My second novel, A Home in Sunset Bay, focuses on the relationship between Mia and Laurie Chapman. Estranged after life having sent them their separate ways, it’s a story of forgiveness, of letting go of the past and moving forward. Why did I choose to write this story? Because sisters play a massive role in my own life and I honestly don’t know what I’d do without them. Set in the dreamy seaside location of Sunset Bay, including all of the things I’ve learnt about my own sisters, the story unfolded. After all, they say to write what you know!
I’ve grown up surrounded by my sisters. I’m completely aware that not everyone’s relationship with their sister/s has been quite the same, but I’d like to share mine. Through the times of squabbling, pinching clothes and make-up, to the times of having no one understand you in the way your sister can, of giggling relentlessly at the most stupid of things and late-night conversations when you’re both unable to sleep. There’s a relationship between sisters that begins early on and continues to grow as you both get older. And, even when life does inevitably take you in different directions, the elastic between you and them seems to stretch and stretch, so no matter how far apart you are, you still feel connected somehow.
Mia and Laurie Chapman were my fictional example of that special bond. With Laurie going through the motions of a stressful existence in London, and Mia throwing herself into the job she loved in Dolly’s Diner in the seaside town of Sunset Bay, it may have seemed like the women were focusing on their own lives, but deep down, neither of them had shrugged off the other. They couldn’t. It would be impossible. And sooner or later, I knew that I had to let them become reunited. While writing, I couldn’t bear to keep them apart for a single day longer. Does that sound ridiculous? I hope not. I think as you learn more about your characters, you definitely become connected to them. After all, you are the one who’s responsible for their feelings, and I knew, deep down, that I needed to get them back together.
Mia and Laurie were so very different to one another on the surface, but beneath that, I tried to make them quite similar in how they acted towards one another. Non-judgemental, forgiving (though perhaps not easily at first), it’s how the sisters had always been with their shared past binding them together. No matter what had happened, I wanted to make it obvious that both had a soft spot for the other. A soft spot that meant they could either pick up where they’d left off, or decide on a different course of action. Only time, and Mia and Laurie, would tell…
Brought together in the perfect location of Sunset Bay, I loved watching Laurie explore the town, and I loved watching Mia adjust to having her big sister back in her life. What I wanted more than anything was for readers to love these women just as much as I did. Time spent writing this story was wonderful, and full of me remembering certain memories with my own sisters that brought plenty of smiles to my face. I wouldn’t change my own for the world, and I’m certain that Mia and Laurie wouldn’t either.
So dear readers, I hope you enjoy Mia and Laurie’s story as much I loved writing it. I hope you fall in love with Sunset Bay and it makes you long for ice-cream, the sunshine on your shoulders and the sand between your toes.
Until the next time,
Rebecca x
Thank you so much Rebecca for your thoughts on sisters. I loved reading A Home in Sunset Bay, and now that I have sisters on my brain, I'll give a shout out to my sister Debbie. If you are reading this, then hi!
About Rebecca Pugh
Now, Rebecca’s own story has taken a fairy-tale like turn, and at 22, her dream has come true. With her faithful companions: Bonnie the dog, her partner, and her gigantic family by her side, Rebecca is ready to share her stories with readers who enjoy falling in love and losing themselves within beautiful, fictional worlds.
Rebecca Pugh is the author of women’s fiction and romance, her all-time favourite genres. After all, who doesn't enjoy a good swoon?
Return to Bluebell Hill, Rebecca’s debut novel, was published 18th June 2015 by Carina UK. Her second novel, A Home in Sunset Bay, followed in February 2016.
I think this is so true: "the elastic between you and them seems to stretch and stretch, so no matter how far apart you are". Sounds like a lovely story exploring the bond between siblings, Rebecca, particularly sisters. Thanks for sharing, Rachel. :) xx
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