Citylife in Rugeley and Cannock Chase March April 2021

10 Minutes With…
Kim Nash
..........................
Local author of heart-warming
fiction novels, Head of Publicity
for Bookouture and book blogger,
Kim Nash, caught up with Charlotte
Benton ahead of the publication of her
fourth novel, Moonlight Over
Muddleford Cove.
Hello Kim, firstly may I thank you for
taking the time to speak to me today, I
know you are very busy.
Not at all, it’s my pleasure.
With the upcoming publication of your fourth novel, did you always
know that you wanted to be a writer?
Yes I did, ever since I was a little girl, however I thought to be a writer
you had to live by the sea and have a small desk by the window
overlooking the waves! An idyllic scene, but I know now that is not the
case.
I presume you have been writing during lockdown, how has this
experience differed from your normal writing schedule/experience?
I am lucky, lockdown has not had a great impact on my writing. A zap in
creativity perhaps, but aside from that I am used to writing as when I can
fit it in, I don't have a set routine. You can't wait for inspiration, you just
have to get on with it!
What inspired you to write this book?
Muddleford is a fictional place but it is inspired by my happy childhood
memories. I spent many summers in Mudeford in Dorset, travelling down
with my Nan to visit my Aunt. I haven't visited in five years now, but it is
a lovely place that I adore.
If you could meet any other author who would it be and why?
I have been inspired by so many great authors of women’s fiction, but if
I had to choose one I would say Milly Johnson. She is best-selling author
of romantic fiction, with 18 best-selling novels to date. It was Milly who
inspired me to start blogging about books, she definitely inspired me and
gave me confidence.
What book is on your bedside table at the moment?
It is actually a book written by my friend Nicola May, I just started
reading it today, it is called Welcome to Ferry Lane Market. Nicola is one
of the many authors who was involved in the
Chase BookFest at the Museum of Cannock Chase in September 2019.
I helped to organise the event along with the ladies who work at the
museum, as avid readers themselves and with my connection to many
authors, it was a great opportunity for local readers to connect with local
authors. I am keen to run this event again once things are back to normal.
What do you like to do in your spare time to unwind?
I enjoy taking my dog Roni for a walk over Cannock Chase and spend
many hours watching my son play football for Hednesford Town under
13s. We also like to go and support the club’s first team along with my
son’s teammates and my friends, the other football mums.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
I am fortunate that I don't really experience writer’s block. I try to
always maintain a positive attitude towards writing, often reminding myself
that you ‘can’t edit a blank page’. I think sometimes we can convince
ourselves that we cannot do something, when in fact we can, it’s just a
case of sitting down at the desk and giving it a go.
What is the most surprising thing you have discovered whilst writing
your books?
I have been amazed by how much my books have helped people
through lockdown. I have had numerous letters and messages sent to me
from strangers praising the power of my work during this unusual time.
One lady wrote how she had purchased my books for her Mum who had
sadly lost her friend to the virus, she spoke of how my books had helped
her Mum through the grieving process, enabling her to escape to another
world. My third novel is set in Portugal and at a time when we are unable
to travel, it has been lovely to hear how my books have been enjoyed by
many, leading them to feel as though they too have been on holiday,
offering an escape from reality.
What advice would you give to budding writers?
First of all, you have to make the time to do what you want to. If it
means sacrificing an hour in front of the television in the evening then that
is what we have to do. I always used to say, ‘I’d love to write a book if I
had the time’. If you really want to do it, don’t delay it.
Finally, what do you hope readers take away from this book?
I hope this book offers escapism to my readers, transporting them to
Muddleford with Nellie and Jack away from the current troubles of
everyday life.
Kim's books are all available to buy on www.amazon.co.uk (her latest novel
is available to pre-order) and you can find out more about Kim at her website:
www.kimthebookworm.co.uk.
Win a Copy!
We’ve got two copies of Kim Nash’s
latest novel, Moonlight Over
Muddleford Cove, to give away to two
lucky readers!* Correctly answer the
question below and send your details
for your chance to win:
Which county inspired Kim's
latest book?
a) Dorset
b) Durham
c) Derbyshire
*One hard copy and one e-book. Please specify when entering
which version you would prefer.
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to
Book Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post
your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield
WS14 4JS by the closing date of 23rd March 2021. One entry per
household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. No cash
equivalent. Please note you must be 18 or over to enter. All
entrants’ information is processed in line with GDPR Data
Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy (available at
citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk).
Full t&cs on page 34.
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