The plot of my novel centers around a law firm
and it was really interesting creating both the main and secondary characters
and interweaving their very different personalities. I tried to reflect in them
the different subjects one can find in a competitive office environment and I hope
the roles they play are fundamental to making the book an interesting read.
On the one hand were the lawyers: A group of
five ruthless sharks, accustomed to always getting their way and not really
caring who gets trampled on the way to success.
An elite team surprisingly led by playboy Alejandro that has taken the
firm to the next level. From the cold as ice Alicia to the constantly
distracted Alfredo, shaping each of them into three dimensional characters was
an essential part of the writing process. Period Dramas have always fascinated
me, particularly the class difference and how everyone was expected to assume
and maintain a particular role in society, never crossing the imaginary lines
established. But I find that this also exists in the 21st century (even
in normal working environments).I tried to reproduce the palpable distance between
the bosses and their secretaries in this novel as I found it fundamental to the
plot.
The
secretaries:
Behind every reputable law firm, there is
always a group of long suffering secretaries and other staff members that have
over the years figuratively walked over hot coals to prove themselves
indispensable to their bosses. In some cases…walking over burning coal is not
enough as their efforts are never appreciated. But like every real life office
ambience, not every friendship is real and what should be a firm alliance
against the tyranny of bosses might not be as airtight as it seems. The
secretaries live in a different world from their bosses… in “When I grow up…”,
sometimes those secretaries are trying to balance the thin line between tolerance
and intense dislike, but each with different personal situations that determine
their actions or how indispensable the job post is to them (and the sacrifices
they are willing to make).
The secretaries make it a point of duty to meet
up daily for tea brakes and a bit of gossip, those precious stolen moments help them get
through what would have otherwise been an extremely tiresome working week. Aside
from building a strong communication channel that keeps them abreast of all the
affairs of the company, ensuring they are always one step ahead of the needs of
their ever demanding bosses, Oscar, Emma, Amparo, Carmen and Alicia mirror the
lives of a lot of stressed personal assistants that are not meant to be seen or
heard, until one faithful day…
"You need a plan B," said Alicia’s
mother when at five years old she told her what she wanted to be when she grew
up. Thirty odd years later, Alicia is on plan D: sharing a flat, no tangible
savings, and working for hateful Julia, whose sole purpose in life is to make
her existence utterly miserable. Good thing she has Oscar and the girls to make
the long hours at work bearable. But when a series of events tears the
close-knit group apart, putting friendships and motives under suspicion, will
Alicia be able to restore balance and set things right? More importantly, will
she ever be able to upgrade her life to at least plan C?
Purchase from Amazon UK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Author of I stand
corrected, When I grow up..., Rewind, Balou uncensored, Bienvenidos a gatos
anónimos, Pasarse cuatro Pueblos and Sesenta segundos dan para mucho, Patricia
Asedegbega Nieto was born to a Spanish mother and a Nigerian father in Madrid.
As a child, she relocated with her family to Nigeria and later returned to Spain,
where she acquired her BSc and master´s degree. She is currently living near
Madrid with her family and her very stubborn cat, Merlin Mojito.
Twitter @Patricias_Place
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Thanks Rachel x
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