This exclusive interview offers a behind-the-scenes look at Uncovered—a gripping story that explores the fragile dynamics of relationships, the consequences of miscommunication, and the long shadow of unresolved conflict. Published with the support of TAUK Publishing, this novel delves deep into the emotional complexity of its characters, particularly Catherine, whose journey is as unsettling as it is relatable.
In this conversation, the author reflects on the inspiration behind the story, the organic writing process, and the powerful themes that make Uncovered both thought-provoking and deeply human.
What inspired you to write Uncovered?
Long before I started writing Uncovered, I always found the dynamics of our relationships with one another interesting. As a generalisation, we are drawn to images of happiness and contentment between couples, families and friendships. If we don’t have this in our lives, it tends to be something we aspire to, even subconsciously. This is something I can relate to myself, observe in people I know, and see portrayed positively on television, social media, in reading, etc. Obviously, there are many factors that disrupt our relationships, which is also a normal part of life, but what intrigues me is when people escalate the circumstances that caused the disruption of something they ultimately want to sustain. Sadly, on reflection, it can be something so simple that sets off something catastrophic. Standing back from the situation, thinking about it and talking about it can prevent the breakdown. I took these thoughts and observations and decided to write about them, starting the book with a beautiful family, as Catherine later describes, so content, and showing an extreme version of the impact of simple mistakes. Richard obviously had become dissatisfied with his life, and rather than take the steps through communication, had decided to embark on another relationship, which ultimately caused his own with Catherine to unravel. Catherine, angry at what she faced, reacted in haste, ultimately causing devastation.
How long did it take you to write the first draft?
I didn’t do a draft. When I started writing Uncovered, I had no plan to publish and didn’t even think about making it into a book. I sat down one day and just typed. I knew what the storyline was going to be, but again, with no intention of doing anything with it other than enjoying writing it. I worked chapter by chapter and would only work on it when I felt inspired, as if I tried to at any other time, I just wouldn’t be able to come up with ideas. Sometimes I would write several chapters, other times just one. Each time I began a new chapter, I would reread the previous one to see if I wanted to change anything. Other than the grammar, punctuation and spelling, I was generally happy with the content. I did read some books later when I decided to get Uncovered published, about how to write, and most of the time people do drafts, but I find it hard to do that and worked better just doing chapter by chapter. I started writing in 2016 and didn’t finish until 2025!
Were there any scenes that changed significantly from your original vision?
The overall story was as I originally planned it. I hadn’t set out any particular scenes or even characters prior to starting to write. This all unfolded for me as I was writing. I would start a chapter which followed on from the previous one, and then the ideas would come. I found it easier to write this way than to plan.
Did any of the characters surprise you as you were writing them?
Yes! Catherine did surprise me. At the start of the story, I saw her as uncomplicated and someone who had been so content in herself and her life. The opening chapter shows an anxiety, almost unhinged side of her personality, but given that she was right in her instincts, many of us can relate to that feeling when you know that something is wrong. Catherine had been a stay-at-home mum, supported by her husband, and she describes herself as having lived in a bubble. As the story moves on, she must cope with the fact that she has been abandoned, that she is now solely responsible for the children and running the home. Her character changes from someone who was a personification of contentment to someone who is living in fight or flight mode, and so her decisions, such as her tepid relationship with David, are far removed from who she was. I had planned how the story would start and finish, and knew that towards the end, I would be reintroducing Richard, and a degree of anxiety would return for Catherine as a result. However, when I started writing this part, the obsession that consumed and controlled Catherine, e.g. when she left Tom alone in the park, surprised me, but I felt it strengthened the storyline and the impact Richard had always had on her. Due to her obsession, Catherine behaves in a manner towards her children, particularly Megan, that makes her look selfish and almost narcissistic at times, again, characteristics that are not inherently who she is. I left those unpleasant parts in, because again I wanted to emphasise the impact that Richard’s return was having on her.
Why did you choose to tell the story from Catherine’s perspective?
I just prefer to write/tell stories through the main character’s internal monologue. It wasn’t so much a conscious decision to do this; it is just the way I tend to write. On reflection, I don’t think it would have come as naturally to me to write about her in the third person, as writing from her perspective meant I could really get the reader to understand her as a character through her stream of consciousness and self-reflection.
The story opens with a strong sense of unease—why was that important to establish early?
I feel that opening a story with suspense and a cliffhanger from the beginning attracts readers and keeps them reading. The first few pages/ chapters are important, I feel, as if it doesn’t grip you, you may not continue to read the book, or forget to come back to it, as it has not left an impact. I personally love books that start off in this way and would struggle to write something that didn’t start with some sense of uncertainty.
What do you think Uncovered says about long-term relationships and communication?
I know that Uncovered is extreme in terms of failed relationships, but at the core of it, none of this would have happened, certainly Richard’s “departure”, if there had been more communication, an understanding of each other, and therefore less judgement. Catherine refers to this when reflecting on the night that they argued, and she feels that if she had spoken to him about why he was having an affair, things may have been different. As the reader will find out, they would have been, as it was blind rage that resulted in what happened.
How do you think readers might relate to Catherine’s internal conflict?
I think people will relate to the internal conflict, as she has had no closure in her life, and I feel most people would prefer to have closure on something than always be left wondering. It never makes sense to Catherine, and when we can’t make sense of things, we can’t let them go and can’t be at peace. She has had to move on with her life, as we all must, but obviously the ghosts of what happened are infiltrating every day and, I think readers will relate even if on a minor level as any outstanding issues in our lives cause conflict. As Catherine has children, parents will relate as whilst trying to maintain a stable, well-adjusted environment for your children, and at the same time deal with the conflicts of being an adult, it is hard and can leave you battling with what is right. On one hand, you must ensure your children are well cared for and nurtured, and on the other hand, you can be struggling mentally and physically to care for yourself. Often, as with Catherine, who has many unresolved issues, people will have children and their own ageing parents to think of, and whilst wanting to be there and be the best mother/father, daughter/son, they are struggling to be who they are. Life is full of different layers: our ageing parents, our children, our partner, jobs, friends, and ourselves, and when going through turmoil, be it big or small, it all brings internal conflicts when trying to knit this all together, and I think most people will have dealt with this on some level.
The story spans many years—why did you choose to show such a long timeline?
I wanted it to span many years, partly to enhance the impact. Catherine has lived around 25 years not knowing, so the finale to the book I feel is more explosive, than if it had only been months or a few years. Also, had this happened now, then with mobile phones and social media, it would have been harder for the reader to accept that Richard just vanished, so I wanted this to have happened in a time when people weren’t as easy to track, and they could just go missing if they wanted to. I also thought that as part of Catherine’s search for answers, it would be good to add the technology of today, such as mobile phones and Facebook, to make it more relatable, particularly to younger readers.
Do you have another book planned? If so, will it explore similar themes, or are you heading in a different direction?
I started a sequel to Uncovered, as I did have a good idea, but there wasn’t enough material to carry the story forward, and I realised that it would involve me unpicking parts of this book, so I decided not to go ahead with that. However, I have started another one that I am excited about. It is different, but I am planning a twist that I hope leaves readers shocked, as I am hoping the twist in Uncovered does.
How would you describe your overall experience working with TAUK Publishing?
I was introduced to TAUK Publishing by an author whom I met at a Christmas Fair. He specifically mentioned Estelle, and I contacted her that evening. Within a week, we had a Teams call to “meet,” and I found Estelle very informative and honest about the publishing world, which was very refreshing! I signed up shortly after, and the process has been seamless, with no stress to me at all. As I am new to this, I had a lot of questions, and working with TAUK Publishing, they answered and taught me a lot. I look forward to working with them in the very near future.
Uncovered is now available here from Amazon
