Author Interview - Daisy James - Living Life With Joy

Today I’m excited to tell you about a new book and share an exclusive interview with the author herself!

Interview with the Author – Daisy James

What inspired you to write Sunshine After the Rain?

I wanted to write an uplifting story filled with sunshine and laughter. Evie manages a busy art gallery in London and, like many of us, has got caught up in the treadmill of life where work becomes the main focus. She takes a trip to sun-soaked Corfu where she finds the time to reassess her priorities and make some changes. Corfu is one of my favourite holiday destinations and I really enjoyed the research!

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope readers will enjoy Evie’s journey from frazzled workaholic to chilled-out artist. I hope they will cheer her on as she winds her path towards self-discovery. I also hope they will fall in love with Sam who urges Evie to reacquaint herself with what she used to love the most – painting – as well as the gorgeous setting of Corfu. Maybe I’ve even inspired readers to think of taking their next trip abroad in Greece!

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

My favourite thing is doing the research. I love setting my stories in stunning locations. I’ve mentioned Corfu, and my previous book – There’s Something About Cornwall – was, of course, set in that gorgeous county. Emilie and Matt took a road trip around Cornwall with a famously snippy celebrity cookery book writer so the story is filled with local artisan cakes and beverages. As an avid baker, I loved the research and the recipe testing!

Do you write with a plan or do you write and see where the story takes you?

I think I’m what people call a ‘plotter’. I like to have a plan before I start writing the actual story. However, the more books I write, the more I seem to deviate from the original plan. Also, I often write my stories long-hand – using a pen and paper. That is definitely something I’m working on changing!

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

I think the best advice anyone gave me is that if you truly want to achieve something, whatever that might be, then you just have to persevere, persevere, persevere. Most things that are worth doing involve some sort of hard work.

What are the things you can’t live without in your kitchen?

This would absolutely have to be my Kenwood mixer! I’m an avid cake baker (and eater) and there is usually something in the oven or cooling on the wire rack. I love decorating the cakes I make, but my artistic talents aren’t great. Thankfully they still taste the same!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My first answer has to be reading. Whenever I have a few spare moments, my nose is stuck firmly in a book. I’m also a member of our local archery club, so – if the weather is good – I snatch up my bow and do some target practice. I admit to being a fair-weather archer though! It’s really not enjoyable in the rain.

What would you be doing if you weren’t an author?

I’ve always wanted to be an author, so I guess it’s my dream career. However, if I wasn’t writing romcoms, I’d really like to write a travel biography. I love to read the stories of people who have jumped into their campervan and taken off into the sunset, had an adventure, and then written about it.

A few of your favourites…

Season – definitely has to be summer

Movie – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Scent – Anything floral, or freshly baked bread

Colour – Blue

Food – Strawberries

Book – A Year in Provence – Peter Mayle

Location – Hawaii

Red or white wine? – white or rosé, preferably with a bit of fizz

Coffee or tea? – I’m a tea addict!

Sleep in or get up early? – I’m an early bird

Apple or PC? – PC

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About the Book

Title: Sunshine After the Rain

Author: Daisy James

Book Blurb: A summer that changes everything…

Frazzled workaholic Evie Johnson has finally had enough! When she’s blamed for a publicity disaster at the art gallery she loves, she decides to flee the bright lights of London for the sun-drenched shores of Corfu and turn her life upside-down.

Under the shade of the olive trees, she picks up her dusty paintbrushes and begins to chase the dreams she had put aside for so long. But she never expected to bump into drop-dead-gorgeous Sam Bradbury – and certainly not whilst wrapped only in a towel!

A summer fling is the last thing Evie wanted but a few stolen kisses under the stars might just begin to change her mind…

Book Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads

About the Author – Daisy James

Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

Daisy James is a Yorkshire girl transplanted to the north east of England. She loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. Her husband and young son were willing samplers of her baking creations which were triple-tested for her debut novel, The Runaway Bridesmaid. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something pink and fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea – china plates and teacups are a must.