Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Interview with Eve Ainsworth - Seven Days


I'd like to take the opportunity to welcome Eve to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books website and to thank her for taking the time out to answer questions about her latest book called Seven Days. This is available now to purchase from all good bookshops and websites. 

Tell us a little bit about Seven Days?
Seven Days is book about bullying, but from two sides of the story. You see the week in the life of a bully and victim, leading to a climatic ending. 
Sometimes there can more than one victim.

Give us an insight into your main character?
I have two main characters as it is a dual narrative novel. Jess is a sweet girl, who lacks confidence in herself. She sees the good in people and has a lovely soul, but is awkward in her skin. Kez is fiesty and popular. You think that she is nasty and cruel - but she has lots of insecurities  that creep deeply within her.                                               
How much of the book is realistic?
I hope a lot. I witnessed so much bullying when working in schools and saw the impact it had on students. I also spoke to bullies, I heard their stories. I wanted a story that teens could relate to. I need it to be real. 

Do you have a specific writing style?
Not really. I write fast and straight on computer. I edit as I go. I do carry a notepad around but most of my ideas are locked firmly in my head until I write. I think my style is pacy and fairly gritty.
Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Yes! I know I'm attracted to covers. A good cover draws you in, it makes you want to open the book and explore. When I received the design for 7 Days from Scholastic I screamed in the street. I was so happy. I love the way the words, the abusive words, are printed all over the book. It shows how exposed a victim feels - like your life is view for everyone to see. 

What are your current projects? 
I am just finishing my second book with Scholastic, Crush - which will be published early 2016. This focuses on abusive and controlling relationships.             
What do you think makes a good story? 
Characters you believe in and care about.   
                                                                    
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?  
From life experience. From the issues I witnessed in schools and my memories of being a teen. I also read lots and lots of magazines (true stories can spark some great ideas) and eavesdrop on lots of conversations.                                                                         
What books have most influenced your life most?                                      
The L Shaped Room was the first book to make me really, really want to be a writer. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole was the first book to be re-read again and again The Stand was the first book to make me go WOW
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?   
Can I have 3? Please?
John Lennon - no reasons needed Julie Walters - my hero and Rik Mayall - ;)
What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
Read! Lots. Listen to music. Play with my kids. Get lost in the woods.
Is there anything that you would like to share with us?                             
I can't ride a bike, but I'm planning to learn (I may need stabilisers) 

Authors web site:http://eveainsworth.com/ 

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