#and ter is haunted by specific dreams | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mochilici0us · 5 years ago

Text

One New Message | jjk (3)

➳ 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: angst, thriller, stalker au

➳ 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Skye realizes she has to deal with a ruthless stalker when the messages she’s constantly receiving are getting more and more threatening. A stalker that makes her recall memories of the past she swore she would never rake up again

➳ 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: 2,4k

prologue, part one, part two, part three, part four

March 2013

‘‘And then he said <<I have a girlfriend but we can still meet>>” I mimic my crush’s stupid voice

'Shit, that's so bad...''

''I like him Ruby, he looked different but he's actually a piece of shit'' I take a big sip of my drink enjoying the burning sensation of the alcohol

''Thank God you didn't have sex''

''I know right'' My gaze travels on my friend noticing how she's just fiddling with the glass. She looks unusually concerned

''Why aren't you drinking?'' I question

''I...what?'' She finally gets back to reality. Her reaction makes me chuckle

''My parents aren't home, we have no one to control us... We can drink as much as we want''

"Not today Skye..." she shakes her head

"After a long my parents are finally out and we won't take advantage of it? Don't be a party pooper" I tease her biting the black straw

''I know Skye and I'm sorry I just don't feel like drinking alcohol today''

My eyes quickly study her stiff figure ''Are you ok?''

''These days I feel kinda... off'' her asnwer worries me even though I was expecting it

''Why? Is everything ok with Carlos?''

''Yeah...we didn't fight''

''Then?''I can feel her discomfort, it brings me down too

''I don't know...'' she mumbles, her eyes never leaving her lap

''Cheer up Ruby, everything's gonna be fine''

''I'm sorry'' our eyes finally meet ''Is Susan coming?''

''No, she fought with her dad and she's not allowed to leave the house''

''I swear to God this girl...'' we both burst into laughter. It's a pleasant sight to see her laugh again. I sip my drink whereas she goes for plain water. After a few minutes of comforting silence I speak

''The sky is beautiful tonight''

Ruby nods and leans back on the armchair "It's full moon" she remarks

As I observe the breathtaking sight I notice something moving in the sky

''Ruby, Ruby look'' I yell

''What?'' Ruby jerks up

''It's a shooting star'' I can't contain my excitement. This is my first time seeing a shooting star

''Skye darling it's probably an airplane'' she leans back again and covers herself with the beige fuzzy blanket

''Don't be pessimistic'' I slap her thigh through the thick blanket and she yelps

''Make a wish''

She just growls

''Make a wish Ruby'' I order again impatiently

''Don't believe in such things Skye''

''Just do it'' I plead desperately She exhales defeated and hushes for a few seconds.

''Okay''

''You did?'' My eyes widen

''Yes''

''Me too'' I smile brightly like a kid making her crack a smile too

''Happy now?'' my face falls when I notice her irony. It's not like she did me a favor, the wish counts for her not for me. However, I choose not to reply because I don't want to upset her, she's already alarmed enough.

''You're angry?'' she asks as if she had read my thoughts.

Again, I stay silent

''I'm sorry If I offended you. It's just... your wish won't come true because of a shooting star''

''Don't lose your hope Ruby. You've been through difficult times I know but karma is watching'' I explain fondly

''It's not about karma or hope or whatever sweetheart....'' she stops trying to find the right words ''You're young and can't process what I'm saying but one day maybe you'll understand'' I can't find a proper answer so I just stay silent and glance at the woman next to me.

''One last thing. Did you make a wish? Answer honestly'' I find myself asking in soft voice

She smiles warmly ''Yes''

''Did you make a wish Skye?'' Grace's eyes look brighter than ever as this is the first time she sees a shooting star.

''I did. You?'' I gently caresss her hair as she lays in my arms. The view through the huge window in the living room is amazing especially those starry nights with full moon, Grace and I love cuddling like this gazing at the stars. Tonight though it's different, I feel like I experience moments again as the shooting star made the already similar situation even more familiar, awfully familiar. I'm experiencing a deja vu that reminds me of very dark, hard times.

''Of course but I can't tell you because it won't come true'' I laugh softly at the child's innocence.

She was right eventually. Wishes don't come true. Shooting stars is just a myth.

I can't ruin the moment so I let my sister live her dream. We must not taint childens' innocence. After a couple of minutes she's asleep. I carefully carry her to bed and tuck her in giving a goodnight kiss on the forehead.

Lying in my bed at the end of a hectic day has to be my favourite part. My bed is always so warm, so welcoming, soft, cuddly, a good sleep fills me with so much energy. This night is different now. I shake uncontrollably, memories coming back,haunting me, never leaving me to rest.

''I understand now'' I whisper as I finally calm down and smile sadly.

I close my eyes waiting for sleep to come. Surprisingly, I drift off instantly.

But the demons of the past I expected to face in my dreams after the deja vu I exprerienced previously never came. On the contrary, smiling angels with colorful wings visited my dreams flying with me and leading me on beautiful places.

After a long time, Skye had blissful dreams.

''It's my pleasure to work with you mr Park'' I extend my hand for a handshake

''The pleasure is all mine mrs Westbrook'' he captures my hand and instead of firmly shaking it he lowers his face and places a soft kiss.

His sudden intimacy catches me off guard but I choose not to show my discomfort so I plaster on a fake smile.

''We're getting started next week. I'll keep you updated''

''I appreciate it. See you next week'' he smiles at me and quickly leans his head to greet Taehyung. We greet his partner as well, a tall, good-looking yet mysterious man with sharp eyes covered by glasses.He must be the smart guy Park Jimin always carries along in order to make better negotiations.

''What do you think about our new business partner?'' I ask casually while fiddling with a pen even though I already know his answer

''I don't like him'' he mutters while walking across the room

''Why?'' I chuckle entertained

''Why? Did you see how he kissed your hand? Who does he think he is? God I hate these cocky idiots''

''Taehyung calm down. This is about our profit, I don't care about his kiss on my hand or whatever''

''He should stay in his lane or else...''

''Or else what Taehyung?'' our eyes lock ''Stop being so possesive. We spesialize in public relations we must be diplomatic, what has gotten into you?''

He breaks our eye contact breathing heavily ''You're right I'm sorry, I overreacted''

"He's a strong business partner that's why I insisted we talk about a potential cooperation. And now that he finally agrees you're mad because he kissed my goddamn hand? You're so unprofessional sometimes"

He hangs his head low without replying. He's hurt, I shouldn't have gone so hard on him. I exhale loudly as I realize my mistake ''Let's have a coffee'' I suggest but he instantly shakes his head

''No, I... I need to take a walk''

''I insist, I shouldn't have talked to you like that"

He chuckles humorlessly running his hair through his head.

''I'm sorry" my eyes search for his but never meet them. Instead of replying he turns on his heels and opens the door walking out

''Wait'' I stand up and grab my purse. I can't let him leave without apologizing properly.

''Taehyung wait'' I yell and scuttle trying to catch up with my furious friend.

My new 11cm stiletto high heels make it so difficult for me to keep up so I just walk as fast as I can and pray for my physical wholeness.

''Taehyung''I repeat before he reaches the elevator.

And just as I thought everything was fine and I had became a stiletto master I stumble and fall on the ground, the loud crack sound making it clear that it's not a simple tumble.

Well thank you Susan for your stupid heels...

The doctor will see you in a few minutes'' the anxious nurse replies

''That's what you said 15 minutes ago nurse, she's in pain'' Taehyung is pressuring the poor girl for a more specific answer.

''We have so many patients to attend and the doctor is alone today. Please bare with us'' She bows and leaves

''We should have gone to a private clinic. The treatment here sucks'' he exhales annoyed and takes a sit next to me

''It's ok Taehyung I can cope with the pain, it's not that intense anyway they gave me pain killers after I had the x-ray''

''I'm so sorry Skye'' he caresses my thigh and no matter how much he tries to hide it, he's about to cry

''Stop apologizing, it's not your fault'' I grin and he averts his glassy eyes

''Itis my fault. I should've waited for you''

''No,it's my fault because I wore these damned, sky high heels'' I grab his chin making him face me "And I'm sorry for being rude, my nerves have been bad lately"

He chews his lower lip nervously ''Skye you're not angry, are you?''

''I'm not. Don't feel guilty'' I assure him with a fond smile

''Excuse me mrs Westbrook'' the nurse finally appears ''The doctor can see you now'' once I realise what she's carrying I freeze. A wheelchair? I'm going to sit in a wheelchair? Even the thought makes me sick. I can't believe how unlucky I am..

Taehyung instantly lifts my shaking figure and helps me sit.

''Do you want me to come along?'' he asks

''No''I shake my head ''Wait here''

He nods and once the nurse makes sure our dialogue is over she pushes the wheelchair.

I suddenly feel so vulnerable, so powerless, how am I supposed to drive now? Work? Take care of my sister? I'm unable to keep up with my busy everyday routine. My thoughts overwhelm me, I suddenly feel like I'm about to pass out.

However, I swallow my tears as we finally enter the doctor's office. The empty doctor's office.

''Where's the doctor?'' I ask

''He's coming don't worry. I have to leave now, can you wait here until he come?''

''It's not like I can move anyway" I joke, mentally facepalming because of my terrible sense of humor. Thank God the nurse appreciates my humor and laughs warmly. She is sweet, at least I don't have to deal with a stupid, rude person.

She takes some files from the office and leaves. And now I'm all alone, intimidated, expecting the worst...

After a few seconds the door behind me opens

''Oh you're here? I'm sorry for the delay'' I listen a deep yet sweet voice. I'm curious to turn and have a look at the doctor but right now I can hardly move.

''It's okay I just got here''

The doctor finally walks and stands in front of me. The moment I lay my eyes on him my breath hitches in my throat. He can't be a doctor, he's so young, so.....

''Can you show me your x-ray please'' he politely asks as he takes a sit. I'd rather he keeps standing though so that I can catch a glimpse of his pretty legs again.

''Here''I hand him the x-ray avoiding eye contact, which is very unusual for me but I'm afraid that eye contact with him would make me look embarrassingly flustered.

He analyzes my x-ray silently taking notes, giving me the perfect chance to finally examine his face closer.

There's no doubt he looks youthful, flawless complexion without wrinkles or signs of aging and fatigue, chiseled jaw, strong neck, small pink lips and a pair of big, piercing eyes. Very interesting face.

''So...'' he raises his eyes just to meet my wandering ones. He just caught me checking him out. I quickly avert my gaze and keep my cool.

''Thankfully, you just sprained your ankle''

''Thankfully?''I repeat in a low voice

He chuckles revealing his cute front teeth. He chuckled? HE CHUCKLED?

''Your injury is not concerning. Your ankle will be put in a cast for 2 weeks and you'll be perfectly fine after''

''Oh..'' I'm too confused to answer properly. Only 2 weeks? I thought my injury was serious.

''I have to move you to the clinic bed'' he walks towards me and pushes the wheelchair closer to the white, leather furniture.

Clinic BED?

''Why?''I find myself asking. Shit, watch your mouth you stupid.

''To put your ankle in a cast. Excuse me'' just as I finally digest all the information he places his hands under my thighs and behind my back and carries me effortlessly towards the clinic bed.

I'm not sure whether it is because of the fact that I haven't been intimate with a man in a long time or not but right now I think I'm going to melt in the doctor's strong arms. And his musky, warm cologne makes me go even crazier. It feels like he's doing it on purpose, he's aware of how sensitive I am to smells and holds me like that, so that my head is placed right next to his neck.

Is this how he carries every patient?

He sits me in the cold clinic bed and gently rolls up my bottoms. I can't help but droole as his long fingers touch the soft material of my white crepe pants revealing my pale, thankfully shaved skin.

''Um.. Can I ask you something?'' I speak first

''Of course'' he opens a drawer searching for his tools

''Are you sure my injure is not severe? I mean.. I even heard a crack sound when I fell''

''You didn't break any bone. There's a little bit of swelling, no bruising..'' he strokes my ankle ''the pain must be mild, am I right?'' his eyes meet mine waiting for confirmation.

Even though I have hard time talking, I answer a ''yes'' without breaking the eye contact.

''There's just a minimal tearing that's why you probably heard this sound. The recovery time is very short and not painfull that's why I said you're lucky'' he wraps the cast around my ankle.

His touch is so affectionate, it resembles a caress.

Is every doctor that gentle?

''So you fell?'' he grins

''What?''his question catches me off guard

''You said you fell''

''Oh yes I'm not accustomed to wearing high heels so...'' I laugh akwardly

''You're ready'' he announces and takes a sit in the bed next to me clearing his throat.

How can a man look so attractive in tight black pants? I was never into men with tight clothes, I prefer baggy pants and shirts, a more comfy style but this dude right here made me change my mind completely, flexing his glorious thighs shamelessly.

''Some final instructions. Don't overwork your foot, your ankle is lightly injured but still injured. If you feel any pain take a painkiller, paracetamol is fine. I'm going to give you crutches, this is how you're moving for the next two weeks even though I strongly suggest you avoid walking.'' he stops and takes a quick glance at my red toe nails licking his lips.

''Last but not least, be careful when you shower. If you get your cast wet, irritation or infection of the skin could develop. You can find waterproof cast covers at pharmacies, they are really helpful. That's all you have to do these two weeks. Do you want me to repeat something?''

''No I'm okay'' I answer honestly as I repeat every single instruction in my head

''You're coming back in two weeks to remove the cast. If you have any question feel free to call. I'll probably not be able to talk but my co-workers gladly will''

''Thank you doctor'' I nod and smile sadly realising this might be the last time I see him.

''And be careful. Avoid high heels maybe'' he jokes and runs his hand through his rich, black hair. I was ready to answer when the nurse arrived

''Are you ready mrs Westbrook?''

I stare at the doctor and he nods.

The woman helps me sit in the wheelchair and opens a display rack full of crutches. I can feel the doctor's gaze on me the entire time but my eyes remain glued to my ankle. Many thoughts are running through my head right now. Sad thoughts. After a long time I finally feel attracted to someone, a man I'll probably never see again.

That's the reason I don't stare back, I don't want to give myself false hopes.

''Let me help you'' I hear his voice as he moves towards the nurse to help her carry the pair of crutches.

It's now or never, my heart whispers overpowering my mind's voice.

So before leaving the room I catch a glimpse of doctor's right side of his chest.

The nurse pushes the wheelchair. Neither the doctor greets nor I. This is how our first and last meeting ends. So impersonal, so cold, pure professionalism not a single sign of emotion.

''Jeon Jungkook'' I whisper as we're moving through the corridor.

''Do you want anything to eat?''

''No Susan I'm full''

My friend spent the entire day here cooking her speciality for me. She's very attentive but her habit of overfeeding me gets on my nerves.

''Are you sure?''

I roll my eyes fondly

''Just as you said you would start working out...boom'' she gestures at my sprained ankle giggling because she probably knows I would never go to the gym anyway.

''Don't laugh because you're the reason I'm hurt''

''I'm the reason? How? Did I push you?'' she cocks her shaped eyebrows

''You made me buy these heels, I couldn't walk properly''

''You need practice with heels''

''I know right, I can practise perfectly now'' I slightly raise my right leg annoyed

''Calm down and stop talking nonsense''

I growl and keep studying ''It's so hard to work from home''

''Then stop working Skye. This incident is your chance to take a break these 2 weeks. Taehyung and the rest of your employees won't let you down we both know that''

I run my hair through my oily hair thinking about her suggestion ''Yeah but...''

''The doctor said you should rest. Come on Skye...'' she moans in exaggerated despair

Oof the doctor... I didn't tell her about the gorgeous doctor I met yesterday, there's no point anyway...

''Okay okay. I guess you're right'' I nod my head defeated

''I'm always right'' she pinches my cheek making me yelp ''I have to pee''

''TMI'' I yell as she walks away

My eyes wander around the room. They land on my cellphone. Head full of thoughts.... What a stupid idea, let's do it.

Once I hear the bathroom door lock I grab my phone and log into facebook. Jeon Jungkook I type hurriedly feeling my heart beating like a drum.

I place my finger right above the ''search'' icon.

Is it worth it Skye? I hesitate Besides, if he was interested in me he would have searched for me, he can seemy name in the record of the hospital, he's a doctor so he has access to these files. And why would he be interested in me in the first place? He didn't even spare me a glance yesterday.

''Fuck it'' I throw my phone away along with my business files and lean back in my bed.

Indeed I need a break, these days I've overworked myself to the point I feel abnormally exhausted. A good, sleep would be perfect now, Taehyung's in the company, Susan is picking up the kid, I have no responsibilities.

Just relax Skye, close your eyes and relax, close your eyes and...

*Knock knock*

I open my eyes and jerk up as soon as I hear faint knocks in the front door.

''Susan'' I speak loudly

''Yes?''

''Someone's knocking the door''

She gets out of the bathroom and as much as I can hear from my bedroom she walks towards the door. ''I didn't listen anything but ok'' she yells from the living room

''You were busy extracting the urine''

''TMI'' she jokes making me crack a smile

Who's knocking the door? Probably Taehyung came to check on me. He feels so bad because of my accident, he has even convinced himself it's his fault. Well I mean it is his fault partially, he should have waited instead of running like the wind.But I would never put the blame on him for something I did.

Susan comes in my room. Alone. A puzzled expression on her face.

''Who was it?''

She gulps trying to find a proper answer ''Um.. Skye darling... Are you sure you heard someone knocking the door?''

My eyes widen ''Yeah... I heard it clearly''

''That's weird because...there's no one there''

''A-are you sure?'' I stutter

''I just checked''

''I... how is this even possible?''

''You're just tired. Please sleep'' she approaches me and covers me with a blanket

''I am not hallucinating Susan,don't act like I'm crazy. I'm 100% sure someone knocked on the door so please go and check again-''

I stop talking as soon as I hear the familiar noise.

''Is this what you heard?'' Susan asks relieved

''I think so. Why?''

''Because that's your neighbour hammering nails into the wall Skye'' Again this noise, 3 hits, 3 knocks at the door as I initially thought.

''It was just a misunderstanding.'' she clicks her tongue ''Sleep now, you need to rest.I'm picking up Grace and feeding her don't worry''

''Thanks Susan'' I smile feeling better now

Well as it seems I misunderstood things. I tend to become paranoid sometimes but that's normal isn't it? I'm a young, wealthy woman raising a little child, there are so many dangers out there. I have no private security, no bodyguards just an alarm and the hope that this neighbourhood is indeed as safe as everyone claims. I close my eyes and wait patiently till I drift off to a sweet sleep.

But no matter how hard I try to convince myself, deep inside I know that the sound of my neighbour hammering nails into the wall was completely different from what I heard and that someone was outside my apartment knocking the door.

31 notes · View notes

meditativeyoga · 5 years ago

Text

This Is the Guide to Yoga and Meditation We Wish We Had Growing Up

I was 9 years of ages when my parents, Rita and Deepak Chopra, learned exactly how to practice meditation. Despite the fact that they were from India, they uncovered meditation as young immigrants in Boston, where my dad was a stressed-out, miserable physician. Meditation changed their lives by offering them a tool to handle tension as well as to be a lot more in control of negative behaviors, however much more notably, to attach with their souls with experiencing silence.

For my bro as well as me, reflection was appealing because our parents’ technique improved our domesticity: We came to be a better, extra linked family. I really feel meditation was one of the most precious present my parents ever gave me, due to the fact that it provided an anchor to decrease, take a breath, and have internal confidence as I experienced phases of discovery and also uncertainty. When I ended up being a mom, I shared the lessons I gained from my parents with my little girls, their friends, as well as our community.

Meditation, mindfulness strategies, as well as yoga are old-time practices that have actually survived generations. For kids today, these methods are as relevant as ever, specifically in a time when hyperstimulation from social media sites, overscheduling, and a general loss of silence is the standard. Just breathing itself might be easy, yet it is also incredibly powerful.

Here's a simple method to assist the youngsters in your life take care of stress—the initial action to a lifelong journey of self-discovery.

Step No. 1: Speak To Kids About What Their Breathing Is Attempting to Tell Them

Breathing is nourishing to your body. When you inhale, oxygen provides your cells the energy they need to keep you healthy. Breath promotes activity and also circulation.

As you breathe out, you release carbon dioxide as well as toxins (poor chemicals) from your body. Consider it: breathing is what tells you that you are actually alive!

Your thoughts are linked to your breath. When your mind is racing with ideas, specifically when you obtain delighted (satisfied or otherwise so pleased), your breathing generally gets much faster. Think around when you are regarding to jump on a roller rollercoaster or get in a haunted residence: Do you feel like your breathing gets faster?

What regarding when you are actually dismayed due to the fact that your moms and dads got mad at you or you had a battle with your friend? In in between cries, your breathing is usually quicker, as well. Maybe you get so distressed that it seems like your breath is as well quick and you simply can’t reduce. And afterwards, instantly, you need to take a deep breath to calm down.

Or do you discover your breathing expanding faster when you feel you have excessive homework or a lot of extracurricular points to do?

When you are bewildered, you begin to experience that worried, distressed feeling—almost like butterflies trembling in your belly. Taking a breath purposefully can be one of the most handy means to get you back in control of any type of circumstance. It can also help get you all set to deal with challenges, to take a time out as well as believe before you act to make sure that you make smart decisions that feel ideal to you. Your breath is constantly with you—a good friend indeed!

Step No. 2: Help Children Learn Just How to Merely Breathe

Right now, take a deep breath. Take in. And out. Once again. Breathe in and out.

Do you discover that when you are breathing your mind quits auto racing? Attempt thinking a thought as well as breathing at the exact same time. For example, claim your name in your mind and afterwards take a breath. You will discover that your mind jumps from believing your name to observing your breath. It is tough to do both at the very same time!

In in this manner, breathing aids you manage your racing ideas. You can manage what’s taking place in your head by transforming just how you breathe. When you are in control of your thoughts, you will act extra calmly, will certainly be much more relaxed, and also will usually discover you are happier.

Breathe. In. Out. Breathe again.

Think of your breath as an anchor. No issue what is taking place around you, no matter just how active you are, despite that borders you, you can constantly discover your breath. It is a stable and also protected component of you.

You take a breath when you sleep and when you dream. You likewise breathe when you meditate. Breath is the life pressure that keeps your mind and body aware and healthy.

Step No. 3: Teach Children This Breathing Meditation

Find a comfy, peaceful area. You can do this reflection anywhere and at any moment. Switch off all devices as well as the television so that you are not sidetracked. This will certainly last just one minute—you can do it!

Sit pleasantly. If you feel OK doing so, close your eyes. If you choose to maintain your eyes open, that is alright, also. Take a deep breath in with your nose. Breathe in deeply to make sure that your lungs fill up up.

As you inhale, really feel just how your stomach goes out. Time out for simply one 2nd. And also currently breathe out, blowing out gradually from your mouth.

On your following breath in, attempt to take in for 3 seconds. One. Two. 3. Currently, time out for two seconds. One. Two. As well as take a breath out for four seconds. One. 2. 3. 4. Discover the rhythm that functions best for you. Inhale. Pause. Breathe out.

After one minute, or once you feel you are done, open your eyes (if they were closed) and say thank you to yourself for offering your mind and also body this experience.

If you do this meditation regularly, it will certainly come to be a behavior and it will become a secure, satisfied time for you. You can always locate your breath no issue where you are.

#breathing meditation #meditation #Yoga #Yoga Weight Loss

10 notes · View notes

lovebooksgroup · 8 years ago

Text

When Jen goes to her grandmother’s house for the last time, she’s determined not to dwell on the past. As a child, Jen adored Lily and suspected she might be a witch; but the spell was broken long ago, and now her death means there won’t be any reconciliation.

Lily’s gone, but the enchantments she wove and the secrets she kept still remain. In Lily’s house, Jen and her daughter Marianne reluctantly confront the secrets of the past and present – and discover how dangerous we become when we’re trying to protect the ones we love.

My Q&A with Cassandra Parkin

Describe yourself using three words?

Busy working mother :-)

What inspired you to write your first novel?

I wrote my first novel when I was fifteen. It was dystopian science fiction because I was fifteen, so of course, it was, and it was inspired by a very creepy and coherent dream that haunted me for days afterwards. I wrote it in my bedroom, using a Courier typewriter and sheets of paper from dismantled exercise books, and the whole enterprise was so incredibly loud that my brother said afterwards it sounded like I was building a ship in there.

My most recent novel, “Lily’s House”, was also inspired by a dream – a train journey that I’ve never actually taken, but would love to one day. The branch line to Falmouth, where my grandparents lived, stops right at the bottom of their road. In my dream, I get off the train and walk up the hill towards their house. I’m not expected, but I know they’ll welcome me when I arrive. Sometimes I have my children with me, sometimes I’m alone, but the light is always low and golden, and the road is very quiet.

What time of day do you like to write?

I prefer to write in the mornings, preferably at the dining table, and ideally in my pyjamas. Saying that, I don’t like to get too precious about these things – I’ve written on trains, at service stations, in meetings, in hospital waiting rooms, while hiding in the toilets at boring parties. Time is the scarcest resource for most writers, so I like to make the most of what I have.

What is your favourite book and why?

I can’t possibly pick just one that’s my favourite, but I can manage a shortlist of eight Desert Island authors: Jane Austen, Tove Jansson, Lewis Carroll, Terry Pratchett, Stephen King, Charlotte Bronte, William Thackeray and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

The book that has influenced me the most, though, is and Through the Looking-Glass”. I was lucky enough to speak at TEDx Hull a couple of years ago, and I chose Alice as my subject. If you’d like to find out why, here’s a link to my talk… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrwgMOpBG-4

How did you pick the title of your book?

Book titles usually come to me quite early on in the process. “Lily’s House” was my working title before I had more than the opening few lines written. I think I had it in my head that at some point I’d need to think of a “real” title, chosen after hours of tortuous brainstorming and mad staring into space. But in the end, “Lily’s House” felt like the right choice.

Are the characters in your book based on real people?

Lily is heavily inspired by four women who were a huge part of my childhood – my grandmothers Audrey and Millie, and my great-aunts Dolly and Anne. My starting-point for Lily was my memories of these four incredible women, who loved me so fiercely and gave me so much. However, real-life people and memories are only ever a starting point for me. Lily very quickly became her own person, with her own story.

What’s your favourite word?

Well, I was once trying to find a particular scene in my MS for “Lily’s House” where Jen was brushing her daughter’s hair, so I typed “hair” into the search box. Up popped a perky little note from Word: “That word appears a lot!” So I started looking through, and within about five seconds all I could hair when I haired at my manuscript was hair many hairs I’d haired the word hair.

So “hair” is probably a good contender.

If you were a colour what would it be?

Purple, because it’s my favourite.

Do you plan your story beforehand or go with the flow?

I always have a detailed chapter-by-chapter plan before I start to write. I like to have something to completely ignore as I get into the project.

Who is your favourite Author?

Definitely Jane Austen. I don’t think I’m ever not reading one of her books. I could probably reproduce some of them from memory, Fahrenheit 451-style.

If you could give any literary villain a happy ending who would you chose?

That would have to be Lucifer, from Paradise Lost. I’ve always thought the Garden of Eden sounded pretty boring. We’re better off out of it.

Are you working on a new project?

My next novel, “The Winter’s Child”, is due out on 15th September 2017 from Legend Press, so I’m working on the final edits at the moment. It starts on the last night of Hull Fair, when my heroine Susannah Harper is given an eerily specific prophecy by a fortune-teller: by Christmas Eve, her son Joel, who has been missing for five years, will come back to her.

Preorder ~ AMAZON UK

I’m also working on a new novel, provisionally titled “Underwater Breathing”. It’s set in a village on the East Coast that’s gradually crumbling into the sea, and it’s about a teenage boy who wakes up one morning to find his mother and sister have vanished in the night and he’s alone with is father. The first draft is just hitting the awkward teenage stage where nothing quite fits together yet, but I have faith…

Thank you so much, Cassandra, for being on my blog today, I cannot wait to dive into Lily’s House and your upcoming Winter’s Child. Please come back soon.

Follow Love Books Group here too ~

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

Lily’s House @cassandrajaneuk @Legend_Press #Q&A When Jen goes to her grandmother's house for the last time, she's determined not to dwell on the past.

0 notes