Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Ruth O’Neill
Book Title: Circle of Betrayal
Released: 06/21/21
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Circle of Betrayal”?
O’Neill: I’m a Teaching Assistant for literacy in a secondary school and a qualified amanuensis for students who have exam access arrangements. This is where Circle of Betrayal begins and is based on my own experience working within a school setting. I wanted to write a story about characters that have domestic noir issues. I love this genre, so for me it was incredibly exciting creating a story that turns into a minefield of betrayal and deception. Just about anything I see, hear, read, or experience can inspire me. I carry around a small notebook wherever I go and it often provides me with a rich source of material for my next writing projects.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
O’Neill: I always google the top 100 girls and boys names and pick from the list.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
O’Neill: I began writing in 2011 and my first book Sunshine & Tears was published in 2015. Sunshine & Tears was a sort of therapy for me as I wrote about the events that happened in my life twenty-five years ago. I was surprised by the positive reviews and feedback I received about the book and decided to write a thriller - my favourite genre. I write most nights 7- 9pm, sat in the dining room with the TV on as a background noise, also in the school holidays and weekends. I try to write at least one paragraph a
day.
If "Circle of Betrayal" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
O’Neill: Dakota Johnson would be a good fit for Ava Cressman, the main protagonist in Circle of Betrayal. Jennifer Lawrence would be an excellent choice to play Ava’s older sister. Idris Elba to play Joel Carney, Ava’s love interest and Mark Strong would be fantastic as Orias Shelby, a narcissist.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
O’Neill: I usually write down an outline which provides a much clearer picture of where my story’s heading. Sometimes I jump to the middle/end to change it up a little so I don’t become too bogged down focusing on the piece of writing I’m struggling with.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
O’Neill: Characters only become interesting when you put obstacles between them and their goal. They need strengths to draw upon, and flaws that threaten to drag them down. Readers need memorable protagonists they can relate to or root for to keep them turning the pages. Believe in yourself and write about what you love.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
O’Neill: My favourite authors are Erin Kelly, B A Paris and KL Slater. All psychological thrillers. My Favourite book – To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee because it sends out a definite message about high morals and what’s right and wrong.
What are you working on next?
O’Neill: Three sisters go away a trip together, expecting to reignite their relationship. Time has flown by and as they grew up, somewhere along the line, they’d lost touch. The intimacy is not lost, but it’s somehow become suppressed in the monotony of life. However, the trip doesn’t go as planned. One sister has a different agenda to her siblings, and she knows their lives will never be the same again.
Learn More About the Author and In the Dead Ringer here:
https://twitter.com/ruthoneill1
https://www.instagram.com/ruthoneill63/
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or Kindle Unlimited
Interested in submitting your book for review? Visit my review page for guidelines and submission requirements.
review