Whilst generally the Spending Time With…questions are sent over to people related to film, I do like to try and expand my own horizons to those outside the film world. Not that Sarah is outside the film world. Shes definitely a film fan, Sarah loves watching films, writing about films and talking about films, however today Sarah is wearing her Author hat (I’m not sure its an actual hat, but you get where I’m headed) and so this Spending Time With…article is a little more book related.

Sarah Cook, Author! I wonder what she feels when she reads or hears that title. Sarah Cook,Author. I imagine its pretty cool. I was listening to a recent podcast episode of Empire and Helen O’Hara (also an author and a film fan) mentioned that she had recently been to Sarah’s book launch.  So not only is it Sarah Cook, Author, but its also Sarah Cook, Author, and someone that’s been mentioned on one of the biggest film podcasts. What a 2023 Sarah is having. But anyways. I thought id take a chance and see if Sarah wanted to take part in the spending time with…questions, and she said yes! Now I know that being on frompage2screen.com isn’t as cool as it is being mentioned on the Empire podcast, but for me its pretty cool that Sarah took the time out to answer these questions. So without any further waffling by me. Its over to Sarah. 

Was there a moment where you thought ‘I want to write a book’ What was that moment?

 I have always loved and adored writing, but it was ten years ago when I was like, “I really want to write a book.” That idea is still in the works – I did several different manuscripts before Diary of Murders came into fruition. 

What was the most recent book you read?

 A Perfect World by Julia E. McColgan – a very brilliant dark fantasy romance that’s like Stranger Things with college students. 

Who are your favourite authors? 

 Erin Morgenstern, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Jane Austen

Do you remember who got your first autograph? 

 Oh yes, Wendy Jones! She requested my first ever signed copy of Diary of Murders 

Have you ever gotten someone’s autograph? Which is the most memorable for you? 

I have! I think meeting James McAvoy and getting him to sign my copy of Filth – it’s my favourite film and I got to show him my tattoo.

Do you have an ‘off switch’ when not working, and how does it work? 

 I struggle with the off-switch ha ha. Usually I work tirelessly during the week and have one day where I just crust over – either reading, watching a film, or TikTok.

Do you prefer day writing or night writing? 

 I am very much a night-owl. I love writing until sunrise where the world is asleep. 

Have you been reading reviews of Diary of Murders?  Does the thought of reading reviews make you nervous?

 It’s somewhat of a cardinal rule that authors stay away from reviews. It is a reader space, largely. But I am obsessive, so I so do dip in every now and then. I will stress that a review – whether someone hated it, did not finish it, or loved it – is very important. Someone taking the time to read your work is crucial. 

What’s the most difficult thing about your creative journey? 

 I think learning not to obsess over sales and comparing yourself to other, more successful people. Remembering that putting the book out there is more important, and no success story is the same – some are slow, some are fast, and it is all about keeping going.  

And, the flipside. What’s the most enjoyable for you?

 I always love piecing the story together. Miriam and John – my main characters – mean the world to me so seeing them develop into this story and finally for them to be released into the world – it’s so incredible. 

With regards to your own projects? What are you working on that you can tell me about?

 I’ve got a contemporary thriller novella called Aqua Tofana which is out in November (2023). Then there’s Diary of Murders short stories and the sequel which is all next year. 

Do you prefer reading physical books or do you tend to read more on an e-reader?

I love physical but I also enjoy e-books.  

What’s the coolest moment (so far) with Diary of Murders thats happened to you? 

Oh my book launch – without a shadow of a doubt. I was surrounded by so much love and support and it was so much fun. WE had a cockney singalong and then danced. I felt on top of the world.

Diary of Murders by Sarah Cook is available now on Kindle, Paperback, and you can even get yourself a signed copy. Head HERE https://linktr.ee/sarahcookwriter

Thank you Sarah, and keep up the great work!

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