Episode #109 with Lucy Clarke

The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

'It was a hard journey because for those five years I was earning nothing from writing, and it also feels quite a grandiose thing to suggest to your friends that "I'm going to be a writer, I want to be an author of published books!", so kept I kept it fairly on the down-low; like it wasn't a secret, but I wasn't out there publicing the fact that i had this big dream now to becoming published. So I used to fit my writing around my work and it just meant setting my alarm to 5am, being really dedicated...It also meant saying 'no' to things that I just didn't have time to do if I wanted to commit fully to trying to write.'
On today's episode, I chat with author Lucy Clarke. Lucy shares why she wanted to write, and how her love for the outdoors including travel always inspires her creativity. She talks about the challenges she faced before she had her first novel published, and her reaction to receiving her first printed copy of her work. Lucy also talks about her body of work, including tv adaptations of her novels that include 'The Castaways', and we also chat about her latest novel, 'The Hike'. And of course, Lucy shares a principle that she and her family try to live by.
Sunday Times bestseller Lucy Clarke is the author of eight destination thrillers. They include Waterstones Thriller of the Month, The Castaways, Richard and Judy Book Club pick, One of the Girls, and most recently, The Hike. Lucy's novels have sold over a million copies and are published in more than 25 territories worldwide.

Lucy's thriller, No Escape (also published as The Blue) has been released as a major international show for Paramount+. Set in the Philippines, the seven-part series is directed by Hans Herbot (The Serpent) and stars Abigail Lawrie and Rhianne Barreto as best friends Lana and Kitty.

The Castaways has also been adapted for screen and was The Guardian Pick of the Week. BAFTA award-winner Sheridan Smith stars as Lori, and Celine Buckens plays her sister, Erin. The five-part thriller is available to stream on Paramount+.

When Lucy isn't away on research trips (the real reason she loves being an author!), she can be found writing from a beach hut on the south coast of England. She lives with her husband and their two children.

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [e-mail].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ!