A Q&A WITH C.J. CONNOLLY
Briefly introduce about yourself.
I’m a part-time romance novelist, full-time communications and PR professional, born in Northamptonshire and now living in gorgeous Vancouver, Canada, since 2010. I love to travel as much as possible, especially with my family who live in various parts of Europe, and I’m also a singer in a choral group in my spare time. Given that I’m far from my family, I’m lucky to have made my own ‘family’ here on the West Coast, with my boyfriend and his son, and an amazing circle of lovely friends whom I also travel with.
What first inspired the idea of writing romances that explore alternate lives?
As an immigrant who moved far from home, I feel like I’m living an alternate life myself! So that’s really what sparked the whole thing. But I didn’t intend to become a novelist — I had a very vivid dream before writing my first book, about waking up with a stranger who said he was my husband, and I just had to get the idea on the page. It snowballed from there!
What is it about ‘what if?’ stories that fascinates you as a writer?
I think ‘what if?’ is such a universally resonant concept. No matter who you are, from whatever walk of life, we all wonder about paths not taken. Should I have married that person or taken that career path? The idea that we could try on one or more of those possible lives — and whether we’d want to go ‘home’ again after doing so — is such rich material for a story!
What do you hope readers think about long after they finish the final page?
I’ve been thrilled that the reaction to my books has often been exactly what I hope readers would think after they’ve finished! Which is to ponder their own lives and consider their personal ‘what if?’ scenarios. In doing so, some might realise that the grass isn’t greener and find more satisfaction. Some might even be inspired to make a change, knowing that in most cases it’s possible to change the course of your life — sometimes with only a minor adjustment. After all, my characters’ lives are vastly changed by minor incidents, like falling off a bike or opening a certain door.
Which alternate life would you personally be most tempted to step into for a day?
If we’re talking about the alternative lives in my novels, definitely the one in The Love of My Other Life, living in a gorgeous Manhattan penthouse and married to a handsome millionaire! I love New York, and that book was a classic example of wish fulfilment. But in my real life? I already took the ‘alternate’ path and moved to a beautiful city on the other side of the world. I chose the road I most wanted to travel and I don’t want to step into any other life.