An Interview With… Hugo Woolley

Today on the blog we talk with indie author Hugo Woolley, author of Girl on the Golden Pillow and Charlotte’s War.

About Hugo Woolley

Hugo Woolley was born in West Sussex. As a dyslexic, he went to a myriad of schools, mainly because, in those days, dyslexia had hardly been invented, let alone treated.

Hugo is a caterer by training and profession. After a car accident, he and his wife moved to Cornwall and ran a successful B&B hotel just outside of Padstow.

Hugo has now retired, and is writing full time, living on the edges of Bodmin Moor, with his wife and dogs.

What is the name of your latest book?

Charlotte's War

Can you describe your book?

Freya Jorgensen is not her real name. Charlotte de Tournet had to hide her true identity when the Nazis rolled into Paris. The SS took over her Avenue Foch mansion, Le Palais, for use by high-ranking Nazis as a place to relax away from the war. She is young and beautiful and is held virtually captive in her Paris mansion. Her only trusted friend is Theodora, a Turkish prostitute and courtesan at Le Palais. Freya unwisely falls in love with a handsome SS officer, Jost Krupp. As Freya discovers her lover is a mass and indiscriminate killer, she and Theodora escape Le Palais before her identity is discovered and the mansion is blown up. With the help of Baron Ferdi Saumures, they flee Paris and travel to southwest France and meet British SOE agent, Bertrand. Freya’s adventures are just beginning.

What does your writing process look like?

I have no idea!

Whether it be music, books, films, the world, or other, where do you get your writing inspiration?

From things that happen in history. I was once inspired by a case my father had - he was a solicitor.

What was the toughest part of writing this book for you?

The ending - I didn't want it to end! So the story carries on into the next book.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of writing a book?

Don't go to 'how to write a novel' or creative writing groups.

All you need is an imaginative plot, some good characters and a very good and professional developmental editor, to write a book in your own style, or in the style of authors you admire.

What are you working on currently?

A book called Scars of David, about a love affair between a Jewess and an SS Colonel.