Authors in Lockdown – with Sunday Times bestseller Heidi Swain

In our suddenly changed times, I’m asking my fellow authors how they are dealing with being in lockdown and a new way of working. Along with any tips they might have for keeping creativity alive – or even using this time of seclusion to finally get those hidden talents up and running.

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Sunday Times bestseller Heidi Swain. Despite everything, I’m also cracking out the virtual champagne, as her latest book ‘The Secret Seaside Escape’ is published today! 

Thank you so much Juliet, for inviting me to share with you and everyone reading, what I’m up to do during this surreal time of lockdown. As you may know, today is publication day for The Secret Seaside Escape, so hopefully right now, I’m enjoying lots of lovely interaction on social media. I’m very grateful for this new book because moving the publication date forward a couple of weeks has certainly kept me on my toes!

To be honest, the Monday to Friday working week, hasn’t been all that different to my pre-lockdown world. I still have a deadline and I’m sticking rigidly to my #amwriting routine. The words are still flowing so I’m extremely pleased – and relieved – about that! I start writing around 7am and carry on until lunchtime. Afternoons are reserved for admin, writing blog posts and planning.

However, there have been a few tweaks and changes. For example, my Pilates class is now happening online so I’m having to remember to keep the sitting room curtains closed. There aren’t many folk out and about now, but they don’t deserve to be burdened with the sight of me bending and stretching early in the morning, do they?

Heidi at an event in Waterstones, Liverpool, with Trisha Ashley

And I’m also walking laps of the garden in lieu of my daily wander around the village and into the woods. The space is tiny – 50 paces a lap – but I’m still managing to walk over two miles a day, so you can imagine how many times I’m going around! It’s very much round and round the garden like a teddy bear. I haven’t met myself coming backwards yet, but there’s still time!

 

 

I’m also doing rather more video calling with friends, which is great for morale and a reason for dragging a brush through my hair… most days. Storm, my cat, likes to get in on the calls too, if she can.

So, all in all, it’s not too bad. This author in lockdown hasn’t gone too far round the bend just yet, but there’s still a long way to go.

Stay safe my loves, and stay home.

With love,

Heidi x

 

Heidi’s new book The Secret Seaside Escape

UK edition available HERE

US edition available HERE

Tess Tyler needs a break. Weighed down by her high-pressure job and her demanding father, she’s left little time to take care of herself. But after a shocking discovery sends her spiralling, she flees to Wynmouth, the seaside town she fell in love with as a child, to escape it all.

With its sandy beaches, stunning rock pools and welcoming community, Tess feels like she can finally breathe again. And as she grows ever closer to local barman Sam, she dares to dream that she might never return to her real life. But when a familiar face returns to town, Tess realises that there are secrets in Wynmouth too, and that her own past may be about to catch up with her . . .

The Secret Seaside Escape is the perfect read this summer, promising sandy beaches, stunning rockpools and breath-taking romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Sarah Morgan.