10 Questions with Author Kayleigh Evans
You live in Wales, which is also the locale for your novel, “Serendipity Valley : How it Begins”. Did Wales inspire your book? If so, how?
The verdant landscapes and the distinct culture of Welsh people has deeply influenced the narrative of my Serendipity Valley series. With Cornwall being a popular setting for many books, Wales is a similar, picturesque location and the perfect backdrop for the story I wanted to tell. I was at my nans, looking across to the farm on the opposite side of the valley when the initial idea for How It Begins came to me. Writing this novel was an opportunity for me to write a story that resonates with readers as well as represent Welsh life in a relevant and authentic way. From the reviews I have received to date I'm confident I’ve achieved this and hope that many more people enjoy and relate to my books.
What inspired your main characters?
I have always read avidly. People are made up of circumstances and decisions. I wanted to write a series that followed the characters, not just through one story, but through the key parts of their lives, creating relatable conflicts for them to navigate. All great stories grow from a ‘What if’ question. How it begins started with me looking over the Valley thinking... What if the girl who lived here, had feelings for a boy who lived on that farm over there? What if they could find out what those feelings were? Jenny and Ethan were written from that train of thought and the storyline snowballed from there. I have five main characters in total, Jenny, Ethan, Cam, Kelly, Brooke and Jack. They developed naturally, each of them contributing to the depth of the story. All of the characters play a role that influences scenarios and decision making that inevitably impacts relationships, careers and their understanding of each other. The dynamics of the characters create an array of emotions, and I hope readers enjoy seeing how all the characters grow through their journey. It’s certainly been entertaining for me!
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
Serendipity Valley is a trilogy. How It Begins being the first book in the series (published) and the eagerly awaited second book, How It Could Be, will be released this year! The second book follows on directly from the first and concludes the path characters choose to take. I have already started working on the third book How It Turns Out. It is set twenty years in the future and will detail how the journeys of the main characters influence the next generation, forcing them to gain closure and reflect on the decisions they made and the lives they have led. Writing such a series is quite a task to pull off but I am enjoying every minute of it.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
I should really know what my ideal reader looks like, but I’ve been surprised to have people I would have never expected pick up my book, three men have picked up my book and contact me to tell me how much they have enjoyed it.
One of the most gratifying aspects of writing has been the amazing feedback from readers. The series fits best into the Women's Fiction genre, but I’ve been surprised to have people I would have never expected pick up my book contact me to tell me how much they enjoyed it. The books in the series are unique in the sense that they can be enjoyed by multiple age groups. There is an array of characters who differ in age, so it has that relatability factor. If I had to describe an ideal reader, they would be curious, love the idea of coincidences and exploring all the possibilities of What If.
What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
There’s two pieces of advice I would give, advice that was given to me and got me through writing How It Begins.
The first is to consistently write. Even if it's for fifteen minutes a day, get the words down and tell yourself the story. There are plotters and panster’s but you don’t find out what you are until you tell yourself the story you want to write. It won’t be perfect, but you can’t edit a blank page.
The second piece of advice follows on from the first, try not to edit your writing before you have told your story. I got stuck for about two months going over the same chapters over and over again trying to make them perfect. A writer friend intervened and held me accountable for moving forward rather than looking back. I feel writing creatively and editing require two different mindsets, write your story creatively first, have a short break from the piece, put your editor's hat on and go over it with a fresh perspective.
What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
The setting and the characters always come first for me. I feel having the characters first allows for depth and allows the plot to unfold naturally. I do plot in the sense I have a general idea of the outline, working this way gives me flexibility and the opportunity to slip into the creative flow state, letting my imagination do what it does best!
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
Editing before the story was finished was absolutely a hinderance. I do run a writing group and surrounding myself with other writers and people who love to read has helped motivate me. Anyone who writes comes to learn that there are always things to learn and ways to develop. It’s in my nature to learn and progress and being part of a community that helps foster that is invaluable. Writing podcasts and YouTube videos are also an invaluable tool. I’ll often tune in to these to distract from mundane tasks like cleaning.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
For emotional or difficult scenes, I often think about them for a while before I come to write. Due to the weight of the scenes, I like to know the context and have a rough idea on the execution it before I put pen to paper. Music is excellent mood setter and instigator of emotions, I will often think up a scene while listing to a song if it's sparked the right emotion.
How do you use social media as an author?
I’m still learning how to use social media as an author. I predominantly use Instagram to network with other authors as well as engage with other readers. The bookish community is an amazing space to learn and grow as both a writer and reader. My to read list has expanded exponentially since joining, it’s incredible.
This is my favourite question. If “Serendipity Valley : How it Begins” were made into a movie, which actors would you cast to play your characters?
This is a real fun question! Since becoming an author my time for TV and Films has become limited so I'm not up to date with upcoming younger actors that might suit How It Begins. I did however pick actors as my dream cast (Just imagine them in early adulthood at the same time 😉).
Jenny – Emelia Clarke
Ethan – Chris Hemsworth
Jack – Matthew Daddario
Cam – Chris Evans
Kelly – Rachel McAdams
Brooke – Rachel Lefevre
Kayleigh Evans lives with her husband and three kids in a valley in South Wales – the perfect backdrop for the Serendipity Valley Series. After writing secretly for many years, Kayleigh finally published her debut novel Serendipity Valley: How It Begins to rave reviews. Highly anticipated, Serendipity Valley: How It Could Be is the second book in the series. For more information follow Kayleigh on Instagram or visit her Linktree for all of her important links:
