In this episode, we have a very special guest – and I say special, because our guest, Samantha Fitzgibbons, happens to be Rich’s bestie of some 17 years, and counting!

Sam has recently had her debut novel, Happy State, published, so we decided to have a chat with her about the book, and the path which led her to where she is now.

Having trained as an actress, then subsequently completing a degree in psychology, to being a professional copywriter for businesses, as well as now, a published author. She’s had quite the journey throughout her life, which has also impacted the way Happy State was written, and conceived in the first place.

The book is a dystopian novel set in the not too distant future, in the former United Kingdom, now renamed Happy State under a new totalitarian government which seeks to eradicate all forms of mental illness in favour of creating a nation which is outwardly ‘happy’.

Whilst the issue of mental health is handled in a very sensitive way, it’s been quite jarring for Sam to see so many things that have happened in the UK and the world over the last few years, end up being mirrored in some way in the book; even though the book itself had been conceived before many of these events happened!

Think along the lines of The Hunger Games meets ’24’, with a little Black Mirror thrown in, and you’re in the right ballpark with Happy State – and Sam leads us through how it all came to be, and what might be next. It truly is a fantastic read, and would thoroughly recommend you pick up a copy. If you’re into anything dystopian, you’re going to love Happy State.

Find out more at https://www.happystatenovel.com