On Writing by Holly Danvers

One of the most frequent questions I’ve been asked throughout my career is the inspiration behind a book, and the launch of my latest Little White Lies series is no exception. The first book in the series, LIE IN THE TIDE, my eleventh publication to date, is a culmination of a few “what if” ideas that came together to make a whole. Sidebar: I always believed that becoming an author and having my work on a library bookshelf or the shelves at Barnes and Noble was too lofty a goal for me to attain. And was told by many (including my own mother) I wouldn’t be able to sit still long enough to draft a novel. Yet here I am (at my standup desk) writing number twelve as we speak. In my mother’s defense, I was an energetic child with an active imagination. Some things haven’t changed.

The message, my friends, is this: if you have a dream in your heart, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Let the naysayers fuel you to fight harder for it. More on that to come.

LIE IN THE TIDE is a manuscript that had been marinating in the back of my mind since the rise of social media. It quite literally, nagged me at every turn. Subsequently, I was under contract for two-three cozy mystery books a year for the last seven years, making it difficult at best to find time to commit my idea to the page. However, the words just wouldn’t let go and tormented my brain for years. If I went for a walk along the coast and caught the scent of saltwater, it would roll in with the tide. If I woke up in the middle of the night, dialogue would keep it, top of mind.

If I scrolled through social media, it would return with a vengeance. You catch my drift…this concept was relentless. And it stems from this one question. Is everyone’s life really that glamorous as it is on social media? I mean, am I the only one reaching for the stain remover to blot baby spit-up on the hand-me-down sweatshirt from my soon-to-be ex-husband? That coupled with a Dateline episode where a guy tried to explain away, in his own defense, that he wasn’t having an affair with his best friend’s wife, he was conveniently and honorably helping them through their marital woes. I’ll leave it at that, no spoilers from LIE IN THE TIDE here!

Even though I was committed to writing in the cozy world, which has been an absolute blast, I am a voracious reader of psychological suspense. Personally, I love multiple POV and the duel timelines. I can’t get enough of these books. I love a fast-paced narrative that keeps me curious to the very last sentence. When miraculously I had a month to spare between cozy drafts, this manuscript poured out of me like lava from a volcano. Perhaps because I’d thought about it for so long, the words flowed to the page easily or maybe it was just a story that needed to be told. 

The main idea came when I was first introduced to Facebook. (Yes, I’m that old.) Because I moved away from the East coast and far from the town where I grew up, I’d lost touch with so many friends from High School. It’s an odd thing when you move away. I almost expected people to remain the same.

Imagine, to my delight when I’d learn of all the exciting things that had happened in their lives throughout my absence. I recall seeing posts of those on Caribbean cruises, or beneath a cabana in Mexico or driving a brand-new flashy SUV. Meanwhile, I was attempting to shuffle through the ups and downs of everyday life. Was my entire alma mater living the glam life while I was mid-divorced and re-entering college in the attempt of finally finishing my degree? Partner that with my curious nature and need to throw in a few secrets and I had stars in my eyes screaming this one’s gonna be a bestseller!

LIE IN THE TIDE is a novel based on four friends who spent their high school years summering on Cape Cod. Secrets from their past rise to the surface, causing a major upheaval in their reunion. That’s about all the spoilers I’m willing to give. If you love psychological suspense, and books by the sea. (Every book in the series will be by the water.) Then give this series a try.

I was told via my agent that writing suspense would be a hard sell. Why? Because cozy mystery authors don’t often jump lanes into thrillers, and it’s such a tough market to break into. So few are chosen. Now you understand why I brought up the naysayers. “Shop it,” I encouraged, “Please prove me wrong.” I think you’re catching onto my inspiration. Being told no, ignites me like gas to a flame. It inspires me to reach. It inspires me to try. It propels me into action to stretch farther than I think I can go.

A classmate from High School reached out to me recently on social media, and said, “I always knew you’d be a writer.” And my response was, “I’m glad you knew before I did. I wished I believed in myself back then and saw my future through your eyes.”

 It’s taken a bit, but now I know— I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

—

Holly Danvers pens multiple mysteries series under several pseudonyms including Holly Quinn, Sherry Lynn, and Holly Danvers. A New England Native, she now resides in the Midwest with her husband, where she’s already plotting her next little white lies thriller set by the sea.

LIE IN THE TIDE

Theirs is a reunion . . . to die for! Four friends are meeting at a beautiful Cape Cod beach house for a long overdue reunion. But before the trip is over, one of them will wind up dead . . . Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Lucy Foley.

It’s been twenty years since Mori, Avery, Remi and Calista last saw each other. As they reconnect on Cape Cod to celebrate Calista’s fortieth birthday, each one hides a painful and devastating secret.

Former introvert Mori is now a bestselling erotica author. She’s more successful than she ever dreamed, and yet shamefully on the cusp of divorce number three.

Remi’s a yoga instructor, blissfully married to her high school sweetheart. On this trip, she’s concealing her pregnancy – and the baby’s paternity.

Quiet Avery is a farm wife living in Iowa. Her life doesn’t have the scandals of her friends’. But she does have a house full of kids she fears she’ll never see again . . .

And Calista, the quintessential suburban mom and high school English teacher, is harboring the biggest secret of all.

These four women are about to learn that one little white lie could kill more than just their friendship . . .

Lie in the Tide is an edge-of-your-seat suspense thriller that digs deep into those little white lies that have the potential to turn deadly.

PREORDER HERE

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing