Theresa Smith is an avid reader, collector of books, tea drinker and writer. She is the Editor for Historical Fiction for the Australian Women Writers Challenge, and has a particular fondness for historical fiction.
Your new book, Lemongrass Bay, is out 14th May. What was the inspiration for the story?
The inspiration for Lemongrass Bay initially came from a news story I read on the ABC news blog about a man who had been struck by lightning while standing on a beach in Darwin. He survived the lightning strike, but there were very few details about the condition he was in and I found myself churning that over in my mind, so much so, I was compelled to start googling lightning strike victims and it just went on from there.
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
I have four main characters in Lemongrass Bay, all sharing the limelight with multiple POVs. Rosie would be the one I have a particular soft spot for. The challenges she faces are both internal and external. She has to tap into a part of herself that she’s never been brave enough to access before in order to triumph over her adversity. She’s also a really lovely person. She jumped right off the page for me and is one of those characters that embody all of the good things we look for in a person; someone you wish you knew for real.
You do a lot of reviews on your blog. What is your favourite genre to read, and why?
My absolute favourite genre is Historical fiction that leans more towards the literary category. That style of writing lends itself well to historical fiction. I often gravitate to those books others label as depressing or hard work because they tend generate the most feeling within me.
Do you have a book from your childhood that really resonated with you? What was it about that book that was special?
I loved Little Women. I still have the copy I was given when I was 10. I’m not sure if it was my age, but that book just reached in and touched me. I have read it countless times since and still love it. Jo March embodied everything I wanted to be when I was still a ‘little woman’ myself.
Who would be your literary best friend?
What a fabulous question! It’s also quite a hard one. The character that jumps into my mind first is Jane Austen’s Emma, because I imagine she would always ensure a lively and entertaining time together. But for lasting friendship, Jane Eyre. She would be a friend for life.
About Lemongrass Bay:
When lightning strikes…
Emma-Louise and Rosie have been friends for life, their bond unshakeable. Both women are on the verge of a new life, a second chance at love and happiness, but the past is about to catch up with each of them.
A story of passion, resentment, secrets, and lies.
You can buy Lemongrass Bay here:
Amazon Australia
Kobo
iBooks
Google Play