This month one of our top book club reads is Osprey Reef by bestselling author, Annie Seaton.
To celebrate the launch of her book, Annie took some time out to chat with Beauty and Lace. Read on to learn more about her:
Tell us a little about Osprey Reef…
Osprey Reef is a dual timeline story about two women who live in Queensland: Bethany in contemporary times and her great grandmother, Stella, in the 1930s. Both have loving families but seek to prove their independence.
Bethany is a sea captain, struggling to keep her business above water, and after being let down by a man, Stella leaves the security of family and her small outback town to make her own way in life. An event in Stella’s lifetime, creates a family mystery that creates a dangerous situation for Bethany and her business.
What is your favourite genre to write?
Romantic suspense is my favourite genre. I love creating and solving mysteries and writing edge-of-your-seat scenes. Time travel comes a very close second.
What research do you do before writing?
My preliminary research is done in the location where the book is set. The best part of the research for Osprey Reef was the sea trip I took from the Whitsundays to Mackay Harbour, up in the wheelhouse and learning all about the boat. I had to have the knowledge of a sea captain! I fell in love with the Elizabeth E 11, and she became the Lady Stella 2 in my story.
After I research the location, and the occupation of my heroines, I head to the local library to research the physical location and the history. I spent a few happy hours in the Heritage Room of the Mackay Library, learning about Mackay in the 1930s.
I also take a lot of photographs of the location, and my setting (the boat in this case) and I refer to them as I write.
The final step is often internet research as I begin writing the story.
You travel with your husband each winter. What are some must see places that you have been to?
Oh, there are so many. Of course, I love the Whitsundays (Whitsunday Dawn) Undara, the setting of my last Harlequin Book and I love the Northern Territory. My Porter Sisters books are set there, including Larapinta that will be out early next year.
One of my favourite places was the red centre, where my 2022 Harlequin book, working title Ruby Gap, is set in the Ruby Gap nature park. This winter we also travelled extensively in North Queensland, looking for a new setting and I fell in love with Mission Beach, and the islands off the beach there.
Stay posted for a future book set on Timana island!
What advice would you give to someone writing their first book?
Know your setting. You need to feel the air on your skin, hear the sounds of the location and take in the setting with your five senses.
Also with your characters, ensure that your point of view is deep enough so that the reader feels what they are feeling, and cares about what happens to them.
If you could invite any three people for dinner, whom would you invite?
John of Gaunt, my favourite historical character, David Bowie, my musical hero, Alan Rickman, the actor, I adored his voice.
What are you currently reading?
I am between books. I have just finished Tricia Stringer’s Birds of a Feather, and then—it may sound strange—I am reading my own Love Across Time, time travel series, to get reacquainted with the characters so I can write book four next month!
Who are your favourite authors?
Nora Roberts (of course)
Kristan Higgins
Danielle Hawkins
Anya Seton (historical)
All our Australian rural authors. I won’t name them in case I miss someone!
Where can our readers follow you?
My website: https://www.annieseaton.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieSeatonAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seatonannie/
What is next for Annie Seaton?
Publication: I have The Threads that Bind, the fourth time travel book mentioned above, out in November. Larapinta, the fifth Porter sisters’ book, in March. Ruby Gap, with Harper Collins late in 2022, and couple of short romances throughout 2022.
Research: I am researching a book called Wellington Rock, set in my home town of Nambucca Heads, and a four book mystery series called Island of Secrets set in the Whitsundays.
Thank you for having me. I do hope the Beauty and Lace readers enjoy Osprey Reef.
I am a mother of four beautiful children. I can’t leave a book unfinished which equals a lot of late nights! When I’m not reading you can find me in the garden, or helping out at Beauty and Lace.
Great interview with Annie and I have read quite a few of her books either through Beauty & Lace or just buying the book. I love her style of writing and thoroughly enjoy her books so her latest one above is on my wishlist. I know from following her that she has one re Nambucca Heads which I am interested in as we used to holiday there when I was a tiny tot and I do remember the place. I have been there a few years ago and it’s a beautiful area.