I want to thank Philippa for the interview. I absolutely loved reading More than Shipmates and I definitely recommend you read it.

Interview

What was your inspiration for More than Shipmates?

A job that almost was and couldn’t be.

How did you choose which character to focus the story?

I think that’s the one thing I didn’t actually do with this book. It was going to be just Eliza’s story and then I read a book with dual-POV for the first time and it blew my mind. From that point onwards I wanted to know what the boys were thinking all the time and then I got to enjoy sussing them out.

What is your approach to world and character building?

Daydream first, structure later. I spend a lot of time playing out different scenarios in my head and then I keep building to figure the characters out until I know them well enough to do personality quizzes. Putting them in the hot seat and working out how they’d answer those sorts of questions really helps me set the rules for them. I find I then have to cut a few moments I’d already started jotting down because they just don’t make sense for them anymore, but it’s all good practice!

As for world building, I’m OBSESSED with cruises so I have all sorts of inspiration for activities and events ready to go, I work out what I want to happen and then I voice note one of my best friends to fact check it before I get carried away. You have him to thank for the crew’s version Scavenger, I just thought it was the guests who had all the fun!

How would you describe More than Shipmates in five words?

Sexy Caribbean cruise crew fun.

Did you have a favourite moment to write?

The coach trip excursion, without a doubt. I loved writing all of Eliza’s snarky scenes, but I had the best time writing that one in particular.

What was your favourite book growing up?

When I was little it was The Story of Tracy Beaker and The Toilet of Doom. It’s only in the past few years that I’ve embraced life as a bookworm, so I don’t have many. My mum lent me Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella on holiday when I was a teenager and I became obsessed with it. I downloaded the audiobook after I finished it and would listen to it every night as I fell asleep. (Sally Phillips was a GREAT choice of narrator there, big fan).

I also remember loving The Good Girl by Mary Kubica.

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

I’m a romance lover all the way. If there’s no kissing it’s just not for me!