What’s your name and what do you write?
I’m Lucy Brazill and write Historical Fiction.
Are you a fast writer or a patient perfectionist?
I’d probably say fast The Woman Before Dawn was written in 8 months.
What does your typical writing day look like (if such a thing exists)?
I run my own business andI’m a mother, so I have to activley make time for my writing, but I try to have a daily word count and sit down to write even if I’m not feeling that creative/inspired.
What came first: a character, a scene, or the overall concept?
I knew I wanted to write a novel set during the First World War, and strong female leads are a must for me, and from there the story slowly evolved.
What makes you and your books special?
I pour my heart and soul into my writing, creating characters that I fall in love with, and would vehemently defend. I take my love of history and let that inspire the stories I write, and I love giving a voice to overlooked events or people.
Where do the ideas for your novels come from?
Often the non-fiction books I’ve been reading and areas of history I have genuine passion for. Many of the characters were inspired by real people. Hector Munro was a real person, who created the Munro Ambulance Corps. Gypsy and Mary were based on the Angels of Pervyse. Sylvie was inspired by a handful of female surgeons who were allowed to work near the Western Front during the Frist World War.
Which character from your book would you love to meet in real life and what would you do together?
I’d love to meet Sylvie, a woman ahead of her time, and also Alistair, I think they’d have a lot to say.
What was the hardest scene to write and why?
The scene where and Tristan say goodbye to one another was, not the hardest, but the most emotional to write.
Happy ending or bittersweet. What breaks your heart more (while writing)?
I think those, almost moments, are some of the most heart breaking. I love a slow burn and a will-they-won‘t-they romance.
Do you have a short message or some words for your readers?
I really hope you love this book as much as I’ve loved writing it, I‘ve fallen in love with each of the characters within its pages and I can guarantee that their stories and names, will stay with you, long after the last page has been read.