Today we talk about Trapped in my emotions, a book by Naana Hayford published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Naana Hayford to get to know her better, her passion for writing and who encouraged her in practising writing since she was a child. She also told us of how her idea to write her book Trapped in my emotions became reality.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- How did the idea of writing this story come about?
I remember being in my old job 6 years ago, I was working late, and I had a stressful week so often when I am stressed I turn to writing. So I began telling a love story, and thought to myself actually lets make this more interesting. Let’s put in some challenges and see how the reader will reason. You see in life its easy to point out flaws in people than it is to understand them, and that is what I wanted to reflect in this story. I also grew up in a Christian household so at times when the toughest times came to me, I turned to my faith. Which is why a lot of the time scriptures and gospel songs are mentioned in the book. This book is about redemption and second chances, but the main attraction is how compassionate the reader is to the characters. This book is to inspire and give hope to any one who has gone through tough trials, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The idea of being trapped in your emotions came from witnessing a lot of troubled relationships and the ongoing battle of should I stay or should I go.
- What are the human and character traits of the main characters and how they evolve during the events of history?
Luke: Loving father, hard worker, very emotional, very apologetic, and bread winner of the family. Luke loves really hard, so when things don’t go how he plans, he thinks he’s losing control so he turns to violence. He is from a wealthy family so often he feels he has to be the best. He is very competitive. Over time you see him in a different light in various events, you can sometimes think oh no, or serves you right!
Tina: Tina is a loving wife, she is a huge supporter, she is a loving mother to her boys and girl. During the transitioning of seeing her love of her life change to be a complete stranger, she evolves from being someone who puts herself last, to putting herself first. The events in the book, will see Tina, becoming stronger and stronger she feels it’s her duty to start taking back control.
Matthew & Mark: Brothers, who love each other so much, but one has a character similar to their Mum and one has a character similar to their Dad, so often you will see them but heads and Matthew is very observant so he knows when something is not right, and he isn’t afraid to point it out.
- Have you always had a passion for writing?
Yes I have always had a passion for writing, I have loved writing since the age of 9. I remember my dad always use to by me diaries when I was little and encourage me to write my day in them. So out of that I began to write accounts, but then I always thought it would be great to add some creativity of events to make it more exciting. And that’s where my creative writing stemmed from. Writing helps me escape my surroundings when I feel it’s getting overwhelming. Often during my teen years when I was preparing for my exams, the only way to bring my stress levels down was to write. I often didn’t like to go out much so it was either write or read a book. I don’t think I will ever stop writing, there are so many different story genres to write, even though romance is my favourite. I love to put my characters in different countries or different scenarios.
- Is there a book you are particularly attached to and that has taught you something?
Yes there is, there are two. The first being the bible, my favourite book, as it has the best historic stories and characters inside. I read the bible on a daily basis and it gives me so much strength and hope. The bible has taught me to cling onto faith when you feel like you have been pushed into a deep pit. The best thing about it, you can read it over and over again and notice something different. Just like watching your favourite film. 😊Also there is another book, by James Patterson, I have quite a collection but the main thing about James Patterson are his brief chapters. I always thought the best books have the longest chapters. But he changed my mind, because his brief chapters keep readers wanting to know more and more, and very quickly. With this writing technique its hard to put the book down. Also as a writer you don’t feel obliged for your chapters to be super long, when you have written the main point you move on.
- Are you already working on a new project?
Yes I am!!!! 😊 I am super excited about it, its called Summer Getaway. I absolutely love travelling in the summer, so I based this book on summer romance. I grew up on watching a lot of programmes and films as well as books on summer romance. And I think its such a beautiful thing to witness. This book is based in Bournemouth I took a trip last year to Bournemouth and fell in love with the scenery and beach. The hotels and the small towns, and restaurants. This book is packed with excitement and adventure. I started writing this book in lockdown, so again when things were not going well and being at home most of the time, I decided to take up writing again. And through this, a new project was birthed and I was able to dedicate time to writing. I hope to share this story at some point in my life.
Europe Books thanks the author Naana Hayford once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We really wish her the best of luck with her book Trapped in my emotions and for her future as a writer.
To you, my dear reader, I wish you to let yourself be captivated by the engaging story the author described in her book. Maybe, it could also resonate with your personal life and give you precious food for your own thoughts!
So, my dear reader, I have nothing left but to wish you to enjoy your reading!
Your Editor!