Unveiling the World of "The Guardians": An Interview with Author Allie Byrons

Welcome to our exclusive interview with Allie Byrons, the brilliant mind behind the captivating novel "The Guardians.” Today, we have the privilege of delving into the creative process behind "The Guardians" with Allie Byrons herself. From the inception of the story to the intricacies of character development and world-building, Byrons offers insight into the inspiration behind her work, the themes she explores, and the challenges she encountered along the way. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of "The Guardians" and gain a deeper understanding of the imagination and dedication that brought this captivating tale to life.

💬 Can you provide us with a brief synopsis of your new political thriller novel?

It is really the story of one woman’s involvement with a charismatic and ambitious young politician and his local party. It starts like a bit of a rom-com then becomes quite dark, as our young politician is not at all what he appeared to be at first. Our heroine is at serious risk by the end.

💬 What inspired you to delve into the realm of political intrigue for this book?

I’ve always enjoyed politics and I thought its intricacies would make an intriguing backdrop for the story.

💬 In what ways does your novel explore contemporary political issues or themes?

Most politics these days seem to be personality-led, and that is very much the situation in my book. I have also crafted an outline of a manifesto, so policies make an appearance. I have steered clear of current party politics, as I am not seeking to influence anybody’s vote!

💬 How did you approach the development of your characters, particularly the protagonist and antagonist?

My characters are always loosely based on people I know, or have met at some point. There’s probably a little of me in my lead characters, too. I think that’s the best way to make them realistic; while writing, I always have a picture in my head of the person I am writing about.

💬 Can you discuss any real-life events or historical references that influenced the plot of your book?

There is only the most oblique of references to actual events, for example, the idea of politicians being philanderers or gangsters, or using their charisma for nefarious purposes. I have also borrowed from other fiction, such as the fate of poor Pete.

One challenge was to keep current party politics out of this book - it is wholly fictional and I wouldn’t want people to read anything else into it. The usual disclaimer about ‘any resemblance to persons living or dead’ is entirely accurate! I also had to do some research about the workings of committees and political meetings, plus, of course, the inception of a party.

💬 Are there any particular authors or works in the political thriller genre that influenced your writing style or narrative approach?

I have recently come across the Slough House novels by Mick Herron and just love the juxtaposition of complex plots with wonderful humour. That is always my aim with my books—to entertain as well as invite people to think.

💬 Can you share any insights into your writing process, such as how you outline your plots or develop your characters?

I always have the whole story in my head before I write a single word. Most of my preparation, apart from research into processes and so on, is done in my imagination; I rarely write notes. My first attempt at a novel, for example, was about 20 years in the making, because it took me that long to clarify a couple of knotty issues before committing myself to paper!

💬 What aspects of the political thriller genre do you find most appealing as a writer?

I always write the sort of stories that I like to encounter as a reader, and thrillers are right up there: I love being kept on tenterhooks. I also like a cracking denouement, so I try to make sure my readers will sigh with relief or satisfaction when they reach the end. There is also the anticipation of finding out if you were right about a character you didn’t trust from the outset, or an event you managed to forecast.

💬 Lastly, without giving away any spoilers, what can readers expect in terms of twists and turns in your novel that set it apart from other political thrillers?

I think the main difference between my book and others in a similar vein is the fact that mine is quite personal and character-led. There are always people to watch out for, and I hope at some point readers will be yelling at the page, trying to warn our heroine!

About the Author

Allie Byrons spent her career in teaching and in the theatre—her two real passions in life. She is now a retired head teacher residing in West London, and has written four novels. Her passions extend beyond theatre and into sport, having contributed numerous articles to a football fanzine. Three decades ago, she lent her expertise to Open University teacher training materials, offering insights into playground dynamics. Throughout her life, writing has been a constant pursuit, whether crafting plays for her amateur dramatics group or penning eulogies for loved ones. Now, with ample time on her hands, she is fully immersed in creating full-length narratives. Her sole literary aspiration is to witness her work in print.