UNCOVERED INTERVIEWS: Jennifer Allan

The Red House: Twilight's Edge is the new supernatural novel by Jennifer Allan, in which a family living the dream in Ibiza have their lives changed when a tragic accident leaves Maddie Davis living an almost separate existence. Jennifer joined us this week to tell us more about The Red House and the inspiration behind it.

Tell us about your latest novel in 15 words or less.
A chick lit adventure with a ghostly, supernatural twist set in Ibiza.

What inspired you to write The Red House?
Two things inspired me. I wanted to bring a new twist to the chick lit market after reading Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella and thoroughly enjoying the novelty there. Secondly I was standing in my pool in Ibiza at twilight one evening and noticed the peculiarities that form the opening lines of the book. The possibilities were endless then.

Where do you do most of your writing?
In bed. I always write in bed. I tried a desk once but it wasn't for me.

What is your favourite book?
I really couldn't decide between anything by the dear departed James Herbert and all of the novels of Barbara Erskine.

Which part of The Red House did you enjoy writing the most?
The nightmare sequences and the scenes where the heroine's husband is wrestling with his wayward emotions.

Who is your favourite literary heroine?
Rachel in Marian Keyes' Rachel's Holiday.

Do you have any tips for readers who are looking to become published writers?
Set yourself a goal to write at least 300 words a day. Do it every single day even if you think it will be rubbish.

Are you working on anything else at the moment and if so, can you tell us?
The sequel to The Red House - Twilight's Edge which is provisionally titled The Red House - Nightfall.

Thanks, Jennifer!

The Red House: Twilight's Edge

Maddie and Robert Davis are living the dream. Ensconced in a beautiful converted Spanish farmhouse and working in luxury real estate on the exclusive Mediterranean island of Ibiza, they are providing their two young daughters with an idyllic lifestyle. Their life is almost perfect and they are happier than they have ever been. But all is not as it seems in The Red House. Following a series of mysterious events centered around Maddie, she becomes the victim of a tragic accident at the villas pool. With a severe head injury she fades into unconsciousness only to find herself awakening in the care of people she has never met, in a place that seems at the same time strange but vaguely familiar. Where is she and why are her family nowhere to be found? 

In a blind panic and with no recollection of the accident Maddie persuades herself she must be in the midst of a lucid nightmare. It is only when she is presented with incontrovertible evidence that she realises she is further from her home and loved ones than she could possibly imagine. So begins a nerve wracking and emotional journey as she tries desperately to find her way back to her beloved family and the life she misses so much. But this new world has a purpose for her which she is yet to understand. Can she unearth the secrets of the Red House and so return to her family, or is she already too late?