Author Name: Gillian Harvey

Book Title: Everything Is Fine

Book Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Rom-Com

Release Date: January 26, 2021

Publisher: Orion

Welcome, Gillian! Please talk a bit about Everything Is Fine.

A hilarious story about a social media influencer who tries to keep up appearances when her real life falls apart. The book reflects on what real happiness is, and whether it can be found online.

Sounds timely! What sparked the idea for the book?

I was talking to my sister about all the fun she seemed to be having! I live in rural France and have five young children so the opportunities to go out and party are very few and far between. “You seem to be having so much fun!” I complained.

She said: “but it’s only Facebook, it’s not real.” I knew what she meant – her pictures were real, but really they were just a snapshot of her real life. It made me question the purpose of social media – if it’s not real then what is it for?

How long did it take for you to write the book? Did you do have to do any research?

It took about a year to write the book. Five months for the first draft, five more for the rewrite and two for edits! I did a little research, as the main character, Jessica, is a Public Relations expert and I needed to understand a little more about the industry.

For you, what’s the hardest thing about writing?

I hate planning! Yet I’ve found that when I take the time to plan well, my writing is better. I’m just so impatient to get on to the fun bit – the writing – that I have been known to cut corners in this area!

What do you love most about it?

The excitement of it. When you write and read back and think: wow, I wrote that? When you have a great idea pop into your head for an aside or a chapter or a brand-new book, there’s nothing better.

If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read Everything Is Fine?

Reviews in the UK have been fab – and both men and women have enjoyed reading it. It’s a great break for your brain if you’re more into ‘heavy’ subjects. Yet it’s not insignificant – it has a poignant message at the heart of the humor. Think Nick Hornby meets Helen Fielding.

How does your day job inform your novel writing?

I used to be a high school teacher, but now work as a freelance writer. I’m often writing about inspirational women who’ve achieved great things against the odds – I’m so inspired by what others have done.

What are your interests outside of writing and reading?

I used to paint and play the cello. But since the kids came along, I have much less free time. Both are gathering dust at the moment, but maybe I’ll pick them up again one day.

I also jog a few times a week. Reluctantly.

Are you working on a new project?

My next novel, ‘Perfect on Paper’ is due for release in the UK in May 2021. Not sure when it will hit the US, but hopefully some time in 2022!

Where can readers find you?

www.gillianharvey.com – website and blog

@gillplusfive – Twitter and Instagram

Thank you, Gillian! Everything Is Fine is OUT NOW.

Everything Is Fine