We chat with New York Times bestselling author Vincent Ralph about Secrets Never Die, a chilling new YA thriller about four teens whose dark secrets come back to terrorize them.
Hi, Vincent! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I am a YA writer who lives in the UK with my family. My debut novel, 14 Ways to Die, is a serial killer thriller, and my second book, Lock the Doors, is a domestic thriller with a twist. When I’m not writing, I love reading, watching football, and building Lego with our sons.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I owe my love of stories to two people – my mum, and my former English teacher Mrs Rodger. They both encouraged me to read far and wide. I started writing in my early teens and, from 18 onward, it was my dream to become a published novelist.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
Redwall by Brian Jacques.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
Your latest novel, Secrets Never Die, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Dark, creepy, trust no one.
What can readers expect?
Secrets Never Die is about former child-star Sam Hall and his friends who, every Halloween, hold funerals for their secrets in an abandoned hut in the woods. They call it the Dark Place, and they think their confessions are safe in there, but now those secrets are coming back from the dead.
Where did the inspiration for Secrets Never Die come from?
The story was inspired by the Halloween parties a schoolfriend used to host, and my love of 90s horror-thrillers.
Our friend lived in the middle of nowhere, on a road surrounded by woods we were never brave (or foolish) enough to explore. The journey was so creepy, our car sneaking down spindly lanes, surrounded by huge trees. Once we got there, we had the best time, but I often wondered what would happen if a party like that held secrets that spread into the woods beyond.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing every scene that took place in the woods. It’s fun letting your mind wander into dark places and seeing how your characters react. My favourite character in the novel is Sam’s sister Molly. She is precocious and loving, and she grounds the main character during his darkest moments.
This is your third published novel! What are some of the key lessons you have learned when it comes to writing and the publishing world?
You never know what is going to happen! All you can do is write the best book possible, then hope it finds an audience. The reception to my first two novels in the US has blown me away, and I am incredibly grateful to the amazing booksellers, teachers, librarians, and readers, whose support means I can keep writing these stories.
In terms of writing, some stories come easy, others are harder to untangle from your mind. But with perseverance, and the support of early readers, you will get there.
Most importantly, I have learned that the first draft of a book is just that – a draft. Many of the important elements of storytelling come later, during the edits. You must love the story you are writing, because you will end up reading it numerous times during that process.
What’s next for you?
I am currently working on my fourth book. I can’t say much about it yet, but it’s been great fun to write and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
So many! I recently read The Midnight Game by Cynthia Murphy. If you love YA horror, I strongly recommend it. I also read, and loved, Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky. His character-building is incredible. Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann is a superb verse novel that everyone should read.
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving is my favourite book of all time, so I must mention that.
For spooky season, if you are feeling brave, I would recommend House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski.
