Caron McKinlay
Eve Ainsworth
Award winning working class author
Adult debut DUCKLING out 2022 (Penguin)
Agent Hannah Weatherill at @northbanktalent
Buy Duckling https://amzn.to/34C5kV6
I’m a working-class author based in Crawley. I’m already an award winning author for middle grade and young adult readers and Duckling is my adult debut.
I work part time in safeguarding for a large college and I also mentor and support writers and run creative writing classes for adults and teenagers.
Duckling is a contemporary/uplit novel about an introverted Columbo obsessed woman who is asked to keep an eye on her neighbours child, but then the child fails to return. It explores themes of loneliness, friendship, parenting and working-class community.
Are you working on something now?
I’m working on a few things at the moment. I’m writing a short middle grade novel about girls’ football and mental health. I’m also writing a fictional short story for an anthology based one of the greatest ever female football players – Lily Parr.
In addition to this, I’m writing a similar book to Duckling and I’m also having fun writing an historical crime.
Tell us about yourself?
Which six books will you take to the Island?
The Stand by Stephen King
One of my all-time favourite reads. It’s long, powerful and very character driven. This book would definitely keep me occupied.
The Secret Diaries of Adrian Mole – Sue Townsend
I never get sick of this book; I’ve read it at least 20 times. It’s funny, relatable and gets better with age. I think I’m a female Adrian.
The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
God, I loved this book. It’s so evocative and emotional. I couldn’t put it down.
The Romanovs – Simon Sebag Montefiore
I’m fascinated by Russian history and this book is a great insight into the Romanov dynasty. I feel like I need to read this again to really build my knowledge
White Teeth – Zadie Smith
A beautiful book. Funny in parts, serious in others - and is so well written. I literally gulped this down and will often go back to it as it as example of how to write fresh and relatable characters and scenes.
Behind the Scenes at the Museum – Kate Atkinson
Really, I could pick any Kate Atkinson book, she is a truly wonderful author who writes in such compelling and insightful way. This was one of my first reads of hers those and is it is very comforting to me.
Which disc will you take to the Island?
You do Something to me – Paul Weller. One my favourite all time songs and one that always makes me feel happy. Also it is special to me for personal reasons.
What will be your luxury item?
My pillow (and I’m not telling you this but I’ve sneaked photos inside)
Which fictional character will you meet?
Am I allowed Columbo? If not Sherlock Holmes.
Thank You Eve
