#sirrob

We spoke to Rob about the sequel to his gripping novel Storm and Silence, which he will be releasing in January. 

If you would like us to ask Rob more questions, tweet them to us at @radish_fiction 

Hi Rob! Thanks for speaking to us. So, do you definitely plan to write a sequel to 'Storm and Silence'?

Yes, indeed I do. I have lots more of ideas in regard to Lilly and Mr Ambrose, more than could ever fit into one single book.

That's exciting news! How will this second book differ from the first?

It will be faster paced, and will reveal more about how Mr Ambrose acquired his empire around the world, instead of focusing on events in London. It will also be more intense than Storm and Silence, taking the next step in the Lilly's and Mr Ambrose's character development.

Why did you decide to publish on Radish?

I've enjoyed writing as a hobby and posting my stories on Wattpad immensely, and will continue to post my stories there. But now that I am finished with my studies I'll have to decide whether to take up writing as a serious career, or reduce my writing time drastically through taking another job. I love writing and it's my dream to become a professional author. By allowing me to ask my fans for a small payment in exchange for early updates, Radish gives me this opportunity. Even though fans who can't contribute will have to wait a little before they can read new chapters for free (either on Radish or Wattpad), they'll still profit in the long run because if I can make a living from my writing, I'll have more time to produce more stories!

When and how often will new chapters be posted?

For now, I plan to keep to my usual schedule of one update per week, every Wednesday. Once I'm able to make a living through my writing... We'll see. Faster updates might not be out of the question if I can concentrate fully on writing.

Will the new book be, theoretically speaking, as long as the first?

Not quite as long, no. But that doesn't mean that less will happen.

Where will this book's events take place?

The exact location will have to remain a mystery, for now ;-) But you can look forward to a more setting far more exotic than London, at the hard-fought borders of Mr Ambrose's business empire.

What’s next for Lily? How will she develop as a character in the sequel?

She might move a tentative step towards the realization that not all men are despicable chauvinist cockroaches that deserve to be squashed at first sight.

What about Mr Ambrose? Will he and Lilly grow closer together?

He will become more miserly than he ever was, and a hundred times as cold. And Lilly will definitely get close enough for her nose to be in danger of freezing!

Will the character's ideals and values change?

Will values change? Definitely! Mr Ambrose's net value, for instance, will rocket upwards by a few million pounds ;-) And as for Lilly, she will be more fiery a feminist than ever.

What about other characters?

Karim will, of course, be always be at Mr Ambrose's side. Since much of the book will not take place in London, Lilly's family will not play such a big role. But, without naming names, I can tell you that there is a certain Captain of the British Army who we'll be seeing more of...

What will the new book be called?

I am still pondering options. Something stormy. Or silent. Or both!

What more do you promise your readers more of ─ romance, or adventure?

Definitely both! As mentioned above, instead of taking place in the business world of London and in sparkling ballrooms, this will be a book set upon the outskirts of the British Empire, in circumstances far more rough, dangerous and hot. So hot that even Mr Ambrose might melt a little.

Do you promise more humour in the new book, or will it take on a more serious mood?

No, definitely not serious. In fact, Lilly and Mr Ambrose will find highly amusing reasons to clash!

If you had to describe your new book with one word, what would it be?

Sandstorm. It'll be just as hot and as dangerous as one of those.

I’m curious as to why you decided to write about a Victorian feminist – especially as the concept of feminism wasn’t really around then…

Feminism as such was not widespread, but the victorian age was when the sufragist movement had its beginnings. The Victorian period was a time of great social upheaval and yet a great social rigidity. I have always had a thing for underdog characters, and the idea of a girl rebelling in those restrictive circumstances fascinated me.

How do you find writing a female protagonist as a man?

It was a bit hard in the beginning, but after doing an intensive course of reading dozens of stories from female POV, it got a lot easier.

How were you able to create such an atmospheric and detailed London setting?

It envolved a lot of long, boring research in old books and dusty archives, and the occasional forray into the internet.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Everywhere. The universe just won't stop pelting me with ideas.

Visit Rob’s website to find out more.

Before and after: Sir Robert, remodelled body and scene, with cloth shirt and tie, and new lighting scheme.

Sir Robert To-Do List: