“A Day in The Life” with writer Samantha Bailey

July 13, 2022 Chiara Di Lena Arts, Literature

The expression “great things come in small packages” feels as if it were tailored for bestselling Canadian thriller author Samantha Bailey.

She may only scrape five feet with her hair in a high ponytail, but everyone heard about her bursting on the scene with her debut WOMAN ON THE EDGE in 2019, a novel that spent an incredible 22 weeks on the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star bestseller lists, and became a USA Today bestseller, too. Now, as she’s poised for her second release, WATCH OUT FOR HER, which publishes on April 26, 2022, she’s set to charm and take the world by storm a second time. Samantha has long been active in the writing world, both as a journalist and freelance editor.

Her pieces have been featured in multiple publications, including NOW Magazine, The Thrill Begins, and Crime Hub. Within and outside the writing community, and aside from the nail-biting, fast-paced thrillers she delivers, Samantha’s also known for her work ethic and dedication to her craft, as well as the unwavering support she provides other authors, both upcoming and established. With her bubbly personality, positivity, and wicked sense of humour, Samantha is an undeniable asset to the world of thrillers.

Written by Hannah Mary McKinnon – Author of “Never Coming Home”

Samantha Bailey
I usually wake up to write at 5 am, or earlier, when my house is dark and quiet. The first thing I do is make coffee in my favourite mug.
Samantha Bailey
I start writing once a bit of caffeine has jolted me alert. My desk is the messiest when I’m promoting one book and writing another.
Once I’ve written from 5 am until about 7 am, my two kids are my focus. But once they’ve gone to school, I usually walk my rescue dog, Jasper, while listening to music, before diving into emails and social media. Then back to writing.
I am very lucky to receive a lot of books to blurb and read just for pleasure. These are only a small fraction of the incredible novels I have in my house. Yes, some of these books are my own work. I don’t have an organized bookshelf at all. One day!
My furry boy and I take a little break in the afternoon to relax on the couch.
You can often find me working in my car after I drop my kids off for orthodontist appointments and wait for them.
Samantha Bailey
I spend a lot of time on Zoom with my favourite authors and people. This is an event I did with Amy Stuart, Robyn Harding, and Roz Nay. Robyn made us all howl with laughter.
Samantha Bailey
After a long, wonderful work day, and once I’ve spent quality time with my family, I love to hang out with friends. This is me with Lydia Laceby, a Toronto-based author, at Hemingway’s, one of my top choices for a low-key, fun night.

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Which ’hood are you in?

I live in midtown Toronto and love my diverse, creative, artistic, eclectic neighbourhood community so much.

What do you do?

I’m a freelance journalist and a manuscript editor as well as a novelist. Since WOMAN ON THE EDGE was released in 2019, I’ve been writing full-time.

What are you currently working on?

I’m promoting my second novel, WATCH OUT FOR HER, which was released on April 26, 2022, and writing my third book, a dark and twisty thriller about women seeking a fresh start that might end in murder.

Where can we find your work?

Both WOMAN ON THE EDGE and WATCH OUT FOR HER are available at all bookstores, online retailers, and libraries. And I love to connect with my readers. They can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

 

 

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