Tag Archives: Kathleen Harryman

TWICE A BROKEN BREATH

Posted on by September 22, 2023

 

Hi, Friends:

I’m happy to announce that I’ve just published my 13th book and first suspense novel, Twice a Broken Breath.

Although many of my novels have suspenseful elements in them, this is the first story that is officially in the suspense genre. I came close in my last book, All That Was Taken, a suspenseful love story. The setting in that book, a sleepy beach town on the California coast, couldn’t be more different from the unique, electric pace of New York City in Twice a Broken Breath.

While several characters in my previous novels ventured into “The Big Apple,” this is the first book set there.

Here’s the blurb:

She stole his world. He’s got twenty-four hours to get it back.

Although Liam Tallamore can’t remember the first fourteen years of his life, he’s built a happy home with his wife, Carly, and their two children in suburban New Jersey … until one Friday afternoon when everything changes.

While cashing his paycheck, he’s told his bank accounts have been emptied. Once at home, he learns Carly has left him for her first love—one he never knew existed. Most devastating of all, she’s taken their eight-year-old daughter, Rayelle, and is preparing to leave the country. As if things couldn’t get worse, he has no idea where their twenty-year-old son is or why he’s been unreachable for the past two months.

With total distrust in law enforcement and no clues to guide him, Liam hops on a train to New York City, Carly’s hometown. Through the next twenty-four hours, Liam goes on a wild, unforgiving, frantic search through rain-soaked Manhattan, experiencing the brightest and the darkest humanity has to offer. This is the story of a man who refuses to quit, determined to find “a needle in a haystack,” and who, in searching for the children he loves, doesn’t yet realize he’s searching for himself as well.

* * *

Twice a Broken Breath is both a plot-driven and a character-driven story. It was exciting to write a book that had so much happening in such a limited amount of time. Interestingly enough, during the time I wrote the bulk of the book, here in Los Angeles, we had the longest stretch of rain I can ever remember here. So, as I wrote one rainy scene after another, I thanked Mother Nature for accommodating me with such inspiring sound effects.

The writing of this book held so many surprises for me. Several minor characters ended up having a role in the story that I hadn’t foreseen. As I’m sure many writers can relate to, sometimes we are the last to know what secrets the characters hold or the importance they play in our story. The ending was the dead last thing I could have imagined. It’s special when stories are told to the storyteller.

Lastly, I’d like to share this book trailer, put together for me by the talented Kathleen Harryman. (If you’re interested, visit her website and see what she can do for you.) Thank you, Kathleen!

Twice a Broken Breath, like all of my books, is available in Kindle or paperback, and is free to Kindle Unlimited readers.

You can purchase the book here: mybook.to/TwiceBroken

Thanks for stopping by.

Best wishes to all,

Lisette

COLLABORATING ON A NOVEL WITH A FRIEND

Posted on by December 1, 2019


Co-Authors Kathleen Harryman and Lucy Marshall talk about their collaboration on The Promise, a World War II romance.

 

Lucy Marshall (left)
Kathleen Harryman (below)

 

 

Kathleen: I’ve known Lucy for years, she’s a superb actress and friend. We first worked together on my thriller When Darkness Falls; Lucy played The Yorkshire Slasher in my promotional film. When she came to me about a World War II romance, I was on board from the beginning.

Lucy:  I have always been so interested in Kathleen’s work, I find her so inspiring and caring. She’s a wonderful friend, and I’ve really enjoyed reading her books. I have read When Darkness Falls three times now. It’s hard not to read it without imagining myself playing the main character when you’re an actor.

I’m always told, “if you are struggling for acting work then make your own.” It is a source of inspiration which keeps me furthering my belief not only in myself but also in helping others.

I used to spend most of my weekends in my caravan on the Yorkshire coast. It was a war memorial in Filey that started to give me the idea for The Promise. The stories around World War II have captivated me for many years. As I had a lot of time to myself, I started to think of the story of one girl’s courage and passion to help in the war.

After I worked with Kathleen on When Darkness Falls, I knew we both had a passion for bringing stories to life, and I needed to work with her again. When I asked Kathleen if she could help me write a script from the synopsis of The Promise, it overjoyed me when she wanted to turn it into a book. I can’t thank Kathleen enough for all the hard work she put into researching and bringing each character to life.

Kathleen: I’d always thought about writing a story based on my grandfather, who died in France, as part of the second phase in the D-Day Landings. My dad was only a small boy when his dad died. The stories he’d tell me, and those of my great uncles, filled my mind with such pride and awe. Lucy gave me that shove, and together we merged Lucy’s idea for a World War II love story with my grandfather’s bravery. We also incorporated the stories of my other family members. In Arthur Shearsmith’s chapter, this really happened. Arthur Shearsmith was my mum’s dad (my grandfather) and having undergone his training ready to fight, his appendix burst as they were about to leave for France. He never made it to France or the frontline. Instead, the military utilised his skills as a metalworker in Hull. These personal stories helped to shape mine and Lucy’s vision for The Promise and the story.

Lucy: I’ve had many people tell me how much they love The Promise. How the story has sent them on a roller coaster of emotions and how they have told all their friends about it. I knew what would happen in the story and it still had me bursting into tears when reading it.

One of my acting friends bought The Promise for her mother as her holiday read. She loved it so much she told all her friends and people on holiday to read it.

I feel so admired when people say how much they loved it and how they couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. I’m always having a look at Goodreads and Amazon for the reviews, I just can’t help myself.

Kathleen: The Promise isn’t only about the war and the historical facts surrounding World War II. It’s about the people that fought, and that remained, working together to keep the country going. It’s about real people, and real circumstances interweaved with fiction. I think that’s why readers go on a journey with each character, they really feel their struggle and uncertainty, and their loss. Maybe it’s why The Promise has had so many great book reviews and why Readers Favourite awarded it five stars.

Lucy: When I mentioned to Kathleen that I had already thought of some actors to play the roles, she wanted to meet them straight away. I got all my friends to send in their head shots and then we had a meeting at Kathleen’s. They all felt so welcomed and were all excited to read the story. I can’t wait to see them bring each character to life and start working with them. They are all so passionate about their work.

 

Kathleen: Lucy’s suggestion to get some of her acting friends to come around to my house was brilliant. We sat munching on crisps and biscuits, drinking copious amounts of coffee, discussing The Promise. I got such a buzz out of it, and we based many of the characters on the people sat around the table that night. It really helped to build the characters, and what I also found was that the story took a different shape because of it. We made connections and relationships between characters that night that we hadn’t even thought of; it was how everyone interacted and talked that brought about such a shift in the story. For a writer to see and talk with your characters, in your head is how a story normally comes together. But to have them right there physically with you, talking and laughing… wow, it blew my mind.

Lucy is a source of inspiration and her enthusiasm is encapsulating. I’d definitely write another book with her. We got on so well, bouncing ideas off each other until the words flowed.

Kathleen: Co-writing The Promise with Lucy was a dream. Lucy and I have a healthy friendship. We both understand the day-to-day pressures each of us are under. This made our co-author collaboration for The Promise work seamlessly, allowing each other time and space to form ideas and to get it down on paper. Lucy’s dyslexic, so it made it easier for me to do the writing and research. Personally I feel that’s why our co-author collaboration worked so well, with just one of us doing the writing. It also allowed for the book to have one distinctive writing style.

I’m lucky because Lucy had already scoped out her plans for the story when we talked about writing The Promise. I just added the meat to the bones, undertaking the writing and research. We went on location together, with Lucy showing me the house which she wanted to use as the convalescence home, which would become The Turnstones. We also spent a lot of time going over ideas, on how we wanted the story to flow. Lucy’s great because she had some clear and clever ideas. I just made them work in the story. I think our partnership worked because we are friends and we both respect each other. I’ve seen Lucy on stage, and she’s captivating. It was that magnetism that instantly made me sign onto the project.

The key things that worked for me when writing The Promise with Lucy, was the amount of planning and discussion we had at key stages of the book. As character relationships changed and developed, we’d talk about how this impacted on the story and where we wanted to go with it. Because Lucy had some really clear ideas and an incredible outline, I understood what she wanted. We also allowed each other time and room for ideas to grow. Never adding deadlines onto each other, made our working relationship easier. What might surprise people, (given that both Lucy and I are the creative type), is that we have never argued. We get along really well, and admire and respect each other, we’re open and honest, and I feel that The Promise in part reflects our own relationship.

Lucy: I couldn’t have felt more comfortable working with Kathleen. She is a pure delight and so inspiring. She was so supportive when I mentioned about my dyslexia and we worked together to bring The Promise to life. I always look forward to our little meet ups as we both always have so much to catch up on. Her husband and daughters always make me feel so welcome when I go to see them. I keep thinking of little ideas that could be our next project to work on. When I worked as the Yorkshire Slasher in When Darkness Falls I knew it was only just the start and we would be working together so much more. I ended up reading When Darkness Falls again and then read The Other Side of the Looking Glass. Both of those books pulled me in and I couldn’t put them down. She is so creative and I’m not surprised she is an award-winning storyteller. She is a true friend and I am so happy we get to share this journey of The Promise together. I hope we get to do something else and share the experience again.

I loved our time onset of When Darkness Falls, Kathleen knew exactly what she wanted and how she wanted me to play the Yorkshire Slasher, I loved it! Thank you for everything you have done Kathleen, I really can’t thank you enough.

 

CONNECT WITH KATHLEEN & LUCY

Amazon (The Promise)

Kathleen Harryman: Amazon Author Page

Kathleen Harryman: Website

Lucy Marshall: Twitter

Kathleen Harryman: Twitter

Kathleen Harryman (BookBub)

CHAT WITH KATHLEEN HARRYMAN

Posted on by April 27, 2017

Kathleen Harryman lives in York, England with her husband, two daughters and family dog and cat. Kathleen has always enjoyed reading, and grew up reading Enid Blyton, The Famous Five and The Secret Seven. Such stories have fueled Kathleen’s imagination, allowing her now to write her own stories.

What is your latest book?

My latest book is called When Darkness Falls This is my second novel after The Other Side Of The Looking Glass, which was more of a suspense than a psychological thriller like my second book.

How did you choose the genre you write in? Or did it choose you?

With both my books the genre really chose me.

I never really set out to write suspense, or psychological thrillers; however, I find that that is where my writing leads me.

What I like about this particular genre is the questions that it raises. I find human nature very intriguing; why do we act so differently to the same situation. Is it nature or nurture that makes us act the way we do? This in its self opens up a huge debate.

I hear you have some very exciting news! Can you share it with us?

Yes, I am currently writing a two-part book.

What I wanted to do here was look at things firstly from the killer’s perspective, take it ten years later when killing starts again, and look at it from the police/detective’s perspective.

I am hopeful that the first book in this duo will be out early 2018. (I’d better get writing!).

How often do your characters surprise you by doing or saying something totally unexpected?

Lots of times. That’s beauty of writing. I always have an idea of what I want the characters to be like, and then all of a sudden, they will do something completely out of character that will take me by surprise. I think this keeps the characters real. I know I can relate to this.

It also makes the story more interesting for the writer, as you have to look for ways out of the situation that your characters have gone themselves, and you into.

 Some authors, like me, always write scenes in order. But I know some people write scenes out of order. How about you?

I definitely write my scenes in order, this keeps the story flowing for me. I also feel that it also allows the characters to develop more. I think I would find it hard writing out of order and then piecing it back together.

Is it important for you to know the ending of a book before you write it? The title?

I like to have some understanding of how the book is going to end. The setting has more flexibility, but the ending for me is very important, as I tend to work up to this; bringing everything together. However, when I’d finished When Darkness Falls and finished editing, I found that there was something missing, so added the Epilogue. Looking back, and from the reviews I’ve received, I’d made the right decision.

The title I’m not always so stringent with.

I changed the title of both The Other Side Of The Looking Glass, and When Darkness Falls, a few times before I felt that it was right for the book.

Have you ever written characters that you truly despise?

Yes. It sounds strange doesn’t it. But I find that these characters add a lot of depth to the story and give it meaning. We don’t like everyone we meet in life, for one reason or another, and for a book to connect there always has to be a character, or two that you’re not going to like. To me it keeps the story real, and that’s important.

The strangest part about writing a book from the killer’s perspective, is that they haven’t been written to be liked; however, I still needed the reader to understand them, and though they may not agree with their methods (given that she’s a serial killer), it does help to create some likeability towards the character.

 What are the three things you think we can all do to make the world a better place?

My three things would be:

  1. Smile more. Smiles are infectious, if you’re smiling chances are you’ll pass that smile onto someone else. Being happy has got to make the world, better, right?
  2. Kindness; it doesn’t take much. Sometimes we all just seem to spend too much time rushing around, that we never stop, and think about our own actions, and how they affect other. Being kind isn’t about some great big gesture. Opening a door for someone; picking something up that has been dropped, or a simple ‘hello’ can make a huge difference on our general wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us.
  3. This one is a bit radical, but what would happen if for one day only, we put away our mobile devices and actually talked face to face. Went for a coffee, or a drink. I sometimes think that communication is getting lost as quickly as technology advances. A day away from the whole world. A day spent in great company not worrying about missing a text or the anything, could in the long run make us happier, and the world a slightly better place to be. I did say it was radical…

 

What’s the coolest surprise you’ve ever had?

When our main computer went bang, I found it increasingly difficult to keep up with my writing. My husband came home and gave me an apple. I looked at him with a blank look on my face (I wasn’t hungry). After a bit, I think he took pity on me, and gave me an Apple Mac computer. I cannot tell you how much difference that one gift has made; huge. I even think I’m getting a little more techno, but don’t tell my kids, I swear they were born with a computer in their little hands.

Definitely the coolest present for me, ever.

Were you “born to write” or did you discover your passion for writing later in life?

I have always loved to make up stories. When I was very young I would pretend that I was an author, and that I had written lots of books.

I absolutely love writing and creating a story. Seeing the story come to life is a wonderful experience. It’s like being transported into another world, and watching the scenes unravel.

The hard part for me was finding out if I was capable of projecting my story enough to make other people love it as much as I do.

 Do you dread writing a synopsis for your novel as much as most writers do? Do you think writing a synopsis is inherently evil? Why?

Synopses are so hard. In a few short lines, you have to sum up hundreds of pages of writing. That’s really hard to do.

Evil? Yes, it’s definitely like taking a trip to the dark side.

The hardest part of writing is the synopsis. You have to consider what can be left out, and what needs to be left in. A lot happens in a book, and all of a sudden you have to make someone want to consider your full manuscript in a few words. How do you do that?

It sounds impossible, doesn’t it? And in some respects that is exactly what it feels like.

A manuscript could be rejected, not because it isn’t any good, but because the synopsis isn’t selling the manuscript. A synopsis is a very important selling tool.

 We all know the old saying; you can’t judge a book by its cover. This is true. However, how much importance do you place on your book cover design?

A cover design is what makes a book stand out, and is as important as the story within.

The book cover is what everyone is going to see first. It gives that appeal factor, and without words, invites someone to pick it up. This is the hard part. A story can’t sell itself, it needs a cover to say ‘look at me’ and ‘come on, you know you’re interested’. Then comes the blurb at the back of the book to entice the reader even more.

I had a lot of input regarding both my book covers and I’m completely blown away with how they’ve turned out.

 Care to brag about your family?

I have an absolutely wonderful family. I have two sisters, one of which is my identical twin. I tell my two daughters that a sister is the best friend they will ever have.

I had so much fun growing up, and it’s always great knowing that I have two sisters to share those times, and to reminisce with.

To me, family is one of the most important things in life. With family, you are never truly alone, even if they don’t always get you, I know that they love me. Pretty special eh!

 If you had a million dollars to give to charity, how would you allot the funds?

My dad was recently diagnosed with cancer; thankfully they caught it early and were able to operate and remove it. He is still undergoing treatment, but things are looking really good, and the doctors and everyone are really pleased with how he is doing. Until then didn’t really appreciate what a wonderful job the cancer charities do. So, I would probably split the money between the different cancer charities and those for animal welfare.

I love animals, and I’m a real softie when it comes to their welfare. It makes me really sad to see them being mistreated, or near to extinction, or removed from their natural habitat, which is why I would split the other half of the million to give to animal welfare.

If you could have one skill that you don’t currently have, what would it be?

I would really love to be able to speak another language, and admire anyone that is multilingual. This is definitely a skill I would love to poses.

 What’s your biggest pet peeve?

I have family dog, and my biggest peeve are dog owners that don’t clean up after their dog.

When my eldest daughter was four she fell over and got covered in dog poo, simply because an irresponsible owner hadn’t cleaned up after their dog.

Things like this shouldn’t be happening. We now even have dog bins to throw our dog poo in, so there is no excuse.

 What simple pleasure makes you smile?

I love the stars, and the early morning before everyone wakes up.

I get up super early in a morning 3:30am, and it is just a lovely time of the day, the birds are chirping, and I’ve seen the odd fox and deer. I even saw an owl one day. I said “Hello gorgeous” to him, he was that close. He flew off of course, but did say “T’you too” or that’s what it sounded like to me. It’s a pleasure worth smiling over.

 

  CONNECT WITH KATHLEEN

Website

Amazon Author Page (U.K.)

Amazon (U.S.)

Twitter

Austin Macauley Author Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

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