Tilly Bagshawe is a British freelance journalist and author. She has written six novels. Her last two novels have been sequels to Sidney Sheldon’s books.

 

Myshelf: Why did you choose to write a book replicating Sidney Sheldon?

Tilly: Since I am a big Sidney Sheldon fan I tried as much as possible to be his voice. I tried to write and research the way Sidney did it. I pretty much read all his works, dreamed it, and thought about it to get it right.

 

Myshelf: What gave you the idea for the premise of After the Darkness?

Tilly: The financial crisis. I got the idea of Grace, the heroine of the story, by watching Mrs. Madoff (Bernie Madoff’s wife) going to a store. She was being confronted, heckled, pushed, and attacked. The commentary at the time was she had to know but what if she didn’t know and was completely innocent?

 

Myshelf: What attributes did you want to put onto Grace?

Tilly: She is feminine and gentle; yet, has this power and strength when called upon. When she was presented with choices she could have either rolled over and died or fought back.

 

Myshelf: Did you want to get across a point in the book?

Tilly: The point I wanted to make was the character’s emotions, feelings, and observations.

 

Myshelf: For example the segment about Grace’s feelings after the funeral?

Tilly: She felt desperation. Her life was turned upside down. There are those women who allow their husbands to protect them that is their entire world. After a death, where are they? I found that aspect the most interesting.

 

Myshelf: You seemed to base the theme on real life, was that intentional?

Tilly: I looked at the Madoff issue vs. someone murdered. I wanted the reader to understand that the loss of a human life is far more important than the loss of money. One of the moral aspects of the book is that perception is as important as reality.

 

Myshelf: What is your next book about?

Tilly: I received notes from Sheldon’s estate. I will write about a black widow character who marries for money.

 

Myshelf: We'd like to thank Tilly for answering Elise's questions.

Read Elise's review of After the Darkness