Official Interview: Pam Keevil

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features Pam Keevil author of Mayflies.

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1. Tell us about the first story you ever wrote.

As a child, we wrote stories in ‘writing lessons’ regularly. But the first one I wrote that was not prompted by the teacher was in the final year before transfer to secondary school ( age 10-11). The teacher, Mr Lewis, gave us all a ‘free time book’ for when we completed our work before the end of the lesson. I remember some of the boys drew cartoons; I wrote stories and the first one was about a cat who explored a haunted mansion. I still have the book somewhere.

2. What’s your witting environment like?

I can write anywhere and at any time. As soon as I open my laptop, I am there! This partly stems from when I was still working full time as a headteacher. I would get to the school early and man the office and the phone before my secretarial team arrived, my laptop open at the current WIP. The children thought I lived at the school. The parents were delighted as it meant they could always call if they were unsure of what was happening. On one occasion I was asked to shout down the phone to wake a pupil up so he would get to school on time. I wrote three novels in this way in blocks of twenty minutes. Sometime I’d manage a few words; at other times a whole page. My laptop (and WiFi) is my environment.

3. Let’s discuss your book Mayflies. Why mystery?

I like the idea of the past returning to haunt the present, particularly when something has been covered up and forgotten about. I also wanted to showcase how easy it was to disappear or fake a disappearance in the 80s before smart phones, a social media presence and surveillance. I added a love triangle and the power of intricate web or relationships in small towns and villages and Mayflies was the result. I also wanted to leave the reader to make up their own minds as to who the real power brokers were in the narrative.

4. Did you leave enough breadcrumbs throughout the book for the reader to solve or were you trying to keep it a surprise?

I deliberately included references to twins and physical characteristics (the Carlyle dimpled chin) so that the reader would go ‘Ahha!’ and the strong reaction of Ruby’s grandmother to the news of the discovery of a woman’s skeleton is also a suggestion that she knew something.

5. The reviewer mentions that the characters are perfectly captured. How did you make them so realistic?

I’ve spent a lot of time working with people to help them develop their leadership role which gave me a real insight into how people think and respond to situations but I also observe people. My husband frequently notices how I’ve gone off in a dream in a restaurant or waiting in a queue. I’m not dreaming; I’m eaves dropping on conversations. I also remember images, mannerisms, and speech so when I want a character, they can be conjured up easily.

6. Dementia is part of the book. Was there a particular reason that you included this in your mystery?

I am fascinated by the way dementia often means people remember the past more easily than what happened yesterday. I wrote a prize-winning story called ‘Selective Memory’ in which a woman’s recollections of her childhood helps the police track down a murderer (again when a body has been found under a building site). I thought this would be a useful ploy and also give a reason for ruby to feel more alone and isolated, so she easily falls in love with Luke.

7. Who is your target reader?

Older women who enjoy the interplay of characters more than action. I hope they like Alice and Ruby and want them to find happiness so they read on.

8. What’s next for you?

In 2025, I have a trilogy due for publication based on a powerful first love which affects a woman throughout her life until she rids herself of the dream. The first part is set in 2005, ten years after this first love and relationship has ended badly. The final part is set in 2023 when she reaches middle age. The message is that sometimes, the only way to be happy is to learn to break free of the past.

9. What genre or artist do you go to for music?

I am eclectic; from The Beatles to Beethoven, Mozart to Motown, taking in rock, a bit of folk and Coldplay along the way.

10. What fictional book would you like to be stuck in?

The Lord of the Rings- the homeliness of the Hobbits and the elegance of the elves is enchanting. I can quite see myself with pointy ears.

11. What celebrity chef do you want to cook for you?

Jamie Oliver. I like his recipes; they are so accessible and easy to follow. He can give me some tips on making the perfect pasta.

12. What’s one hobby you’ve always wanted to take up but never have?

Painting. I’d love to sit down with some water colours and learn all about perspective and techniques.