Interview: Faye Hall

Last Updated: 20 May 2024

Today I am super pleased to be able to bring you an interview with historical romance author Faye Hall, ahead of the release of her latest novel, Deceit and Devotion.

Firstly, tell me a little about yourself and your background.

My name is Faye Hall and I’m a published author of steamy historical romantic suspense stories set in the beautiful coastal towns of 19th Century Australia. I currently have six titles available from Beachwalk Press and Red Sage Publishing.

How did you first become interested in writing? 

I’ve written stories ever since I can remember. I got really dedicated, though, towards the end of High School when my then English teacher told me I would never amount to a decent writer. That gave me the drive to want to prove him wrong.

What draws you to writing romance? 

I love happily ever afters. But more so I love putting the characters’ lives through turmoil and knowing that no matter what I put them through they will always end up with the love of their life. To me, that’s something very important and not something often allowed in people’s real lives.

Why did you decide to write historical fiction? 

I love history. A few years back, I did my own family’s history and how they came to Australia. It made me wonder about the struggles these families must have gone through together and how they were lucky enough to have a love to survive it all.

Tell me about Deceit and Devotion. 

My newest release Deceit and Devotion is a complex tale of a young half-caste aboriginal man, Jarrah, who is hired to seduce a white man’s wife. In turn, the wife, Emily, hires Jarrah to spy on her husband and find his connection to her father’s missing black opal collection. The relationship that develops between Jarrah and Emily is a very controversial one and was very taboo in the 19th century.

Do you find it difficult to write about race, as it can be such a sensitive topic? 

Yes! I find it very hard to write about race as there is so much tension and controversy surrounding the racial past of Australia.

How do you get inspiration? 

My husband is always my greatest inspiration and he is always letting me rebound ideas off him and he often gives me ideas for new stories.

What’s your writing process? 

It’s very scattered. I have a large family so writing happens when and if I can. I’ve also got very used to writing with constant interruptions.

What’s the hardest thing about writing? 

Usually, the beginning is the hardest for me to write. I never quite know where to start. More often than not, by the time I’ve written the ending, I need to go back and rewrite the first few chapters to tie everything in.

What do you love most about writing? 

I love creating the characters with all their different personalities. That would have to be my favourite part by far.

Which authors inspire you? 

Love Amanda Quick! She has always been my greatest inspiration.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? 

Never give up and learn to take criticism. Don’t take too much to heart and just keep writing if that’s what you love.

What’s your all-time favourite book? 

To Kill a Mockingbird.

What are your ambitions for your writing career? 

I would love to have multiple best sellers.

What are you currently working on? 

A book called Heart of Stone – a story about an Australian slave trader who becomes entangled with an Irish slave.

To find out more about Faye and her work, you can find her on Facebook. 

Have you read any of Faye's books? Let me know in the comments below!