Grilling Thriller Authors: Q&A with Valerie Keogh

In this series, I carry out hard-hitting interviews with psychological thriller authors, where I ask them… just a bunch of silly questions, actually. This month, it’s Valerie Keogh’s turn in the hot seat.

1. Which emoji do you use most often?

The smiling face with blushed cheeks or the one with the sunglasses. And I use a lot of red hearts and thumbs up!

2. If your writing muse were an animal, what would it be?

It’s currently a sloth. I’d like it to be a cheetah.

3. What’s your go-to karaoke song? (Bonus points if it’s terrifying.)

Prince’s Purple Rain – it’s truly terrifying when I sing!

4. How do you celebrate small wins in your writerly life, like finishing a draft?

My local supermarket sells custard slices in packs of two – I buy a pack and eat both.

5. Is there a true crime case or real-life mystery you’re deeply fascinated by?

The mystery of what happened to Suzy Lamplugh who disappeared in 1986. Her body has never been found, and nobody has ever been arrested. She was declared dead in 1993.

6. What are your non-book-related hobbies?

I like walking – it allows my brain to relax. I love travelling and I’m always planning our next holiday.

7. You discover a random door. Where are you hoping it leads?

Back in time to when my father was alive so I could get to meet him. I was five when he died.

8. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (writing advice or life advice)?

Writing advice: Write – don’t worry about grammar, or structure, or pace, just get the words down and a first draft written. The rest can come later.

Life advice: Don’t sweat the small stuff.

9. Tell us about your latest novel in one sentence.

His Other Woman:  ‘If one wronged woman is dangerous, two are deadly, and the consequences can be murder.’

Pick up your copy of Valerie Keogh’s latest book, His Other Woman.