All about the novel Match Point, a tennis sports romance

Who is Katherine Reilly?

Katherine Reilly is the pseudonym for an author of several young adult and adult novels, published globally. Katherine lives in London with her family and rescue dog.

What is Match Point about?

For two weeks Wimbledon hosts the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world and this year everyone is talking about player Kieran O’Sullivan, the infamous bad boy of the sport with one last chance to win a Grand Slam.

Everyone, that is, except Flora Hendrix. Flora might live in Wimbledon, but she’s renting out her flat for the summer while she explores the fresh start that she’s longing for. Except when Flora’s plans unexpectedly fall through, the last thing she expects is her house guest to refuse to leave. Especially when it’s none other than Kieran O’Sullivan.

Thrown together for the summer, sparks fly between Flora and Kieran. But they’re not going to let a few sparks distract them from finally following their dreams. Are they?

Interview

What was your inspiration for Match Point?

I’m a big tennis fan and worked at the Wimbledon Championships for five consecutive summers, so when I thought about writing a sports romance, there was no question it would be set at Wimbledon! I’ve always thought it’s the perfect setting for a romance because there’s such a brilliant atmosphere, full of hope and excitement, and when the sun is shining it’s even better. There’s nowhere like London in the summer 

What drew you to writing?

I’ve always loved writing – my parents have kept all the family newspapers I used to write when I was little, reporting on what was happening in the household, and at school I was terrible at most things except for creative writing and escaping to the library to read. Books, especially comedies, always made me feel better during tricky times, so I liked the idea of doing the same for someone else.

I never thought I’d be good enough to make a career out of it until one of my friends at university told me she thought that’s what I’d end up doing. It was as though I needed someone else to tell me that I wasn’t being ridiculous for even considering it! When I graduated, I applied for internships at newspapers and magazines, landed a week’s work experience at one of the publications and started from there. 

How did you choose which character to centre the story around? 

Flora formed in my head fairly quickly. I think a lot of people can relate to that feeling of being a bit lost and muddling through, so I wanted the story to centre around a character who was inherently a dreamer, but she wasn’t sure if she should be giving up. That’s when Kieran steps in to help her remind herself of what she’s made of. 

What was your process for writing Match Point?

Due to various other writing commitments (Katherine Reilly is a pseudonym), I had a rather stressful deadline of only four weeks to write the first draft! So I sat down and wrote a very detailed chapter breakdown in one afternoon that I sent to my amazingly talented editor Kim, and once she’d approved it, I cancelled all social plans and worked solidly around parenting duties. Lots of late nights and plenty of Red Bull, but it all worked out in the end. A whirlwind process for this one and I loved every minute. 

What is your approach to world and character building?

I have two questions I’m always asking myself: What is this character’s motivation? and What if…? The first drives the plot and every action that is made by each character, and the second helps me to create fun and interesting scenarios. I like to picture the chapters as film scenes in my head – I do this when I’m walking my dog, which is much better than staring at a blank page trying to work out a plan. Sometimes music helps too. For Match Point, the main track was Hello by Sugarbomb. So random, but it makes me smile! 

How would you describe Match Point in five words?

Fun, Romantic, Summery, Sexy, Pimm’s

Did you have a favourite moment in the book to write?

I enjoyed creating the scene where Flora’s cheating ex-boyfriend Jonah pays her a spontaneous visit and consequently runs into Kieran. You’ve got to love a bit of comeuppance for such a slimy character. 

What was your favourite book growing up?

ARGH. How to narrow it down to just one?! I have to say that I read The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot over and over in my early teens, because I thought it was hilarious, so I think she was a big inspiration for me. And my mum got me into Jane Austen, so I have to mention Emma and Pride and Prejudice too

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

Romantic comedies will always be my favourite, because they bring so much cheer and laughter which is essential to muddling through life. I also love murder mysteries, which would be a close second.

What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?

Smarties and Red Bull. Terrible, I know, I’m sorry, please don’t follow my example.

Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favourite music?

I need complete silence when I write, so no music on – but, I do love listening to music on walks to help inspire new scenes. Anything happy and uplifting, so mostly pop.