Janey Fraser
After the Honeymoon is about one honeymoon destination; three couples; and enough secrets to sink the lot. Emma and Tom already have young children. Emma's not keen on getting married after her parents' divorce but Tom pushes her into it. Nor does she want a honeymoon - but the girls at work give her a voucher for a taverna on a small Greek island. When Tom falls ill, Ema's left to make her own amusement....
Winston is the nation’s Keep Fit bachelor darling. Newspapers are agog when he marries Melissa, newly-divorced mother of two. But when her teenagers disrupt their honeymoon, his past is revealed....
Rosie was homeless and pregnant when she arrived at the Villa Rosa, sixteen years ago, but now she’s the owner. Winston might not remember her, but she’s never forgotten him…
Please tell us about the characters of Emma, Winston and Rosie.
Emma is a young mum who works as a dinner lady at the local school. She's scarred by her parents' divorce and she's also worried that she and Tom have never had any real passion. She can't help thinking that she's missed out but at the same time, she doesn't want to hurt her new husband. Winston is emotionally scarred too by a secret from the past. When he meets Melissa, it's love (and lust) at first sight. He's certain that she is the one for him but unfortunately, her teenagers don't take to him. He's genuinely confused and can't understand why teenagers are so rude. Rosie is once bitten, twice shy. It takes a lot of courage on her part to accept Greco's advances. But when an old flame turns up, she is both scared and bewildered. However, all three have hidden strengths - and a great sense of humour. Just as well...
Why is it important to write from the heart?
If you don't, the words don't ring true. You need to write about (disguised) experiences you have had, which reach out to others and pluck their heartstrings too. It's the difference between a genuine smile and one that doesn't reach the eyes.
You are editing the June Issue of Mslexia magazine so are you looking forward to this experience?
I'm in the middle of it now, actually. Yes. It's great although it's like conducting an orchestra. Slightly nerve-wracking but very exciting. You have to have your finger on a lot of different pulses. And at the end of the day, you're responsible for the music. Exhilarating!
How much has your background in journalism affected your novel writing?
Quite a lot. It's made me write fast (about 2,500 - 3000 a day) and has also taught me to use my initiative. If I need to research something, I'll think round the box. I've also interviewed several celebrities over the years which taught me to observe how people talk and walk and do things with their hands or eyes.
What made you want to write about the honeymoons of two different couples?
I got married again five years ago and we didn't have a honeymoon because I didn't want to leave my then 15-year old. He wouldn't come with us, needless to say! We were celebrating our anniversary last year and I suddenly wondered where other couples who got married again on the same day, had gone on honeymoon - and what their marriages have been like since then. I always like to write about three or four main characters who are bound together by one experience. It means that (hopefully) the plot is never dull.
You have written for many publications so which has been your most memorable experience?
When I was a very young features writer on Woman's Own in the early eighties, my editor told me to interview an actress who was 'about to become famous' when her new film came out. The actress and I had a really jolly girly lunch and got on very well. The following week, the film was everywhere. It was called 'Educating Rita' and the actress was Julie Walters. On another occasion, I was sent to a television set to interview the cast of a new soap that was about to hit our screens. I took my then baby with me because I didn't have any help. The series was called Eastenders.
What is next for you?
That rather depends on my editor. I've got two big ideas which are burning in my head but we need to chat about them. I never talk to anyone else about what I'm going to write. Otherwise it takes away the need to tell the story.