Let’s Talk Books with Imogen Payne
Welcome to the fourth in my series of author/bookish people interviews. As you probably know by now I absolutely love books and reading, and I know many other people do, too. I thought it would be nice to chat to some of my bookish friends and find out about the books they love, and the reading experiences they’ve had.
So far my guests have been Eliza J Scott, Jessica Redland, and K.T. /Kate Dady. This week I’m chatting to indie romance author, Imogen Payne.
Welcome, Imogen! So good to have you here. Let’s start with a childhood memory. Can you remember the first book you ever read or owned?
Ooh, let me trawl the memory banks! One that comes to mind is The Last Noo-Noo, by Jill Murphy. It’s about a little monster who struggles to give up his dummy, or ‘noo-noo’. I think my mum bought it for me as I was an avid thumb sucker, and she was trying to coax me to stop! I remember loving the illustrations; they were so vivid! Luckily, I can still read it to this day, as my nephew now has his own copy.
Love that! My younger brother could have done with book! I remember my mum throwing his dummy away in despair because he just wouldn’t part with it. He was four by then! (He’d kill me if he ever read this.) What was your favourite book when you were a child?
I used to adore the Noddy books and still have several on my bookshelf. I was also a huge Jacqueline Wilson fan and devoured every one of her stories.
A Noddy book was the very first book I ever owned. I loved it so much. If you were going to reread one children’s book now, which would you choose and why?
Maybe this is embarrassing to admit at my big age, but I’ve been known to reread a couple of Jacqueline Wilson books! I have a few on my Kindle, and I reread Lola Rose last year, which was always one of my favourites.
Oh, that’s not embarrassing at all! I often reread books I loved as a child. I have lots of Enid Blyton books and pony books and children’s classics. I wouldn’t part with them. What is your favourite book as an adult? Why is it your favourite?
Oh God, that’s a tough one! I honestly don’t think I could pick an all-time favourite, but recently, I’ve really enjoyed The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. The story is so unique and expertly woven, and I’ve pretty much recommended it to everyone I know!
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I’ve not read any V.E. Schwab books but I’ve heard great things. I’ve got a book by her on my bookshelves - Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. I’ll get round to reading it one day! Do you write in your favourite genre, Imogen? If not, which genre/s do you love to read?
I write romance and fantasy (in my spare time), and read both of these genres. I also enjoy thrillers and have recently started my first foray into Sci-fi. I read The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell in January, and found it heartbreakingly moving.
I’ve got to admit, my only foray into Sci-fi has been Doctor Who! Which of your own books is your favourite?
The Lost Garden in Lily Vale Village, hands down. I’m so proud of that book, and I felt a real connection with the main character Ruth as I was writing it. I’m also a huge nature fan and adored The Secret Garden when I was a kid, so creating one in my own story was sort of like wish fulfilment!
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That’s great that you can pick one of your own books so easily! Talking of your own books, which of them has your favourite cover and why?
Hm, I quite like my latest, The Happily Ever After Shop in Sunny Shore Bay. I just love the vibrant pink of the sky!
Oh yes, that is pretty! Who is your favourite book character? Why do you like them so much?
Ooh, another impossible question! I truly felt for Eleanor in Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. At first, I didn’t find her all that likeable, but as the story unfolded, I began to empathise massively with her. Though I wouldn’t say I found her particularly relatable, I think everyone knows what it feels like to be lonely sometimes. She holds a special place in my heart.
I don’t think we have to relate to book characters, but we do need to connect with them in some way. What’s your favourite book to TV/film adaptation?
I think the film version of Gone Girl is fantastic. I’m admittedly quite critical of adaptations of books I love, but I found that one to be very true to the source material, and the actors suited their roles perfectly.
Oh gosh, I’ve neither read the book or seen the film! I must rectify that situation. What’s the most beautiful or precious book you’ve ever owned? Why is it so special?
A special edition of Alice in Wonderland, given to me by my auntie when I was thirteen. It has stunning art and I treasure it.
That sounds lovely. I’m a sucker for a special edition! Which book do you wish you’d written?
Bridget Jones’ Diary!
Totally understandable! You can’t beat good old Bridget. Can you tell us about your next book?!
Well, my latest one, The Happily Ever After Shop in Sunny Shore Bay, is out on the 24th May, but I’m currently working on a brand new story. I won’t give too much away, but it’s set in Lily Vale Village, and it’s a little spooky!
Ooh! I’ll look forward to reading that one. I do love a bit of spookiness! Thanks so much for joining me on the blog, Imogen. I’ve loved reading your answers. Good luck with your latest book (and your next one).
For more information about Imogen Payne you can follow her on Instagram and on Amazon.
The Happily Ever After Shop in Sunny Shore Bay
Click to buy on Amazon
Grab a cup of tea and a slice of cake and curl up on the sofa with this cosy, uplifting small town seaside romance.
After quitting her job as a corporate event planner a year ago, Phoebe opened up The Princess Palace - a little shop of wonder for children and adults alike. But when a customer asks for help with her daughter's birthday bash, she must dust off her high heels and step into the role of Party Planner once again.
Trouble is, she’s finding herself increasingly distracted by the handsome, slightly aloof Eric. After just one encounter, the mysterious stranger has successfully managed to sidetrack Phoebe from her party planning - a nightmare for a perpetual people-pleaser like her! And when she meets his precocious but adorable daughter Sophie, she quickly realises this lonely little girl is in dire need of a touch of magic.
Can Phoebe help bring enchantment back to her world, or is Sophie’s heart too broken to believe? And when the line between friendship and romance begins to blur, Phoebe questions whether she’s causing more harm to an already fragile family. One thing is for sure, she’s about to learn that life isn’t one big fairy tale after all ...
