Worlds Apart by Jane Crittenden was published by Lake Union Press on 1 May 2023.

Jane kindly answered a few of my questions.

1. Tell us a little about Worlds Apart.

Amy and Chris were a couple while at sixth form college. But 18 years has passed since they last saw each other – until Chris walks into Amy’s Auckland beachside café one day and throws her life into turmoil. My book has a dual timeline and is dual narrative told by Amy’s best friend, Olivia in the past set in England, and Amy in present time Auckland.

2. What inspired the book?

I lived in New Zealand for a few years and, as well as the inspiring scenery, I got thinking about the enormous distance between there and the UK. Yet, I bumped into an ex and my husband’s job was unexpectedly with someone he went to university with. I liked the idea that the world is huge but coincidences happen. So, what if two people living on opposite sides of the world had a second chance at first love?

3. Do you plan before you start writing or do you sit down and see where the words take you?

Worlds Apart evolved over a number of years after I began the Creative Writing Programme in Brighton. Since I was learning how to write a novel, there was no planning until much later on. With book two, which I’m writing now, I loosely planned the plot before I started. I find it’s much easier to sit down and write if I have some idea of where I’m headed – even though the story inevitably changes!

4. Is there anything about the process of publishing a book that surprised you?

The detail that goes into the editing process was a pleasant surprise. Structural edits, copy edits, proofreading, the cold read – all by different editors. It’s reassuring to know Worlds Apart will be the best it can be.

5. What do you do when you aren’t writing? What do you do to relax and get away from it all?

Walking or running with my dog on the beach or on the South Downs is a great way to unwind and mull over a tricky plot point. I read as much as I can, I watch films and spend time with my husband and two children. We all love holidays so we make them a priority in our life.

6. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life which book would it be?

Oh, that’s a question! I must admit I’m not one for re-reading books as there are so many new ones to delve in to. I have books stacked around the house waiting to be picked up and many loaded onto my Kindle. I just wish I had more time to read.

7. I like to end my Q&As with the same question so here we go. During all the Q&As and interviews you’ve done what question have you not been asked that you wish had been asked – and what’s the answer?

How easy is it to write a book? Hard! The creative thinking, the logistics of putting a story together and all the editing takes me ages. Many authors have a day job and family like me, so finding time to write is a battle especially when all you want to do is get stuck in!

About the Book

Eighteen years ago, teenage Amy fled England, pregnant and heartbroken, to start over in New Zealand with her parents. Now Chris, the love she left behind, has walked into her beloved café by the beach and thrown her life into turmoil.

As far as Amy’s concerned, Chris chose to ignore the child she was carrying when they last met. She brought up their daughter alone and created a happy home for them both on the other side of the world. But with Chris suddenly back in her life, she can no longer ignore the past and begins to wonder what really happened all those years ago.

Old secrets and new revelations cast Amy’s world into doubt. What if this is her last chance at something truly meaningful? Can there really be a happy ending for everyone?

You can buy a copy of the book here.

(This is an affiliate link so I may make a small amount should you buy from it. You can also Purchase Worlds Apart from your local independent bookshop.)