An Interview with Dawn Hemmings

Dawn Hemmings is a true wanderer, whether she’s traveling around the world or driving through the beautiful roads of the UK in her campervan named Freeda. Dawn grew up in North Lincolnshire and lives with her two Maine Coons, Banjo and Presley. She has been working in health and safety for more than twenty-seven years. She’s achieved academic success with an MSc in Environmental Health and Safety and an MBA. Dawn has also been a hairdresser and a skilled personal assistant. In her books, she weaves stories inspired by her diverse travels and her fascination with mysteries and murder.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

When I first decided to write a book, the idea struck me while driving around the roundabout at Tesco’s in Scunthorpe. I thought to myself, “You could hide a body here, and no one would ever know.” so the book was originally going to be called “The Roundabout Murders”. But as I traveled around the country, I kept spotting other places perfect for hiding a body and started making a list. The title evolved into “The Secret Murders” and it eventually became My Dark Secret.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

When I sat and thought about how I wanted the book cover to look I saw a homeless man sat on the corner of a building begging for money, so I pitched the idea to the team and they came up with what it is today. I was sent about six different versions but I was drawn to the cover as it is today as it portrayed the darkness that I wanted. It was better than I had envisaged.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I had wanted to write a book about murder for a long time, driven by my fascination with why people kill. It wasn’t inspired by anyone in particular—it was just something I always felt compelled to do. However, I lacked the confidence to actually start writing, which is why I spent five years researching and pursuing qualifications to build up my knowledge. It wasn’t until I started working with a personal trainer and coach that he asked me, “Why haven’t you written it yet?” I wasn’t great at English in school, and part of me feared looking foolish by writing something that wasn’t good enough. But he encouraged me to just go for it and see where it led. As it turns out, six out of seven publishing companies wanted to publish it, so I guess it wasn’t that bad after all!

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I left school and trained to be a hairdresser. I was then looking for something that I could make a career out of but didn’t know what that was so became a Personal Assistant for about ten years. I then accidentally got into Health and Safety and have been doing this for over twenty-seven years. I also spent four and half years in the Territorial Army, which I loved.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

I think actually getting a publishing company saying they wanted to publish my book. I had heard so many writers say it took them a long time to get a publishing company to take on their book. I guess I was very lucky.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

“The Capponi Library” by Hans Zimmer

“Campervan” by the Adventure Babies

“Evil Woman” by ELO

“Let My Home Be My Gallows” by Hans Zimmer

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope that I have written it so that the reader wants to know what is next for Isla and therefore comes back to read part two.

I don’t think there is a perfect reader when it comes to crime—you either love it or you don’t. I know this may sound selfish, but I wrote the book for me. I love crime books and a good murder, so when I eventually read it as a book (and not proofreading it) I really enjoyed it and had a smile on my face when I finished it.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

My Dark Secret is a trilogy, so I am currently writing book two of what Isla is up to next.

I am also looking to write a non-fiction about my grandad who was a POW in Italy. I have all the letters he wrote to my Nana while he was there so I think it will be an interesting read.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

The process of getting published with Atmosphere Press was very methodical and once I had chosen the package for me it was easy to add on other options when necessary.

If you have been trying to get published, don’t give up. I was very lucky this time but that doesn’t mean it will be next time. If you want to be a published author, follow your dream, have positive thoughts and affirmations, and you will get there.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.