Interview with Lucy Clarke, author of The Blue

With a spin of a globe, Lana and Kitty escape their lives in England and journey to the Philippines. There they discover The Blue – a beautiful yacht manned by a group of wanderers. When they’re invited to join the crew they slip into an idyllic routine of sailing and snorkelling around the isolated islands of the Philippines, embracing a way of life that makes it easy to forget the secrets they left behind.

But the tide turns when death creeps quietly on deck. A dangerous swell of mistrust and lies threatens to bring the crew’s adventures to an end – but some won’t let paradise go . . . whatever the price.

You’re hosting a dinner party and can invite anyone- alive or dead, fictional or real. Who’s coming to dinner?

Tim Winton – he’s an author, surfer and environmentalist, and he’s one of my all-time favourite writers.
Stephen Fry – for his quick wit and intelligent humour.
Reese Witherspoon – I’d love to hear about her experience of shooting the film WILD.
Prince Harry – it’d be nice to add a dash of royalty to the occasion!
Jamie Oliver – sorry, Jamie, but you’re on cooking duty!

Which book from your childhood or teenage years has stuck with you? Why was it so impactful?

Forever by Judy Blume. Those kissing scenes as a teenager . . . wow!

BAM. You’re a superhero. What’s your superpower?

To not need sleep. Think of all the incredible things you could do with those extra 8-hours a day!

What’s on your writing desk? (We hear that your writing desk is sometimes a beach hut. We’re jealous.)

Yes, I work in a beach hut on the south coast of England. The wooden hut is just twenty paces from the shore, which makes it my favourite place to write. My writing desk is always clear – all I have on it is a worn and tired Mulberry journal and a pencil. I always write my first draft of a new novel by hand.

What’s rocking your world this month?

Green & Blacks organic butterscotch chocolate.

Which books are currently on your nightstand?

I LET YOU GO by Clare Mackintosh, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN by Paula Hawkins, and THE LEMON GROVE by Helen Walsh.

Do you have a favorite quote or scene from THE BLUE?

“Somehow she knew these golden moments couldn’t stretch out endlessly. She yearned to press ‘pause’, to freeze this exact moment in her life and hold onto it tightly.”

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Step outside of your comfort zone – it’s where all the fun stuff happens.

What’s on your bookshelves?

My book shelf actually spills over onto three different bookcases in our house, but the one I’ve photographed is the bookcase next to my desk. The top shelf is a display of different editions of my books; the second shelf is crammed with my favourite books; and the third shelf is full of journals, travel guides and maps.

Lucy’s Bookshelves

Lucy Clarke is the author of the new book The Blue.

Connect with Lucy
Author Website
 Twitter