HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Hello from the other side (of the Atlantic Ocean)! No, not the singing Adele--hello to the writing Adele!
And we are so delighted to host Adele Parks today. Reds and readers, she is one of my very favorite authors, and an absolute household name in the UK. If you haven't read Adele Parks, oooh, well, honestly, lucky you. You have such a treat in store!
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I dare you to pick up an Adele Parks book and put it down anytime soon after. They are the books that you open in a bookstore, just to give it a try, and half an hour later, you have not moved from the spot.
Irresistible plots. Relatable characters. Immersive settings. Jaw dropping twists and gorgeous writing and remarkable quality.
Her newest, FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW— which just came out this!–is about a woman haunted by the thought of her new partner’s perfect dead wife. (The dead wife, savvy readers and DuMaurier fans will note, is named Becky. )
Fun facts: in 2022 Adele was awarded an MBE – – a British order of chivalry – – by his Majesty King Charles III for services to literature. More than 5 million English editions of her works have been sold, and I hesitate to include that number since it’s going up every minute. Yep, I just looked at another biography and it was up to 5.5 million. She’s an ambassador to the National Literary Trust and The Reading Agency, to charities that promote literacy in the UK. Plus, she’s hilarious and marvelous and adorable and genius in every way. And wears trainers with ball gowns. Just saying.
So delighted to introduce you to this marvelous and generous author--and get to hear all about her new book and her writing!
AND--lucky you--I'll give a copy of her new book to one lucky commenter!
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HANK: Your newest (and wonderful) book is FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW. Was that always the title?
ADELE: At one point it was called FIRST WIFE’S GHOST. We (my publishing team and I) decided to change the title because we didn’t want people to think it was a ghost story. It’s not. It’s a psychological thriller about how our biggest fears are the things that can haunt us. In this case the protagonist is haunted by the thought of her new partner’s perfect dead wife.
HANK: What was the core idea for this novel—a plot point? a theme?—and where did it come from?
ADELE: The theme of being jealous of something someone else has or had, leading to total obsession about that person’s world and identity, is key to the novel. I don’t want to say too much at the risk of spoilers, but I look at how it’s possible to be jealous of what someone has financially or emotionally.
HANK: Writer question: At what point did you come up with the final version of the first line? What is it?
‘The Body was pinned up against the tree. Dead. Obviously dead. No RIP here.’
I knew from very early on that I wanted the book to start with death and violence so from the beginning the reader has questions. Who is that dead person? Who is responsible for their death? What are the consequences? The first line came to me quite early in my process, I don’t think I ever had another first line.
HANK: And 385 pages later…did you know the ending of the book when you started?
ADELE: Broadly speaking yes. I knew the biggest twist (although that doesn’t come at the end it comes halfway through) and I knew the resolve. As I write psychological thrillers, the structure of the novel depends on compelling and convincing reveals, wily twists and surprising turns. I find that I write those most convincingly if I know how my books are going to end. I was once advised that every word works harder if you know where the narrative is heading. I think that’s true.
HANK: Every word works harder if you know where you are going! That makes so much sense. (And is so alluring to a poor pantser like me.) What’s something in this book that you’ve never done before?
ADELE: The mid-point twist is (I hope!) jaw-dropping.
HANK: And trust me, Reds and readers, more we cannot say! Adele, What part of your tour (or launch week) are you most excited about?
ADELE: Often in my launch week I do events and meet readers. I absolutely love connecting with readers. There is simply nothing more rewarding than hearing that something I created has entertained, provided distraction, offered solace or caused a moment of pause.
.jpg)
I dare you to pick up an Adele Parks book and put it down anytime soon after. They are the books that you open in a bookstore, just to give it a try, and half an hour later, you have not moved from the spot.
Irresistible plots. Relatable characters. Immersive settings. Jaw dropping twists and gorgeous writing and remarkable quality.
Her newest, FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW— which just came out this!–is about a woman haunted by the thought of her new partner’s perfect dead wife. (The dead wife, savvy readers and DuMaurier fans will note, is named Becky. )
Fun facts: in 2022 Adele was awarded an MBE – – a British order of chivalry – – by his Majesty King Charles III for services to literature. More than 5 million English editions of her works have been sold, and I hesitate to include that number since it’s going up every minute. Yep, I just looked at another biography and it was up to 5.5 million. She’s an ambassador to the National Literary Trust and The Reading Agency, to charities that promote literacy in the UK. Plus, she’s hilarious and marvelous and adorable and genius in every way. And wears trainers with ball gowns. Just saying.
So delighted to introduce you to this marvelous and generous author--and get to hear all about her new book and her writing!
AND--lucky you--I'll give a copy of her new book to one lucky commenter!
.jpg)
HANK: Your newest (and wonderful) book is FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW. Was that always the title?
ADELE: At one point it was called FIRST WIFE’S GHOST. We (my publishing team and I) decided to change the title because we didn’t want people to think it was a ghost story. It’s not. It’s a psychological thriller about how our biggest fears are the things that can haunt us. In this case the protagonist is haunted by the thought of her new partner’s perfect dead wife.
HANK: What was the core idea for this novel—a plot point? a theme?—and where did it come from?
ADELE: The theme of being jealous of something someone else has or had, leading to total obsession about that person’s world and identity, is key to the novel. I don’t want to say too much at the risk of spoilers, but I look at how it’s possible to be jealous of what someone has financially or emotionally.
Jealousy is such a waste of feeling; it’s irrational, exhausting, negative and self-reductive, yet so many suffer from it. I thought that was a great theme to investigate. It allowed me to look at emotional stability, gaslighting and greed. However, I don’t have a bleak view of the world (even though I write dark psychological thrillers) so other themes in this book are the power of forgiveness, the concept of family and the importance of inner strength.
HANK: The main character of your book is named Emma. Why?
ADELE: When I pick a name, I first check that it was a popular and viable name for the age and geography of the character, but I also imbue it with a deeper significance. Emma is a solid reliable name. No one can dislike an Emma! My character is a hardworking, disciplined, clever woman. I think the name fits. Her adversary is her new partner’s dead wife, Becky. That name was chosen as a nod to Daphne Du Maurier, Rebecca. The classic story about living in the shadow of an ex.
HANK: Ah, absolutely! And so creepy, to have a dead adversary, right? At the start of the book, what’s the character’s goal?
Emma is a single woman, the CEO of a renewable energy company. She lives in an incredible, modern glass house in a forest. She’s very sorted, sane and wealthy. Her life is extremely structured and her strongest characteristic is her discipline.
HANK: The main character of your book is named Emma. Why?
ADELE: When I pick a name, I first check that it was a popular and viable name for the age and geography of the character, but I also imbue it with a deeper significance. Emma is a solid reliable name. No one can dislike an Emma! My character is a hardworking, disciplined, clever woman. I think the name fits. Her adversary is her new partner’s dead wife, Becky. That name was chosen as a nod to Daphne Du Maurier, Rebecca. The classic story about living in the shadow of an ex.
HANK: Ah, absolutely! And so creepy, to have a dead adversary, right? At the start of the book, what’s the character’s goal?
Emma is a single woman, the CEO of a renewable energy company. She lives in an incredible, modern glass house in a forest. She’s very sorted, sane and wealthy. Her life is extremely structured and her strongest characteristic is her discipline.
Why is she so disciplined? Well, she had a tragic and chaotic childhood. Her father was an alcoholic and whilst driving under the influence, he killed himself and Emma’s mother, leaving Emma and her brother as young orphans. Emma’s self-reliance is a reaction to that catastrophe and turmoil. She professes to be completely self-contained, satisfied and not in need of anything or anyone.
Her goal is to continue as she is. She avoids relationships because they are unpredictable but the reader will instantly wonder if there is an emotional gap in her life and whether she secretly or subconsciously yearns for a deep relationship.
Her goal is to continue as she is. She avoids relationships because they are unpredictable but the reader will instantly wonder if there is an emotional gap in her life and whether she secretly or subconsciously yearns for a deep relationship.
HANK: Writer question: At what point did you come up with the final version of the first line? What is it?
‘The Body was pinned up against the tree. Dead. Obviously dead. No RIP here.’
I knew from very early on that I wanted the book to start with death and violence so from the beginning the reader has questions. Who is that dead person? Who is responsible for their death? What are the consequences? The first line came to me quite early in my process, I don’t think I ever had another first line.
HANK: And 385 pages later…did you know the ending of the book when you started?
ADELE: Broadly speaking yes. I knew the biggest twist (although that doesn’t come at the end it comes halfway through) and I knew the resolve. As I write psychological thrillers, the structure of the novel depends on compelling and convincing reveals, wily twists and surprising turns. I find that I write those most convincingly if I know how my books are going to end. I was once advised that every word works harder if you know where the narrative is heading. I think that’s true.
HANK: Every word works harder if you know where you are going! That makes so much sense. (And is so alluring to a poor pantser like me.) What’s something in this book that you’ve never done before?
ADELE: The mid-point twist is (I hope!) jaw-dropping.
HANK: And trust me, Reds and readers, more we cannot say! Adele, What part of your tour (or launch week) are you most excited about?
ADELE: Often in my launch week I do events and meet readers. I absolutely love connecting with readers. There is simply nothing more rewarding than hearing that something I created has entertained, provided distraction, offered solace or caused a moment of pause.
I love it when readers are dizzy with excitement and want to talk about my characters, the plot twists or where they were when they first read my work. So in launch week I get most excited about hearing the first reactions to my new novel.
HANK: Who in your #writingcommunity deserves a special shout-out for supporting you in writing this story? Why?
ADELE: Does my husband count as #writingcommunity?
HANK: Well, of course!
ADELE: His support throughout my writing process is invaluable. He looks after me in a practical way, ensuring I eat and sleep as I head towards a deadline, but he also looks after me on an intellectual and emotional level. He’s happy to listen to plot lines, research findings and he’s my first reader. I suppose I could do it without him, I just don’t ever want to.
HANK: People say “the ending of a book sells the next one.” How do you want readers to feel when they finish FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW?
ADELE: Satisfied. I guess I want them to feel the urge to rush out and find someone else who has read it because they are keen to chat, that or rush out to buy my back list. Either thing would show I’ve done my job of entertaining.
HANK : What did you learn from this book? About writing, or life, or the writing life?
I learnt to trust myself. I’ve been a published novelist for 24 years, and this is the 24th novel I’ve written in that time. There have been times over those years when I’ve doubted my ability to finish a book. I used to panic that I’d run out of ideas, that I’d deliver something sub-par, or that I’d miss a deadline.
As a result I’ve often put myself under extreme pressure; working around the clock, cancelling social engagements and even sacrificing my health. However, experience has shown that I do get the book finished and I don’t run out of ideas, I’ve never missed a deadline and I think this book might be my best yet, I’m getting better at my craft, no signs of losing my edge yet. It’s taken a long time but I finally believe I know what I’m doing!
HANK: Hurray! And we can attest to that. Reds and readers, I know you will love Adele Parks as much as I do–and cannot wait for you to read her books!
So you see this newest one is a bit of an homage to Rebecca. Have you read Rebecca? Or seen the movie? What do you remember about it? How did it affect you?
And one super-lucky commenter chosen at random will win FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW!
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FIRST WIFE'S SHADOW
HANK: Who in your #writingcommunity deserves a special shout-out for supporting you in writing this story? Why?
ADELE: Does my husband count as #writingcommunity?
HANK: Well, of course!
ADELE: His support throughout my writing process is invaluable. He looks after me in a practical way, ensuring I eat and sleep as I head towards a deadline, but he also looks after me on an intellectual and emotional level. He’s happy to listen to plot lines, research findings and he’s my first reader. I suppose I could do it without him, I just don’t ever want to.
HANK: People say “the ending of a book sells the next one.” How do you want readers to feel when they finish FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW?
ADELE: Satisfied. I guess I want them to feel the urge to rush out and find someone else who has read it because they are keen to chat, that or rush out to buy my back list. Either thing would show I’ve done my job of entertaining.
HANK : What did you learn from this book? About writing, or life, or the writing life?
I learnt to trust myself. I’ve been a published novelist for 24 years, and this is the 24th novel I’ve written in that time. There have been times over those years when I’ve doubted my ability to finish a book. I used to panic that I’d run out of ideas, that I’d deliver something sub-par, or that I’d miss a deadline.
As a result I’ve often put myself under extreme pressure; working around the clock, cancelling social engagements and even sacrificing my health. However, experience has shown that I do get the book finished and I don’t run out of ideas, I’ve never missed a deadline and I think this book might be my best yet, I’m getting better at my craft, no signs of losing my edge yet. It’s taken a long time but I finally believe I know what I’m doing!
HANK: Hurray! And we can attest to that. Reds and readers, I know you will love Adele Parks as much as I do–and cannot wait for you to read her books!
So you see this newest one is a bit of an homage to Rebecca. Have you read Rebecca? Or seen the movie? What do you remember about it? How did it affect you?
And one super-lucky commenter chosen at random will win FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW!
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FIRST WIFE'S SHADOW
“Adele just gets better and better and First Wife’s Shadow had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. The twists and the tension-building were spellbinding and masterfully done. A true five-star read.” —Lisa Jewell, New York Times bestselling author of None of This is True
HIS FIRST WIFE DIED. NOW THERE'S A VACANCY…
When Emma meets Matthew, a kind, handsome widower, he seems to be just what she needs.
Yet as their relationship moves fast, Emma’s friends worry she might be exploited. She’s a rich woman after all.
Emma doesn’t care Matthew has no money. But as the memory of his perfect first wife hangs over them, Emma does have one tiny doubt.
If Matthew’s wife hadn’t died, he wouldn’t be with her. And Emma wonders if she’s second best. Can she ever fill the dead woman’s shoes?
As jealousy and suspicion blossom between Emma and Matthew, events take a darker, dangerous turn.
Suddenly Emma doesn’t know who she can trust. Her friends? Her husband? Or even herself…?
Adele Parks was born in Teesside, North East England. Her first novel, Playing Away, was published in 2000, and since then she's had seventeen international bestsellers, translated into twenty-six languages. She's been an ambassador for The Reading Agency and a judge for the Costa Book Awards, and is a keen supporter of The National Literary Trust. She's lived in Italy, Botswana and London and is now settled in Guildford, Surrey, with her husband, son and cat.
HIS FIRST WIFE DIED. NOW THERE'S A VACANCY…
When Emma meets Matthew, a kind, handsome widower, he seems to be just what she needs.
Yet as their relationship moves fast, Emma’s friends worry she might be exploited. She’s a rich woman after all.
Emma doesn’t care Matthew has no money. But as the memory of his perfect first wife hangs over them, Emma does have one tiny doubt.
If Matthew’s wife hadn’t died, he wouldn’t be with her. And Emma wonders if she’s second best. Can she ever fill the dead woman’s shoes?
As jealousy and suspicion blossom between Emma and Matthew, events take a darker, dangerous turn.
Suddenly Emma doesn’t know who she can trust. Her friends? Her husband? Or even herself…?
Adele Parks was born in Teesside, North East England. Her first novel, Playing Away, was published in 2000, and since then she's had seventeen international bestsellers, translated into twenty-six languages. She's been an ambassador for The Reading Agency and a judge for the Costa Book Awards, and is a keen supporter of The National Literary Trust. She's lived in Italy, Botswana and London and is now settled in Guildford, Surrey, with her husband, son and cat.
