And growing up the working class environment of South London how much of you and your experiences are in these characters?

I don't consciously use anyone I knew, or now know, as characters in my books, but I think memories of quirks or personalities come through. I'm afraid I like to get into peoples minds, to understand them, the way they think - to gain some understanding of why they act in certain ways.

There are so many layers and I find it fascinating, using what I've learned, if I can, in the portrayal of my characters. I find people's struggles inspirational, how sometimes they rise above it, how they grow and learn from their mistakes.

You lost your son in 1998 why did you turn to writing and how did it help you through?

When my son died it was a dreadful time. I was devastated and couldn't cope. I didn't know anyone else who had lost a loved one to suicide - who would understand how I felt, so eventually wrote a letter to our local newspaper asking if anyone who had suffered this bereavement would be interested in setting up a support group.

Six woman answered, and between us we set up a telephone help line and a meeting place where others could join us. We would talk, cry, let our feelings out with others who could empathise with what we, and they, they were going through.

I chaired the group for two years, but then had to have major surgery, after which I felt burned out. It was then that a friend suggested starting a writing circle, and needing something else to fill my mind, I agreed. I knew nothing about writing and had an awful lot to learn, but I found it cathartic, a way to distract my grief while I buried myself in the lives of my characters.

Until then I had no idea that I could write, but I'm not a literary writer, and with my education it isn't something I could aspire to.

I'm a story teller, but now I love writing and can't imagine a day when I'm not tapping away on the keyboard.

Why did you decide to write under a pseudonym?

It wasn't my choice. My agent and publisher felt that my real name wasn't quite right, so Kitty Neale was born.

Finally what is next for you?

I've just finished writing the book with the revenge theme, Desperate Measures, and it's due for publication in Feb 2009. Now its on to my next book, this one about a woman who is completely controlled by her husband. With two books a year to write, it's a full time job, but living in Spain is lovely and I do manage to take a bit of time off to enjoy the local culture.

Kitty Neale's Family Betrayal is out now.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw

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