There’s nothing like the feeling of curling up with a really brilliant book, but have you every thought about what it takes to sit and write one? We were so lucky to be able to catch up with the wonderful Clare Leslie Hall, author of the brand-new romantic thriller, Broken Country. We spoke to Clare all about her writing process, where she finds her inspiration, and of course, about the characters in her new novel. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy this cosy read whilst we delve into all things bookish!

Behind the books: author Clare Leslie Hall

Introduce yourself, tell us a little bit about who you are, what it is you do and how you came to do it

I’m Clare Leslie Hall, author of Broken Country. I write novels that explore human emotion – passion, longing, grief, nostalgia – combined with a strong element of suspense. I’ve been writing stories since I was six so to have a novel published was my long-term goal for as long as I can remember!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m at my desk by 9 with a mug of black coffee. If I’m writing, I can easily spend four or five hours this way – there’s nothing I like more than being shut away in my tiny office with my characters. But if it’s a first draft when I haven’t really got to know the characters or the story yet, I try to write in shorter bursts, to keep the despair at bay! At some point I try to exercise – either Pilates, swimming or a workout on a good day and always an afternoon dog walk.

What is one of the most unusual ways you find inspiration for your writing, for any other aspiring authors out there?

One of the nicest things I have learned to do is to take time away from my desk and visit a museum or gallery or a setting that interests me. It might be a cliff walk or a tiny museum like Sigmund Freud’s house in Hampstead. Ideas tend not to come when I’m looking for them, but I find changing the scenery around me always inspires me.

Do you think your career as a journalist influenced your fiction writing?

Definitely – both negatively and positively! I remember feeling a sort of stage fright when I started to write fiction because the years I spent as a reporter had given me a very pared-down style, and I needed to learn how to bring more lyricism into my prose.  But it helped that I was used to sitting down at my desk and plunging in and I guess I also learned how to self-edit in those years. I’ve always written for a living, so it is second nature to me.

As a stationery company, we have to ask you about what you keep on your desk! What is the one stationery item you cannot live without and why?

I have a pink and white striped Essex Girl mug, a gift from my oldest friend (we both grew up in Essex!) and it is filled with personalised pink pencils a Christmas present from another friend. I would describe myself as a notebook addict – I find them impossible to resist and currently have a beautiful olive green and gold one given to me by son. Whenever my kids ask what I would like for my birthday, I say ‘a new notebook’ and they groan. But the thrill of a beautiful new notebook never fades.

We have been lucky enough to get our hands on some early copies of Broken Country and our team has been completely hooked by the storyline. In your own words, what can readers expect from your newest novel?

Broken Country is about a very passionate love triangle that takes place in a small Dorset village during the 1960s and culminates with a murder trial at the Old Bailey. It’s the story of Beth who is completely torn between two very different men – her kind, loyal, down-to-earth husband Frank and Gabriel, her first love, who is handsome, romantic and creative and newly returned to the village as a famous author. From the opening line you know a man has died and there’s a question mark over who killed him, so I’d describe it as a love story, a mystery and a courtroom drama rolled into one.

If you could sit down for dinner with one of the characters from Broken Country, who would you choose and why? (without giving away any spoilers!)

I think Gabriel. Hopefully, he’d loosen up enough over a glass of wine for us to dig into some of his hang-ups. Everything looks rosy for Gabriel on the surface and doors open wherever he goes. But, deep down, he has some insecurities having grown up in an overly privileged environment that was short on love. And also, he’s an author so we could talk about our mutual writing angst and the highs and lows of the publishing process! 

Do you have a life mantra or saying that you live by?

It’s probably just ‘don’t give up’. That serves me in all areas of my life, especially my writing.

And finally, because we have to ask – Team Frank or Team Gabriel?

I am 100% Team Frank, but I will admit to feeling really quite torn between the two of them when I was writing the novel. I think Frank with a touch of Gabriel would be perfect!

We loved chatting to Clare about the behind-the-scenes of her latest novel, so we hope you loved reading it too! Don’t forget to grab your copy of Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall from your local bookstore – it’s out now!

P.S. Liked our interview with Clare Leslie Hall? We’re huge book lovers here at Martha Brook, so there’s plenty more bookish content where that came from! Take a look at our gifts for book lovers to discover your next delightful treat.