patterson and Harper Lee (to name but a few) have also been an underlying influence and source of inspiration in my work.

 

 What genre do you write for?

Whilst my novels are mainly fictional, I cannot say that they are “pigeon-holed” into any particular genre. This is because I write about whatever idea comes into my head; which can be a story based around true events, erotica, war, love or adventure.

In short, no subject is off the table because I class myself as a storyteller. If a story needs to be told, I’ll tell it.

 

Do you have any tips for anyone wishing to become an author?

First and foremost, don’t write believing that you will be the next JK Rowling because – unless you are extremely lucky – that just won’t happen.

I believe it was Tom Clancy who said: “I was an overnight success, it just took me ten-years to get there!”

Secondly (which is kind of linked to the first point) don’t write for the prospect of wealth and untold riches, write because you want to, because you feel it.

Thirdly. Write your stories from the heart; with passion, conviction and belief. Do this and all that positive energy will reflect in your work, trust me.

Last but by no means least, enjoy yourself. Get excited about your characters, plots and sub-plots. Tell your most honest critiques – those who you know for sure will give you constructive feedback – about where you are in the story and where you intend to go. Believe me, these kinds of people are worth their weight in gold. That said, you need to prepared to accept positive criticism and use it wisely, not see it as a personal attack on you.

 

 So. What’s next for P.A.Davies?

A long summer break for one thing ha-ha.

After that, I will be re-visiting the novel I started writing three years ago and look to complete that by Spring 2025.

 

What’s that book about?

It’s set in the time of the Yugoslavian wars and tells the story of a disgruntled Serbian soldier who – seeing the corruption of his country and the untouchable purveyors of war crimes – decides to do something about it. Not by political lobbying or outspoken rhetoric but by using his skill as a military marksman and becoming a world class, highly sought after, hitman.

 

Sounds intriguing. What will it be called?

The current working title is “The Romanian” but like so many other things in life, that’s subject to change.

 

Thank you again for the questions and support and please, keep them coming.

You can post them on the comments section of the website, via my IG page – @padavies – or on FB: P.A.Davies – Author

 

To read sample chapters of the new novel by P.A.Davies, please visit:

https://padavies.net/the-tale-of-edith-rose-maye-sample/