Today, we’re talking with Ann Fairway about her book, The Big Day Deceit
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I’m a serious jigsaw-puzzle obsessive—particularly the 3D kind. My spare bedroom is basically “Puzzle Central,” complete with my entire Wrebbit collection—foam models of famous buildings—proudly displayed and often in various stages of completion. When I’m not writing or self-publishing, I’m literally building worlds with foam bricks… or, you know, foam puzzle bricks. 😉
Why do you write?
Writing has always been my personal mental filing system—a way to bring order to the chaos swirling around me. But in 2020, something deeper shifted. Like everyone, I was “worried sick,” and the year felt defined by fear and uncertainty. Instead of letting it define me, I decided to redefine the year—I would launch my fiction-writing journey. With zero experience in publishing, I still chose to become a writer, determined to remember 2020 not just for illness, but for possibility and creation.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
The spark for my latest novel came from one simple, cinematic “what if?”: a fake bride hidden behind the veil while the real one runs away. I’ve always loved rom‑coms brimming with fake relationships and pretend engagements—where spending time together under false pretences reveals real feelings underneath. That moment when pretending morphs into something much deeper is irresistibly romantic—and exactly what I wanted to explore in my story. I leaned into that magic: two people forced together, hiding secrets—and perhaps discovering something genuine beneath all the lies.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I adore the versatility of rom‑coms—and of course, their inevitable happy endings. As both a reader and a writer, I crave escapism: diving into stories you wouldn’t want to live in real life, but absolutely feel—those early sparks, the butterflies, the heartbreak (which always feels awful, even though we know it’ll be resolved). There’s something magical about being completely in sync with the protagonists, rooting for every laugh, tear, and stolen kiss.
How would you describe your writing process?
I’m a planner… with a healthy respect for chaos. 😅 I like to build a solid foundation—especially for my characters. For my current WIP, I spent several evenings exploring their backstories and emotional arcs to really understand who they are and who they want to become. Then I mapped out a detailed outline with about 100 scenes (I work in scenes, not chapters, since they tend to move around like unsupervised toddlers).
But once I start drafting? That’s when the characters take over. A recent example: I’d planned a scene where my male protagonist casually warns the heroine about a guy she’s about to meet. Simple, right? Except he decided to stand in the pouring rain and invent dramatic lies just so she wouldn’t go. So yes—I plan… but I’ve learned to expect a few emotional detours along the way.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
That direct connection in a digital world—hands down. It’s how we get to know our readers not as numbers in a publisher’s spreadsheet, but as Joanne with the pink hair or Mia with triplets—real people who love books for all the wonderfully personal reasons we do.
And of course… advertising. Let’s be honest: without social media, how would an indie author like me ever reach the readers who live for fake brides and wedding shenanigans? It opens doors that used to be bolted shut.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Write the book. Don’t obsess over perfection—just get it out there. Publish it, breathe, and then start the next one. It’s always easier to let go of the second once your first book-baby is out in the world.
You’ll learn so much from doing it the first time—what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ll absolutely do differently next time. And hey, if you’re smarter than I was, you might even start building your audience from day one. I didn’t… but I’ve definitely taken notes for the next round!
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Research, research… or pure magic. Sometimes a title just finds me—like with my current WIP (no spoilers, sorry!). Other times, it’s hours of wordplay, brainstorming, and Googling to avoid duplicating something wildly popular. I always aim for something memorable and just a little bit intriguing.
For covers, I’m all about fit and function. I use tools like K-lytics to see what’s trending in the categories I’ll be marketing in, and make sure my cover speaks directly to the right kind of reader. It’s not just about looking pretty—it’s about promising the right story.
Fun fact: The Big Day Deceit was originally going to be called something completely different… but I kept forgetting what it was. Figured if even I couldn’t remember it, it probably had to go. 😉
What’s your next step?
It’s a twofold adventure! On one side, I’m deep into the first draft of my next novel—still playing with hidden identities and strong protagonists in their forties who deserve another shot at love. This time, the drama unfolds in a familiar local pub in Reading. There’s no cosy cottage, but there is a golden retriever named Mentos, so I’d say that’s a fair trade.
At the same time, I’m eagerly waiting for the special edition print of The Big Day Deceit—hardcover, coloured edges, gorgeous paper—the works. I’ll be selling it through TikTok Shop and maybe Etsy too. Since I also have a day job, I’ve learned to pace myself (even when my brain wants to do all the things). Audiobooks and translations are on the wishlist… but they’ll have to queue up behind reality.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Like a kid in a candy store—I drop everything to read it. I genuinely love finding out what readers connected with… and what didn’t quite land. Who better to help me grow than an honest reviewer? Whether it’s praise or constructive feedback, I see every review as a little signpost helping me become a better storyteller.
