Relax and Read Book Club: The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods

Spabreaks.com’s Relax and Read Book Club gives you the chance to discover new books, learn about the authors, share your opinions and really escape into an inspiring world of literature.

This month we're reading The Violin Maker’s Secret, a thoughtful and evocative story about a sentient violin discovered in the Heathrow Airport lost-and-found, with the quiet power to change the fortunes of those who possess it. The book follows the stories of three unlikely guardians to see if they can unlock the secrets of the violin.

"It’s not often that I get so involved with the characters in a book that I feel sad and happy at the same time after I finish reading - Happy that the characters were fulfilled but sad for losing friends that I had made. I read a ton of books and then forget some of the stories. I will not forget this one. Thanks, Evie Woods!" - Review on Amazon

Here, we interview Jane Fallon to find out more.

What inspired you to write The Violin Maker’s Secret, and how did you approach blending music, mystery, and magic into this enchanting story?

It really was a blend of ideas that inspired this book - from the dark underworld of violin theft and forgery, to the unique relationship between a musician and their instrument. The magic came from an old folk ballad about a young woman who is turned into a violin and somehow, these three ideas braided themselves in my imagination!

Do you have a favourite character in the book? If so, what makes them stand out to you?

I think my editor would agree - it’s Walter! He’s just so loveable and you find yourself rooting for him from the off. He is clearly not in a good place when the story begins, but he doesn’t want to burden anyone. I think it’s that kind of quiet stoicism that makes him stand out.

Could you give us a glimpse into the central themes of your book?

The Violin Maker’s Secret is ultimately a book about finding your voice and using it. Speaking truth to power is such an important message, now more than ever. There is also a theme of community and found friendship. However, the plot for each of the main characters turns on that point when they decide that they no longer want to be defined by the past. I’m always drawn to themes of hope and uplifting narratives, despite and perhaps because of painful past experiences.

Could you share insights into your daily writing process? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you stay in the creative flow?

I actually don’t have any rituals when it comes to my writing process. It’s very organic. Once I have an idea, I’m just so excited to see where it will go! So I draft some notes on plot and character and then I basically dive in. I sometimes look at other authors who have carefully planned out the structure and timeframe of their writing and think, ‘wouldn’t that be wonderful!’ But it’s not how I work. It’s half alchemy, half hard graft and keeping your bum on the chair.

Who are some of your favourite authors and musicians, and how have they influenced your writing style or the themes you explore?

I’m really inspired by Joanne Harris, both for her writing and for the fact that she’s never allowed her work to be pigeon-holed. I’ve always felt very passionate about that right from the start of my writing career. I want to explore subjects that interest me and I want to change and grow with each book.

The composer Max Richter is another influence on my work. His ‘Recomposed’ album of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons shows how you can reinterpret a masterpiece for a new generation, staying true to its spirit but making it relevant to a new audience. I love that idea.

How does your wellness routine integrate with your writing practice? Do you have any go-to activities or rituals to recharge your mind and body?

As most writers will agree, walks are one of the best ways to work out stubborn plot ideas! It’s great to get away from the desk and into nature, for the body as well as the mind. I live on the West coast of Ireland so I have lots of options for scenic walks. I used to sea swim, but given the Irish weather, it’s a bit more bracing than I’d like! When I really need to recharge, I go to one of the thermal suites at my local hotel and simply drift from the sauna to the steam room and back again!

If you could visit a music-inspired destination anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what would you hope to experience there?

Vienna - in a heartbeat! Every new year’s day, my ritual is to watch the concert from Vienna. It is so full of history and music, famous for composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss to name a few. I could quite happily lose myself in its cobbled streets, imagining what life was like back then. Of course it might be nice to go to an actual ball while I’m there - rude not to!

What is your top tip for maintaining creativity and focus during the intense process of writing and promoting a book?

Panic! And once you’ve done that and realised it’s useless, I like to consume other forms of art. It’s always fun to create a playlist to promote your book and give readers a sense of what inspired you while writing. While I don’t like to read fiction novels when I’m writing, I do read non-fiction and poetry. I also love art and find a trip to a museum or two can refill the creative well. It also helps when you’re asked questions you don’t expect, because you get to view your work through another lens and that really keeps the spark of creativity alive.

What do you hope readers take away from The Violin Maker’s Secret?

I hope readers take away a sense of possibility. While the engine driving the story is a magical one, I often find that the real magic happens inside of us. Our characters have all had their lives thrown off course from what they thought they would be. And there is a grieving process that comes with that - letting go of the life you had planned. This is why the element of the ‘lost and found’ is key; when you lose the ideal version, you find the real you.

If you could design your dream spa day, what would it include?

Fantastic question! I would love to visit a grand house in the country with a natural swimming pond set amongst beautifully manicured gardens! After a quick dip, I would have a luxuriously long massage, followed by afternoon tea in the orangery - a decadent room with floor to ceiling windows and tons of natural light. The Flower Duet would waft serenely from room to room and I would finish off the day with a relaxing pedicure. Bliss!

Writing can be an intense and solitary process. How do you balance the demands of creativity with self-care and relaxation?

I have not got the balance quite right yet. As well as being a solitary profession, being a writer means that you are a self-employed entrepreneur, so when I’m not writing, I’m taking care of accounts, admin, social media etc. The lines between work and personal life can easily get blurred, so I’m actually looking at ways I can make my career more sustainable in the future and I think self-care and relaxation will play a big role in that.

Music plays such a central role in your novel. Do you listen to music while writing, and if so, what’s on your playlist?

Absolutely. I always have done. Especially when I’m writing historical fiction, I find music is so helpful when I’m trying to immerse myself in another time and place. Obviously, there is a lot of classical music on my playlist right now, and I’m loving Laufey’s new album ‘A Matter of Time’ at the moment, as well as Rosalia’s ‘Lux’.