As to using initials-there's a very long and respectable history of writers of both genders doing so: T.S. Promoting the author rather than the work is a fairly recent trend.

I think that's more difficult if the author is effectively standing between the reader and the story-a bit like making a movie and then standing in front of the screen. MS: I like the reader to be free to inhabit fully the world of the book. Do you think sharing more from what's behind the curtain affects how people read your story? Stedman was born and raised in Western Australia and now lives in London.' Please tell us more about your reticence toward sharing details from your personal background and the usage of your initials rather than your first name. GR: Instead of the usual blurb, your bio is a single line: 'M.L. MS: I've written stories based in contemporary London, too, but I suppose what I enjoy about writing is the chance to explore other worlds and other lives-so it's more than just geography. Why write about Australia versus your current residence? GR: You're a lawyer and a writer based in London, far from your Australian homeland.

Another vital factor was, in my view, just old-fashioned good luck, for which I'm very grateful. The comment I heard a lot was that the story was universal-readers from pretty much any culture or country could engage with the issues it raised. My wonderful agent, Sue Armstrong from Conville and Walsh, sent the manuscript out to publishers, and it seemed to strike a chord with people, which led to an auction process in various countries around the world. Stedman: How did this happen, indeed! I can only put it down to a combination of factors. That's amazing and extremely unusual for a first-time author. Goodreads: Your novel started off with a lot of momentum nine international houses bid on the manuscript.

The light between oceans author