It’s time for another debut author interview, this time with NJ Crosskey, whose dystopian novel Poster Boy is out now.
Tell us a little about your book and how you came to write it.
Poster Boy tells the story of Rosa Lincoln, a young woman who finds herself trapped in a world of lies and spin when her twin brother is declared a national hero. Struggling to cope with her sudden notoriety, and the misrepresentation of her brother’s memory, she becomes caught up with the very terrorists he is credited with thwarting. But, as she learns more about the tactics used by the extreme right-wing government of the time, she comes to realise the deception goes far deeper than she ever imagined.
I have always been both fascinated and angered by media spin, and the way in which facts can be manipulated and presented in different ways to suit a given purpose. For several years now I have been concerned about the level of scapegoating and dehumanisation of certain groups within the media, and have noticed a sharp rise in the amount of casual racism and ‘them and us’ attitudes I encounter in my day to day life. One only has to look at history to understand where the promotion of such divisions, combined with economic unrest, can lead. Poster Boy is my way of speaking out about my fears, about where hatred could lead us if we allow ourselves to be divided and conquered.
In addition, as an only child I’m absolutely enthralled and bewildered by the relationship between siblings. Watching my own (very different) children and the bond they share is utterly fascinating, and something I wanted to explore. When the character of Rosa Lincoln popped into my head one day, I instantly knew that her story was the bridge between the personal and the political that I had been searching for.
What makes your book unique?
I have always loved novels that contain social commentary, or shine a light on the real world through fictional ones. But I also adore gritty, personal stories told in first person – particularly when we’re not sure if the narrator themselves is correct in their interpretations and assumptions. I decided to combine these two elements, so Poster Boy uses two unreliable narrators (Rosa and Teresa) to tell a story about perception and manipulation on both a macro and micro level.
Your book is now in readers’ hands. Which part of being published are you most excited about?
It has to be the chance to inspire my children to follow their own dreams. They watched me do this – in between household chores and night shifts. They saw the hard work and sacrifice involved. They saw me cry over rejections, and cry even more (happy tears!) over successes. They know there was no ‘magic,’ no unattainable ‘perfect conditions,’ just a lot of work and determination. I’m not anyone special, I’m just Mummy. So If I can work hard and achieve my dreams, then they can too.
What has been the most challenging part of your journey to publication?
Self-doubt. I’m not a confident person by nature. Sometimes when I look back I actually can’t believe I found it in myself to keep going after rejections, or even to send my work to anyone in the first place! But I did. I kept on keeping on, kept on learning and working even harder. I don’t know how I ignored the voice inside me that told me I’d never make it, but somehow my ambition drowned it out.
Do you have a writing mentor, or someone who has influenced your work?
When I began writing seriously, I joined writers’ forums and communities and quickly made friends with several other writers who became my critique partners. I firmly believe that these relationships have been instrumental in helping me develop as a writer.
If there was one book that you could have written, other than your own, what would it be and why?
Only one? Gosh, there’s so many. In recent years, I’d have to say The Power by Naomi Alderman. The way the story forces you to think deeply about human nature, and to question your own morals and drives is deliciously unsettling. How would you behave, really, if the roles were reversed? It’s a fascinating concept, superbly handled. And yes, I was awed and envious in equal measures!
What advice would you give to other writers hoping to publish a novel?
Learn everything you can about the industry. Surround yourself with other writers, they will be your biggest supporters and teach you the most valuable lessons. Reach out to others. Authors are generally a very friendly and supportive bunch. Treat everyone with kindness and respect and you’ll be amazed at the things you’ll discover that no book about the craft could ever tell you.
Is there a debut novel you’re particularly looking forward to reading in 2019?
There are so many debuts I’m excited about this year! In particular I’m looking forward to What She Saw by Wendy Clarke (May), Little Darlings by Melanie Golding (May), The Girl Before You by Nicola Rayner (E-book May, paperback August) The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns (UK release in July), Lock Me In by Kate Simants (October) and last, but definitely not least, The Choice by Claire Wade (December).
About the author
NJ Crosskey lives in Worthing, West Sussex with her husband and two children. She has worked in the care sector for nearly twenty years and is now pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a novelist. She is represented by Emily Sweet Associates.
Poster Boy will be released on April 1 2019, from Legend Press. You can find it on Amazon and Goodreads.
Website
Twitter: @NJCrosskey