A pleasure to welcome Ruby Speechley to the Cocktail Lounge. Before becoming a full-time writer Ruby’s career spanned HM Land Registry PR and marketing then journalism. She has had two psychological thrillers published by Hera Books: Someone Else’s Baby (July 2019) and Every Little Secret (April 2020).
Ruby how lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge. What can I get you at the bar?
R: A glass of Prosecco please!
I’ll join you. So where did we first meet in real life?
R: I think I first met you at a Vanguard evening in Peckham, although I’m sure we knew each other before that on Twitter.
We did and it was so lovely to meet you IRL. I was delighted when you came over to me and were so friendly. What were your first impressions?
R: You gave me such a warm welcome when we first met, as though we’d known each other for years!
So we must have a few points in common.
R: We both enjoy crime fiction and know lots of other writers: Angela Clarke, Amanda Saint (Retreat West) and Richard Skinner (Faber Academy), to name a few.
I’ve read and enjoyed Someone Else’s Baby so tell me about your latest book?
R: My second psychological thriller, Every Little Secret came out on 23 April this year. Maddy and Max Saunders are devastated by the death of their five-year-old daughter, Chloe. Maddy is trying to keep the family together for the sake of their other daughter, Emily but then Max goes missing and the fallout following his apparent suicide reveals he had told her lie after lie. His web of betrayal forces her to examine their life together to uncover the truth of his secret life…
Sounds right up my street. What are you working on now?
R: I’m working on the edits for my third as yet untitled novel with Hera Books, which is due out this November. Book four is planned out and I have a solid idea for book five.
You’re being amazingly productive. What would be your dream panel (at any event) – subject, fellow panelists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?
R: I’d liked to be at one of those old informal late-night TV chat shows with guests drinking and smoking and not being at all guarded about what they say. Daphne du Maurier, Patricia Highsmith and Agatha Christie discussing their writing craft would be interesting clash of the titans.
That would be an amazing array of writers. What are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?
R: Spending more time with my new grandson! He was born a month ago and I’ve only seen him once. I’ve not seen my parents for six months either due to them shielding (even before lockdown) so I would love to see them too.
Is there anything lockdown has made you think about/want to do?
R: Family, friends and my health have always been important to me and lockdown has emphasised this. It has also proved to me the importance of creativity in all its forms, writing, reading, cooking, films, TV dramas, art and music.
I’d agree with all that Ruby. Thank you so much for joining me and I’m looking forward to seeing you when we can. In the meantime, may I refresh your drink?
You can find out more about Ruby Speechley and her books here and follow her on Twitter @rubyspeechley