MINTY

 "A thought-provoking debut novel about love, loss and the importance of family...a compelling and ultimately heart-warming story. " The Book Trust

"A haunting, eerie and beautiful read that will resonate with you for days after you read it." The Scottish Book Trust

“Minty! Stay right there. Wait until I get help!” screams Jess, though I can barely hear her above the crashing waves. “I’m going for Mum and Dad!”

Fourteen-year-old Minty and Jess are inseparable. OK they bicker now and then, maybe even crave a bit of space once in a while. Yet they have a connection. Unbreakable. Steadfast. Nothing can tear them apart. Until a family trip to the coast puts their bond in jeopardy.

As Minty tries to rescue her dog from drowning she places herself in danger. Because she loves her dog – she has to save him. Whatever it takes. But at what cost? To her? To Jess? Only the stormy sea knows the answer.

I love this cover because as well as being beautiful  it captures the story perfectly. It was designed by Jennie Rawlings, Creative Director of Three Hares Publishing. 

The idea for the book appeared early one summer morning, just as the sun came up. During the night I thought I sensed my late father's presence. Unable to get back to sleep I sat in the sunroom contemplating what had actually happened. While doing this I heard my dog panting and put out an hand to stroke her. Until I remembered - she had died the month before. That's when Minty's story came to me. 

Everybody loves listening to music, right? I know I do. With one exception - when I'm writing. If I'm working in my study - and I usually am - I like to write in silence. The only sound I can tolerate is the wind rattling through the gaps in the window or the snore of a dog sleeping under my desk. I never have music playing in the background. And yet, as I type, songs filter through my consciousness and seep into the story I'm trying to tell. Here are some of the ones that were in my head as I wrote Minty:

 Lust for Life by Iggy Pop

Angels by Robbie Williams

Nan's Song by Robbie Williams

Missing by Evanescence

Bring Me To Life by Evanescence

The Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler

True Colours by Cindi Lauper

My Immortal by Evanescence

Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber

Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cindy Lauper

Dream of Me by Kristina Train

He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother by The Hollies

My Last Breath by Evanescence