During my search for advice and ideas about self-publishing, I’ve interviewed two professional authors, Rose McClelland from Northern Ireland and Dave Sivers, whose books are set in Buckinghamshire’s Aylesbury Vale. At first sight, it appears that their novels have little in common, but they share a strong sense of place, and a sensitivity to issues of mental health. In ‘Under Your Skin’ Rose’s characters suffer psychological abuse, while Dave’s protagonist has trust issues. Both authors describe ordinary people struggling to maintain a sense of well-being under extreme stress.