About
My full name is Louise Katherine Chapman, and I am a psychological thriller author (although I’ve also written a sci-fi novel!) I have always been fascinated by the strength, peculiarities and extremes of human nature, and the way that no matter how strange, cruel or unfathomable the actions of other people can sometimes be, there is always a reason for it, some sequence of events to be unravelled.
After graduating from the University of Southampton in 2008 with a first class degree in psychology, I worked as a psychologist at a consultancy company and also spent some time volunteering for the mental health charity Mind. I then started my journey as an author which has been incredibly exciting and I’m so grateful for the support of my readers.
I live in Somerset with my husband and son. When I’m not writing I enjoy walks in the woods, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
Q&A
What do you think is the biggest influence on your writing?
I’ve always been interested in people, societies, emotions and relationships. I’m fascinated by why people do the things that they do, and writing is a way of exploring that. I think a big influence on me was studying Psychology- often my ideas for stories originate from a concept I learnt about that I find particularly fascinating.
What are your favourite books?
When I was a child I read and re-read Richard Adam’s ‘Watership Down’ over and over. There is something so special about that book for me- the way the rabbits have their own rich culture and mythology alongside the story adds so much depth and makes the story so meaningful.
For sheer beautifully written weirdness, ‘The Wasp Factory’ by Iain Banks has to feature in my list of favourites, but I think one of the books that has had the biggest impact on me of all was ‘Touching the Void’ by Joe Simpson – this miraculous story of survival is one of the most moving things I’ve ever read.
What will you write next?
I am currently working on a new psychological thriller, which will be out on the 25th June 2021.