David Cook's Blog

I am delighted to announce that author Martin Lake features next in the series.

As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear in a series of *interviews*. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, their drives, and learn a little more about them.


Please find the full interview below (also linked to my twitter, tumblr, facebook, Goodreads, and google + account).

Please do share with your circle of book friends and leave me a like/comment - thank you.

Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing and why?

I wrote my first historical novel when I woke up early one morning and realised that as I loved writing and history I should combine the two. It was about an Elizabethan spy and is still unpublished. The first novel I published is The Flame of Resistance. I always felt that the Norman invasion was a traumatic, destructive event for ordinary English people and when I came across shadowy references that Edgar, the young heir to the throne, had actually been proclaimed King after Harold’s death at Hastings I thought I’d investigate. I realised that here was a story which resonated with me. I wrote it over many years, taking each chapter to a writing group I attended. Instant audience and instant feedback.

I'm looking out for your Elizabethan story and I know a great deal many readers will do too - so hurry up and release it! :)

Looking at your body of work, is the Anglo-Saxon era your favourite time period?

Yes. In fact it's probably my favourite

How many books have you written?

There are now four in my The Lost King series: The Flame of Resistance, Triumph and Catastrophe, Blood of Ironside and In Search of Glory. I think there will be two or three more in the series.
The Artful Dodger is about the young villain’s life after being transported to Australia. Outcasts is about the fate of the commoners who were knighted to lead the defence of Jerusalem against Saladin, The Long War for England concerns Alfred the Great’s wars against the Danes.
And I have two Tudor novels, A Love Most Dangerous and Very Like a Queen, about a fictional mistress of Henry VIII.

What are you working on now?

Like Marty McFly I’m going back in time, to Crete of four thousand years ago.

You have a DeLorean? Ok, any future projects in mind?

I want to continue the life of Edgar with another two or three novels. My book about Alfred the Great will continue to include his daughter and son’s wars and I’m planning the follow up to Outcasts. Then I’m going to have a go at something lighter.

Going back to your writing, do you start with an outline, a plot or just go straight into the story and see where it goes?

I start by listing all the historical events that took place in the period of the novel, then seeing which are relevant to my story. I do a very limited outline of each chapter saying what happens. I do this on Scrivener. I'm not patient enough to write long outlines and even if I did I'd either lose or ignore them. But the outline I do provides the spine of the story. But I always find new nuggets of research which alter the flow of the story, or new characters, or existing characters who insist on doing certain things I hadn't intended or planned for.

My character Alice Petherton who is mistress to Henry VIII, started as one sentence and then evolved in front of my eyes. Very exciting.

Who is your favourite character of your books?

This is tough, it’s like asking a father to name his favourite child. I think I’d have to say Godwin, who is Edgar’s best friend, because of his loyalty, his honesty and his sense of humour under difficult circumstances. But I’d like to add a woman as well, Mrs Bullmore in The Artful Dodger. She’s hard and soft, and immensely likeable.

Where can readers find your books?

On Amazon. I think some paperbacks are available in bookstores in America.

Do you have a literary agent?

No. I gave up seeking one many years ago and don't regret doing so.

Who publishes your body of work?

I self-publish the majority of my works through Kindle Direct Publishing and CreateSpace. Two of my novels, A Love Most Dangerous and Very Like a Queen are published by Lake Union Publishing, one of the Amazon imprints.

How do you come up with the names of your characters? Council rolls? Historical records?

Many are real people so that makes life easier. Then I take great pains to make sure that the name is historically authentic, that it is not similar to the names of other characters in the book, that it sounds right and that in someway it captures the personality of the character. I have also given some of the names of my family and friends to minor characters. (Minor to make sure that the name does not infringe the requirements I list above.)

Where do you do your writing?

We’ve just moved apartment so I write at a desk in the corner of the living room. When I’m editing on a dead-line I go across the road to the library. My favourite place to edit was in a room which is part of the villa Katherine Mansfield lived in. Quiet and secluded and somehow haunted by her.

How many hours a day do you write?

I get up early – between 5 and 6 am and write for about three or four hours max.

Do you agree with the statement: write about what you know?

To some extent. But I’ve never been in a shield wall or in Henry VIII’s bed and it hasn’t stopped me writing about either of these things. Maybe it’s better to say: write about what fascinates you and what you can best connect with.

What has surprised you most about writing?

Where ideas come from. A chance remark, a character who grows a life of his or her own, a doodle of an idea which becomes a full-blown novel.

What are the best and worst things about being a writer?

Everything about it is wonderful. To be able to create new landscapes, bring people to the page, act as casting director, dialogue coach, producer and director all in my living room. I do get disappointed when something isn’t working but I know that I can just sit down and try to fix it. Someone once said that the best thing about being a writer is that you can do it anywhere which is also pretty great. (If any of your readers know who said this please let me know as I can’t remember.)

What is the most exciting experience you've had as a result of writing? Perhaps in research?

Discovering Alice Petherton, the mistress of Henry VIII. Never thought I’d write a first-person novel from the point of view of a young woman. And, as a result of this, being published by Lake Union Publishing.

How do you go about marketing your books?

I do the usual things when a book’s just come out: Facebook, Twitter and my mailing list. However, I suspect that the most important thing is to write the best book I can, and then another and then another. And to learn from them.

What do you like doing when you aren't writing?

Talking with friends, exploring France where I’ve lived for four years and reading.

Have you attended any writing courses?

The first writing course I experienced was one I taught on. I learnt a lot. Then I went on an adult evening class course which evolved into the writing group I mentioned earlier. I also did an online course with Stephen Carver at the University of East Anglia. The combination of looking at my own writing and the theoretical framework of the UEA course were hugely helpful. I really miss my group and am desperate to try to find or start another one.

Have events in your own life made their way into your books?

Not really, although I'm sure that some of my characters are as I'd like to be.

Can you tell us which authors have enthralled you?

Tolkien, George MacDonald Fraser, Rosemary Sutcliff, James Joyce, Isaac Asimov.

Is there a particular writer or perhaps a book that has had the biggest influence on you?

I suspect that deep down it’s a childhood favourite, Henry Treece, who wrote about the Vikings. But I’m completely awestruck by George MacDonald Fraser’s Flashman novels and aspire to make mine as historically authentic and as entertaining. Flashman is a wonderful creation and the books are crammed with marvellous characters, many of them real historical figures. This is how to write historical fiction.

Agreed, I started reading G.M.F's work a few years ago and they are fabulous. What book are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading Gladstone by Roy Hattersley. I suspect I’d dislike spending any time with Gladstone, can’t imagine a light lunch with him for example. Yet he was a giant with a great and noble heart. It’s a fascinating combination. I’ve just remembered he features in The Artful Dodger.
In fiction I’m going to re-read Matthew Harffy’s second novel, The Cross and the Curse. Matthew really captures the times he writes about and is an enthralling story-teller. I think he’s one of the most exciting writers around.

I've read Matthew's debut and I agree. How many books do you get to read a month?

Not enough. Probably four to six.

What's your favourite season and why?

Spring, because of the promise. And it’s not too hot here – like a glorious English summer.

Lastly, what advice can you give to other writers?

Write what you love and enjoy.

And spend time each day at your desk whether you feel like it or not.



Thank you, Martin, it has been an absolute pleasure to talk to you.

To connect with Martin please click on the links below:

martinlakewriting.wordpress.com

To subscribe to Martin's new releases mailing list please click below:
http://eepurl.com/DTnhb

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MartinLakeWr...
Twitter: @martinlake14

amazon.com/author/martinlake

I am delighted to announce that author and poet Sharon Johnson features next in the series.

As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear in a series of *interviews*. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, their drives, and learn a little more about them.

Please find the full interview below (also linked to my twitter, tumblr, facebook, Goodreads, and google + account).

Please do share with your circle of book friends and leave me a like/comment - thank you.



Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing?

My first novel is called “The Chat Room” it took 18 months to write and a lifetime to find. It started with a simple 2-3 page idea about a woman named Sarah who comes across a website called ‘The Chat Room.’ While looking at various blogs, she discovers one written about kissing, by a man named DJ. She’s intrigued and decides to write to him. She learns the woman he shared the kiss with is his wife, who died tragically in a car accident three years earlier, leaving him to raise their 7 year son on his own. Over the course of a couple of months, they write back and forth and a share something very special, until one day, when he disappears. She’s devastated. On a planned trip, three weeks later, she visits her family. While there, she rediscovers Matt, the boy she grew up with and dated for a time. They start a long distance romance and before long, she’s falling for him. A couple of months later, on a hunch, she checks the Chat Room site, just to see if DJ has written anything new. He comes back to The Chat Room and explains why he left so abruptly and he has a very good reason. He also tells her how much he’s missed her while he was away and he wants to be with her. Now she’s faced with a choice, does she choose the man who she felt and immediate connection to and whose words have burrowed themselves deeply into her heart, but also broke her heart? Or does she choose Matt, the man who she’s fallen for and who was there to pick up the pieces? This is a love story, not a traditional romance that you’d typically read and it’s a standalone novel and five star read.

I was six years old when I wrote my first poem and never looked back.

And are you self-published or traditional?

I’m self published.

I love that I have total control and, as soon as my books are ready, I can publish whenever I choose. I have an amazing friend and PA, Julie Beckford, who helps me plan all my book release events, as well as keep my schedule organized for author takeovers, makes me teasers and banners and has designed my last two covers. She was a huge help on Second Chance Love, giving me feedback. It’s the follow-up to Chat, and will be released on February 27th.

Fantastic, Sharon. So how many books have you written so far?

I’ve written 4 so far. “The Chat Room”, “Poetry of The Heart”, a collection of 25 short stories, all ending with a perfect moment, “Life isn’t perfect, but moments can be.
“The Eclectic Poet & Friends”, it’s a book of some of my poetry I’ve written, featuring 7 masterful poets and friends, Elias Raven, Suzzana C Ryan, Cary Gregory, T Lee Hunt, Deanna Powers, Ryan Baird and Erotica poet Mark D Davis. It will be release this Saturday, January 30th

and “His Second Chance Love” releasing on February 27th

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my 5th book called, “Shawn’s Love Story”. It’s about the best friend of Sarah, from The Chat Room. By bringing her story to life, it not only allows the reader to experience another taste of a character they loved, it’s also another chance for them to see what’s happens years later, to the characters from “The Chat Room” A final epilogue for any last remaining questions the reader might have about their lives and what happened after both books were done.

Future projects?

My future plans include, writing a collaborative poetry with Ryan Baird, my partner in rhyme (as he calls me). Lol I’m also a guest poet in author T Lee Hunt’s poetry book, as well as writing more poetry books, since poetry has become my first love and I write it daily. I also plan to continue writing more novels as well. I’m fortunate to have a following on Facebook that follow my poetry and has continued to grow weekly.

https://www.facebook.com/Sharon-Johns...

Who is your favorite character of your books and why?

My favorite character is Matt. When I first started writing Chat, I planned on writing just enough about him, for people to see him as Sarah’s other choice, but not a lot of depth. But as time went on, I realized Matt needed to be much more than just fluff and I brought him to life and he became someone you feel as though you might know in real life. He’s a huge part of why “The Chat Room,” has become such a special story. Sarah’s choice wasn’t an easy one, because she loved both men, she just loved one a little more.

Where can readers find your books?

My books are currently on Amazon:

The Chat Room http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0186LYWMQ

Poetry of The Heart http://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Heart-Co...

Soon, I hope have them on Barnes & Noble, as well as on Kobo and a couple of others. My books are available on e-book, as well as in print. I make sure with each release; both options are available and will continue to do so.

Which authors have captivated you?

Alessandra Tore, Ella James, Georgia Le Carre, JS Cooper, Claire Contreas, Roxy Sloane are some of my favorites. As soon as their books come out, they’re mine. And I’ve been fortunate to become friend with some of them as well.

What one writer or book has had the biggest influence on your work, would you say?

There’s not one person or book. As a writer, we all develop our own style or fingerprint as I call it, and no two are alike. I think we all have certain things we enjoy about other authors we love to read. It’s been said, I’m an emotional writer and I can draw pictures with my words. And I feel very blessed I’m able to have the expressiveness which allows me to bring my words and characters to life.

What are you currently reading?

I’m reading Resolution by JS Cooper and it's the third and final book in the series. It’s about a woman and man who have been kidnapped and neither of them know why (or does one of them?) There are secrets about the past, involving affairs, mysterious deaths and money. After reading book one Illusion, I had to wait 6 months to read the second one, called Disillusion and now finally I’m ready for all the questions to be answered.

Where do you read?

I read in the living room on my couch, the pool when it’s warm outside or if I’m on a plane or visiting family, when I have alone time.

How many books do you read a month, would you say?

Since I finished Chat, not nearly as many as I’d like. I write all the time, so that makes it difficult to do both. But I still continue to buy books I plan to read at some point. Since I’m not working on my latest novel full time, I’m finally able to slow down enough to start catching up on some long awaited books. I was reading about 20 a month, until last year.

I do my writing on the couch, usually sitting Indian style. But if I’m out, I’ll write on my phone, or in a note pad I always keep with me, when I’m out.

So how many hours a day can you devote to writing?

I write about 10-12 hours a day. My kids are grown and I have lots of catching up do, since I’m a late bloomer to becoming an author. I love writing and I’m happiest when I’m creating something new, be it a story or poem

Do you agree with the statement: write about what you know?

I do and I don’t. I know for me, I love writing about everything, and that includes things I may never have done or been a part of; but if the subject intrigues me, I’m like an curious kid and I can’t help myself. There are writers who write amazing books about subjects that aren’t something they’ve ever experienced. Jane Austin for instance, was a single woman who was raised in an era, when men were the only writers. She wrote about epic love and having children. She had a way of bringing amazing characters to life and yet, she never, to my knowledge ever experienced any of the things. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite of everything she’s written. And today, people still read and love her work.

It's a question that many writers have different opinions on.

There are those, who write amazing books about, they know very well and that’s what works best for them. I believe there are exceptions to every almost every rule, because no one is perfect and no two situations are the same.

What kind of challenges do you face when you sit down to write?

Loud noises are very distracting. Sometimes I love to listen to music while I write and other times, it bothers me and I need complete silence. I quit watching TV last year, because it was way too distracting for me to write.

Are you self-employed or do you have another job?

I’m privileged to be able to write full time. I quit my last job after Christmas 2014, about 6 weeks before I knew I’d finish Chat. I plan to continue writing great books that people will look forward to reading. I was always destined to write, it just took me a really long to watch my dream come to fruition.

What has surprised you most about writing?

I’ve been writing since I was 6 years old, so honestly nothing. I’ve never known anything else and it’s always been a constant throughout my life.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

The best thing is being able to creature something from nothing. The Chat Room is a little over 46,000 words in length and I’m astounded it all started with a single word and became an entire story that’s worth reading. When people read my words, be it the novel or my poetry and tell me how enjoyable they are to read, I still get emotional every time, thinking I can’t believe they’re talking about me. It all feels so surreal to me.

And the worst?

The worst thing is when you’re writing a story and you’re trying to figure out what comes next. How will the characters interact and how will it end. I want to write the very best story I can. People have a lot of choices when it comes to buying a book and I want them to be excited about mine. And I don’t want to feel like the reader has been short changed in any way. Even the smallest detail matters. I also tend to write more than I need and have to decide what scenes are best for the story.

What is the most exciting experience you've had as a result of writing?

Publishing “The Chat Room”.

My only dream has been to become a writer and one day an author. Four days before it was finished, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, I was about to be and I cried for 4 days, with a euphoric high I’d never known in my life. It’s one of the reasons the end of Chat, was so much better than I’d planned. I used all those mixed emotions when I wrote the scene, when she knew who she’d finally chosen the man she couldn’t live without; then, the scene where she had to say goodbye to the other man. I had to put myself in both of their shoes. She was going to break the heart of a man who didn’t do anything wrong; she just loved the other man more. And I had to imagine how he’d feel hearing what she was telling him. All those feelings about finishing my book came into play. It’s the moment I realized I’d gone from being a woman who loved to write, to a woman who became a writer

What do you like doing when you aren't writing?

I love to read, walk, go to concerts, go out to eat, bowling, being with friends and listening to music. I used shop a lot, but since I finished my book, I’ve only shopped for fun once. It holds no interest for me anymore

Do you watch TV? If so, what programs?

I quit watching most television last year because it’s too distracting.

If I do watch something, I love NFL football, biographies and real life murder mysteries

Your favourite films?

The Phantom of the Opera, You’ve Got Mail, Air force One, Pride and Prejudice and Giant. My taste in Music, literature, movies and art has always been an eclectic mix.

Do you own an e-reader?

Yes, my Kindle. I can download all the books I want in under a minute, they’re much less expensive, I can change the font size, take a 1000 books with me when I fly and decide which one I wanna read.

What's your favourite season and why?

Fall. I love the changing leaves on the trees; it’s chilly, but not too cold. You can wear sweaters, sweats and snuggle up together in front of the fireplace’ There’s great foods you can only get that time of year. Even in the hustle and bustle of the season, people seem to be a little bit more compassionate and in some respects, they take notice of things they don’t usually make the time for, during the rest of the year. Some of my best memories growing up, happened in the fall.

And lastly, what advice can you give to other writers?

Never give up. One of the things I’ve learned in all my years of writing is for most writers, writing is in our DNA and the words are a part of our soul. If you really want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen. I’ve never known a time, when I didn’t write or wasn’t thinking about it when I wasn’t.

Thank you for agreeing to feature as an author in this series, Sharon.

I am delighted to announce that Angus Donald is the next author in the series.

As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear in a series of *interviews*. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, their drives, and learn a little more about them.

Please find the full interview below (also linked to my twitter, tumblr, facebook, Goodreads, and google + account).

Please do share with your circle of book friends and leave me a like/comment - thank you.


Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing and why?

My first novel was Outlaw, published by Sphere (an imprint of Little, Brown) in 2009. It was the first in an eight-book series with Robin Hood as one of the central characters. I wanted to write a book set in the Middle Ages and I was casting about for a suitable hero. I considered Richard the Lionheart for a while, but Robin Hood kept jumping out from the pages of whatever history book I was reading. So I picked him. However, I wanted to do something a bit different: I felt that Robin had been done so many times in books, TV and film that a fresh angle was required. I started to read the original ballads and a different character to the Errol Flynn persona began to emerge. The original Robin Hood is brutal, ruthless and not at all concerned with helping the poor financially. He is a trickster thief who thumbed his nose at authority. In one of the earliest ballads (Robin Hood and the Monk, c1450), his men kill a monk in revenge for informing on Robin to the sheriff. A small boy witnesses the murder of the monk, so Little John and Much the miller’s son kill the lad, too, to shut him up. I began to realise that Robin Hood and his men behaved much like modern gangsters – and I lightbulb went off over my head. I pitched the first book with the strap line: “Meet the Godfather of Sherwood”, and within a month or so I had a two-book deal with Sphere.

How many books have your written for the Outlaw Chronicles?

I’m just finishing up the eighth and final book, which is called The Death of Robin Hood and will be published in August 2016. Robin Hood has aged and mellowed a bit from his brutal, gangster-ish beginnings in Sherwood. He now has children and is the Earl of Locksley. But he still has plenty of bite.

Was it always going to be an 8 book series?

I didn’t really know how long it was going to be. I thought it might be a trilogy, then five books. But eight feels about right. And I am quite glad to have finished it. I’ve written one a year for eight years and I’m looking forward to writing something different. I may well come back to the series one day. I have four more Robin and Alan novels in my head that one day, although not very soon, I would like to write.

Ok, so what are you working on now?

As I say, I’m just wrapping up The Death of Robin Hood. I’ve written it, done the second draft and the copy edit, and I’m just writing the Historical Note. But I will be done with Robin Hood in a few days time and I’m now focussing on a fantasy trilogy with the working title of Lord of the Islands. It’s set in an imaginary but very Asian world, around the 18th century and concerns the struggle for the throne of the King of Singarasem, the Lord of the Islands. The elevator pitch would be Game of Thrones in Asia. And it contains a mash-up of all my favourite Asian tropes. It stars a Balinese warrior king, an icy Russian princess, a ruthless Indian merchant/spy, plus assorted slave traders, magic-wielding priests, Samurai warriors, kung fu monks, Malay pirates, mercenaries, opium-smokers . . . It’s is great fun to write but I haven’t got a publisher for the series yet. But it is early days. I’ve only written a few chapters.

Any future projects you'd are to tell us about?

I hope to get Lord of the Islands off the ground this year. And I have another big writing project, too, but that is top secret for the moment.

At what point in your writing career did you *secure* a literary agent?

I got an agent quite easily, within a week of sending out a few finished chapters and a proposal letter to various agencies. I got my first two-book deal a month later. I think I had a pretty easy ride. I know some people – brilliant writers – who really struggled to get an agent. It’s very much due to luck, I would say.

How long have you known them - describe your relationship?

I have a very good relationship with my agent. We have lunch a couple of times a year and communicate by email at least once a month. I doesn’t hold my hand when it comes to the actual writing (and I don’t want him to) but think he does a very good job when it comes to getting me deals. I see that as his job, to get me money.

Are you attending any future writing festivals or conventions?

Yes, I’ll be at History in the Court in June, which is an event arranged by Goldsboro Books in Cecil Court, London. A bunch of historical novelists will be, there meeting readers and signing books. I’m also going to be at the Historical Novel Society conference in Oxford in September, probably doing a panel or a talk or something, I haven’t sorted out the details yet. I should probably do more of this sort of thing but it is quite time-consuming.

Going back to your Outlaw Chronicles, who is your favourite character?

Apart for the main characters, I really like Hanno. He is a murderous Bavarian man-at-arms, shaven head, wickedly dangerous and brutally direct. He appears in King’s Man and Warlord (books 3 and 4 of the Outlaw Chronicles). He teaches Alan Dale, the true hero of the series, how to fight and how to move stealthily in darkness.

Like me, you adore the Robin Hood legend, but when did the fascination start?

I wouldn’t say I adored the Robin Hood legend. I enjoyed the stories as a child and I loved the 1938 Errol Flynn film but my books are less about Robin Hood and more about the history of the time. I’ll admit that I adore history, and I find the medieval period particularly fascinating. In truth, Robin Hood is not the hero of my books. The hero and narrator is Alan Dale, Robin’s sworn man. Because the books are written in the first person (Alan Dale as an old man recalling his youthful adventures), when Alan is sent off on a mission by his lord to, say, Germany or Normandy, sometimes Robin Hood disappears from the story for large chunks of the book. The books are, in fact, about the politics and warfare of the age, and about the relationship between Alan and Robin. For example, my most recently published book The King’s Assassin (out in hardback in June 2015, out in paperback June 2016), deals with the English baron’s rebellion in the run-up to Magna Carta, with my fictional heroes Robin and Alan playing their parts to bring King John to the table at Runnymede.

I will always try to visit the actual places (historical) at the same time of year. I think it's very important to do that. Not always possible, of course, but have you visited any of the places linked to Robin Hood?

I’ve been to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest, of course. And I’ve been to the Loxley Valley near Sheffield twice, where Robin’s fictional castle is. (It’s a real Norman motte and bailey castle in the village of High Bradfield, which used to be called Kirkton.) But as the books take place in a lot of different countries sometimes my finances don’t permit me to go there. However, I did go to Israel, Cyprus and Sicily for Holy Warrior, which is about the Third Crusade. And I’ve been to Normandy several times, Bavaria and Paris, too, for the parts of the stories that take place there. To be honest, after the first book, not much of the action takes place in England.

Do you believe that there was a historical figure that truly was Robin Hood? Or has it all just been fiction?

I think it’s all fiction, I’m afraid. There might once have been a man called Robert or Rob or Robin who lived outside the law and had a certain notoriety. But I doubt we would recognise him as the Robin Hood we know and love. He is an entirely created hero, but none the worse for that.

Where can readers find your books?

Most big bookshops have a few paperback copies of my books on the fiction shelves. Sometimes they have the latest hardback for a few weeks after publication. And Asda usually has the paperback for a couple of weeks after publication, too. But the bookshops almost never have all of my books in stock – although you can always ask at the till and they will order books for you. Your best bet is Amazon or other online retailers. I know a lot of people in the industry complain about Amazon and their business tactics but I find that they deliver my books to people all over the world, cheaply, quickly and efficiently, so I don’t have a problem with them at all.

Which authors have enthralled you?

I used to be a big Bernard Cornwell fan. I loved the Sharpe books and his Arthurian trilogy, but I’ve gone off him a bit since then. I got bored with the Uthred series after the fourth book. The plots all seemed to be exactly the same. To be honest I don’t read very much historical fiction these days. Since I started writing it, I have lost my enjoyment of it as a fan. It’s a bit of a busman’s holiday. Although, I do still re-read George Macdonald Fraser’s novels for the umpteenth time. But he is in a class of his own. I have also been reading a quite a bit of fantasy, recently: Joe Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence, to name but two. I also like Lee Child. But the reading I do these days is mostly history books, for research purposes.

What writer or book would you say has had the biggest influence on your work?

It would have to be Bernard Cornwell. I think his Arthurian trilogy, The Warlord Chronicles, is by far his finest work and I have read and re-read them half a dozen times. I may have unconsciously copied his style in the Outlaw Chronicles.

So what book are you currently reading?

I’m reading McAuslan in the Rough by George Macdonald Fraser. I love his Flashman books, but this lightly fictionalised stories about his time as a young officer in the Gordon Highlanders is magical and very funny. I’d love to be able to write as well as him.

Where do you read mostly?

I mostly read on the bed in the afternoons, which can be a problem because I often fall asleep. But, in my sixth decade, I have come to really appreciate the naps. If I have to do some serious, must-stay-awake reading, I sit at my office desk to do it.

How many books do you read a month, would you say?

Ten, maybe. Depends on whether I’m writing flat-out to finish a book before the deadline. If that is the case, maybe only two or three.

Where do you do your writing?

I have a small office above the garage. It’s uninsulated and so very cold in winter and boiling in summer. But it is my own space in a house with a wife, an au pair and two energetic small children. It’s my man cave and I can’t imagine writing anywhere else.

How many hours a day do you write?

Actual writing or just faffing about on the computer during writing hours? I get to my desk by about 8am and work till 1pm. I make lunch for myself and the au pair, then I read in the afternoon (or nap!) till about 4pm, when I return to the office and do another couple of hours work. How much of that time is actual writing? Probably about four hours. The rest is Facebook, Twitter and other time-wasting internet stuff.

Do you have an assistant?

No, I couldn’t really afford one.

Do you agree with the statement: write about what you know?

No. If that were true people would only write those painful first novels about their difficult childhood, growing up in Surrey/Skegness with boring upper/lower/middle class parents. How they didn’t make it into the chess club. Or were picked last at football. Why nobody understood them. I say write about what you don’t know. I knew almost nothing about the Middle Ages when I decided to write about them. Then I stared to do my research – because that is the fun part of writing, finding out stuff you didn’t know, that you hope will delight and interest your readers. I would however say only write about something that you have come to know thoroughly.

What challenges do you face when writing? Are you easily distracted?

Hell, yes. I have to turn off my email otherwise I’d never get anything done. And it takes me ages to buckle down to writing (Facebook, Twitter etc). But when I am in the zone and writing, I find it hard to stop. Even to have a pee or get another cup of coffee. I really like being in that trance-like, almost spiritual state when all that exists is you and your words on the page.

What has surprised you most about writing?

I’m constantly surprised by what my mind throws up when I am writing. It’s a cliche to say that your characters begin to speak for themselves, but they do. And when the words are flowing, it really feels like some other person is channeling words through your fingertips and the keyboard and on to the screen. I can see why the Ancient Greeks believed in the Muses, external beings who gave you inspiration to create.

What are the best and worst things about being a writer?

The best thing is being your own boss. I decide what I’m going to write, then I write it. And the job is a real pleasure: I think that’s the secret of life, to love what you do. I spent many years working for other people, doing stuff I didn’t enjoy just to get a pay packet, so I feel really privileged to be allowed to do this for a living. The worst thing about being a writer is the financial uncertainty. Even successful authors get paid a lot less than they used to, and the average salary for an author, according to a 2015 survey, is £11,000 per year. I know that if I don’t continue to get publishing deals, in a couple of years this delightful lifestyle will end and I’ll be back in the rat race.

What is the most exciting experience you've had as a result of writing?

I think it must be seeing massive posters of my first book Outlaw at the railway station and on the Tube. I felt like I’d arrived.

How do you market your books?

The publisher does some marketing, sending out press releases to newspapers and stuff like that, and I try to promote them myself on Twitter and Facebook. But I don’t do nearly enough to push the books and I feel constantly guilty about that. Mostly, I just hope kind people will tell their friends they’ve enjoyed one of my novels and word is spread like that.

What do you like doing when you aren't writing?

I have two small children (son Robin, 4 and daughter Emma, 7) and so I don’t do much beyond writing and other work-related stuff (research, editing, tax, etc) and family life. But I like walking in the countryside and I occasionally go to the pub.

Do you watch TV? If so, what programmes?

Who doesn’t watch TV? I like historical drama, to which we Brits seem addicted. Although I thought War & Peacewas boring; and although I watched one episode of The Last Kingdom, I couldn’t be arsed to watch any more of them. Recently, I watched series 1 & 2 of Peaky Blinders, which was brilliant. I like Poldark, Downton Abbey,Strictly – all the mainstream weekend fodder. I like a bit of Scandi Noir, too. And Netflix has widened my horizons: I binge-watched Sense8 last year and Orange is the New Black. And I’m also a big fan of US sitcoms: love Friends, even watching an episode for the millionth time, and I like The Big Bang Theory, too.

Your favourite films?

No1 is The Godfather, obviously. I like Daniel Craig’s James Bond movies, too. I loved the Lord of the Rings trilogy. But thought The Hobbit wasn’t great. Actually, I felt it was taking the piss, a bit. Milking a cash cow. I don’t go to the cinema much these days, it’s too expensive and I find the seats a bit uncomfortable. Also I usually eat too much foyer crap and feel slightly ill afterwards. I prefer to get the DVD six months later or watch in on TV in due course.

Do you own an e-reader?

I can read books on my iPad. But I don’t. It’s too heavy to hold in one hand when I’m lying on my back in bed. I prefer paper books, for all sort of reasons. I’m glad that they are still with us, and I think they always will be.

What's your favourite season and why?

Spring’s my favourite. It is full of the promise of a long happy summer and it comes after the dreary slog of winter.

Have events in your own life made their way into your stories?

My few months as a war correspondent in Afghanistan was very useful for describing the sensation of facing combat in the books. I was at the battle of Tora Bora and terrified quite a lot of the time but also incredibly exhilarated after I came away from the battlefield unhurt. I saw quite a lot of death, blood and body parts too. And I have used every youthful punch-up I ever had (very few) and, as I spent a year and a half being more-or-less a tramp in Europe, I sometimes make use of the memories of sleeping rough and being very cold and hungry, although that was quite a long time ago and memories fade.

Lastly, what advice can you give to other writers?

Don’t write novels, write for TV. That’s where the money is.
Don’t give up the day job if you have a mortgage or rent to pay.
Don’t expect to get rich.
Don’t give up on your dreams. It can be the greatest job in the world.


Thank you for agreeing to feature as an author in this series.

To connect with Angus please visit his website:

http://www.angus-donald.com

I am delighted to announce that J. G. Harlond is the next author in the series.

As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear in a series of *interviews*. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, their drives, and learn a little more about them.

Please find the full interview here (also linked to my twitter, tumblr, facebook, Goodreads, and google + account) and do share with your circle of book friends - thank you:


Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing and why?

I can’t remember exactly when I started writing my first published novel – a good five years before it went to press. I was writing it as an amateur production then realised I could actually try to get it published. After that, there was another year of tidying it up and getting it edited. The irony is that this novel has now gone into a third edition. I have recently added to it and deepened the story for my new publisher, Penmore Press. I try to take heart from the fact that Thomas Hardy was always tinkering with his novels, improving and extending them so I have an excellent role model for the hard labour aspect.

Are you self-published or traditional?

My novels are traditionally published. I am used to having editors telling me what to do (and giving me something to moan about) from my other writing occupation, school books, and I feel more confident knowing there are professionals with some sort of vested interest in what and how I write.

At what point in your writing career did you *secure* a literary agent?

I was taken on by a charming New York agent for my second novel but after six months she came back to me saying she was getting nowhere, despite loving the story, and perhaps I should try for an independent press on my own.

Historical fiction was less glamorous in those days and we were having ‘the genre problem’. After that, I had a disaster with a small press. Fortunately, the British Society of Authors (worth every penny!) saved me with sound advice and I was able to get my rights back. I’m now with another indie and very happy, and the novel that was doing the rounds for six months in New York is now the first of a trilogy. Moral = don’t give up hope, especially if you honestly feel you’ve written a ‘good’ book.

How many books have you written?

I have written five complete novels, not all have been published. Like most fiction authors, I have an MS I love sitting on a shelf waiting to be re-written, and waiting, and waiting, while I get on with meeting other deadlines.

And can I ask what are you working on now?

Work-in-progress is the second part of the The Chosen Man trilogy. The basic story is about a 17th century Genoese silk and spice merchant, Ludo da Portovenere, a charismatic rogue who really shouldn’t be trusted. The first novel sees him involved in a Vatican conspiracy and a financial scandal in the Dutch United Provinces – in what became known as ‘tulipmania’. Having survived this, and stolen a Spanish galleon in the process, Ludo is now in Goa, India, wooing a wealthy widow prior to being caught up in espionage and finance in the royal courts of Spain and England. I’m still at the research stage, though, so the plot may well change depending what I unearth.

Any future projects?

To finish this trilogy and write another crime novel set in World War II.

Who is your favourite character of your books and why?

I have a soft spot for both my wicked heroes, Ludo da Portovenere and Leo Kazan of The Empress Emerald, but I grew very fond of the grumpy old detective in my new Cornish crime story, Local Resistance – due out later this year.

How do you come up with the names for the characters in your stories?

Names come to me in different ways, some because they mean something or because I literally dream them up. Ludo is Ludo because life is a game to him. Leo Kazan, the half-Russian, half-Indian boy walked into my mind fully formed with all his flaws, but the English girl in The Empress Emerald arrived in a dream. I dreamt the whole sequence of her dancing around the aspidistra, woke up and put her into the story. I hadn’t been looking for a female heroine, or planning what happens to her – but I suppose sub-consciously she was hiding behind the sleep curtain.

So where can readers find your books?

The novels are available from all the ebook retailers and book suppliers. Whether they are in high street bookstores, the few that remain, I cannot say.

Which authors have enthralled you?

Enthralled me, in that I have been drawn in and lived their stories - John Le Carre, Dorothy Dunnett, Mary Wesley, Daphne du Maurier, Salman Rushdie, Isabel Allende, Thomas Hardy . . . a curious mix, but they all create compelling, thought-provoking fiction out of human frailty.

What writer or book has had the biggest influence on your work?

Dorothy Dunnett without question because of her complex characters and intricate plots: I go back to her books time and again.

What book are you currently reading?

A thriller, A Foreign Country by Charles Cumming. It won the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award and I’m reading it partly for escapism, partly to see how a tight thriller-plot is constructed.

How many books do you read a month, would you say?

This depends very much on my writing and how long I stay in front of a computer screen during the day, two or three perhaps, but some nights I’m virtually blind so I listen to the radio instead.

Where do you do your writing?

I sit down to work in my office space; it’s a converted bedroom with very big windows and a view of the Sierra de las Nieves.

How many hours a day do you write?

About four hours of active work, plus all the bits and bobs that go with checking facts and events, and getting side-tracked on fascinating titbits of research.

Do you agree with the statement: write about what you know?

Only to a certain extent. If you are writing a story set in another epoch it’s not possible to know what life was really like then, and every historian is prejudiced to some degree so you have to choose how you use historical detail and that may involve quite a lot of imagining. Curiously, I’ve been criticised for writing precisely what I know from personal experience. The Spanish girl in The Chosen Man arrives in Cornwall without a word of English, I then show how she picks up vocabulary and learns the language as I did when I first went to Italy and then came to Spain without knowing either of the languages. I was told Alina ‘learns too fast’ and ‘it’s not possible to learn a language like that’ – er, yes it is!

What challenges do you face when writing?

The biggest challenge for me is trying not to be influenced by what I read about writing – to do it my way. My novels don’t fall into one specific genre, although they are certainly historical fiction, plus I’m writing for both men and women. My challenge is not to give in and feel depressed because my books don’t fit into a neat category of espionage or crime, romance or adventure. This creates another challenge – trying to find an answer to the dreaded question ‘what do you write’. Current answer is usually something along the lines of: ‘Historical crime fiction – that is stories created around a lot of research – crime, spy stuff, with adventure – oh, and a bit of romance – historical fiction with fictional characters and real people . . .’ You see what I mean? If anyone can help me find a succinct answer, please do!

Are you easily distracted?

No, on the contrary, I zone out of the real world all to well.

As an author are you self-employed or do you have another job?

I took a huge risk some years ago and gave up a good day job, and I have never been so busy in my life. The first year was a bit touch and go – panicky, to say the least. But no regrets.

What has surprised you most about writing?

Good fiction is blooming hard work if you do it properly. Worse if you’re a perfectionist!

What are the best and worst things about being a writer?

The best thing is being in control of what you do and how you write. The worst thing is being in control of what you do and how you write. All the second-guessing and doubts . . .

What is the most exciting experience you've had as a result of writing?

Being on television – missed my vocation there! I’m not the least bit sociable usually, but the moment I was in front of a camera . . . Who is this woman?

What do you like doing when you aren't writing?

I have an ageing horse and a large family – they keep me busy, in that order.

Have you attended any writing workshops? Literary events? Local book fairs?

Living in Spain it is not too easy to attend literary events in Britain, but at one time I was running a holiday course near Malaga with Joan Fallon (Daughters of Spain, The Shining City etc) dedicated to writing about the past – both fact and fiction. That was good fun, and as always when one is ‘teaching’ one learns a lot at the same time. I attended a splendid intensive writing week run by the best seller Sarah Harrison many years ago – it was tremendously motivating, but also a fine introduction into how being a proper author can be jolly hard work.

Do you watch TV? If so, what programmes?

Bit of a tv series addict at present: ‘Game of Thrones’ (although I like the books as well) and ‘Mad Men’.

Your favourite films?

I stopped going to the cinema when they started trying to deafen audiences. Working silently at home in a rural area makes me very susceptible to noise. No favourite movie, although I do watch 1940s cine noir now and again and big epic blockbusters can be heart-warming.

Do you own an e-reader?

Yes, and I use it for some fiction.

What's your favourite season and why?

Living in southern Spain, I miss English autumns. Autumn is a time of reflection, a gathering and consolidating period before bleak winter. Although not anymore; we’ve had almost no winter here this year.

What advice can you give to other writers?

Work hard, get a good copy-editor and listen to their advice, even when you don’t like it. Always get your work proofread and edit, edit, edit. Be aware that there are no short cuts and above all, decide what you consider to be ‘success’. It may be being top of the charts or a private jet . . . Personally, I’ve settled for knowing readers ‘live’ my books and remember the characters after they finish reading this has helped me stop fretting about reviews and ratings. Makes me sounds smug, sorry, but it’s important to decide what you want to achieve I think.


Thank you, Jane, it was an absolute pleasure to have you on here.


To connect with Jane, please click on her website below:

www.jgharlond.com

I am delighted to announce that P.S. Winn is the next author in my new series.

As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear in a series of *interviews*. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, their drives, likes/dislikes and learn a little more about them.

Please find the full interview here (also linked to my twitter, tumblr, facebook, Goodreads, and google + account) and do share with your circle of book friends - thank you:


Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing and why?

I wrote my first novel “Foretold” and published it in October of 2012. I had never tried to write a novel although I wrote poems and short stories. In fact, I had boxes and boxes of them just taking up space in my closet. Shortly before that, my husband was told his health was bad and to quote “Get his affairs in order”. He decided I should be in Montana where I was born and where my family lived. As we packed for a hurried up move, I almost had to leave behind those boxes. We finally found room. But when we got settled I decided I’d like something more permanent for my words and decided to turn my works into books. Since that time I have published 32 books and am working on number 33.

Are you self-published or traditional?

I am self-published. I did send a manuscript once to a traditional publisher, but before the 8 to 10 weeks it took them to get back to me I had finished that book and was working on another, I have the patience of a gnat and don’t feel it is okay to make writers wait in anxious worry while they sort through books.

How many books have you written?

Oh, My Gosh... do you have lots of time?

I have 32 books. I will say I write everything. I have 4 preschool fun rhyming books. I hope everyone will start teaching kids the love of books as young as possible. Kids who read do better in life. I like rhyming text that reads like a song. I have 2 short story collections for young adults and adults to share, they are humorous tall tales. I have 2 more collections of short stories, one a heart touching collection of stories and poems that tackle hard subjects with uplifting messages. The other is a heart stopping collection of paranormal stories. That includes angel, ghost and spirit visitations, although I like to call them angels. 2 humorous comic books about growing old were co-written with my husband. That leaves the other 22 books which are novels. I lean heavily toward the supernatural, which some call science fiction. I also like to write conspiracies and have 4 novels about serial killers. My last novel “Of Jeebies and Journeys” combines supernatural, horror and the spiritual as a man has to cross to the other side to return something to his late wife that was stolen from her by the Jeebies, evil spirits.

Although I write fiction, I do have one novel that is non- fiction and it is probably the most important book I have written. An inventor years ago created a way to burn garbage and other waste with no pollution and was creating energy. He was suppressed and threatened by big oil backed politicians. So, all in all, I write everything. I should have just said that first and taken up less space!

What are you working on now? (Putting aside the chocolate, coffee and reviews!)

I am just over half finished with a new novel, if my characters don’t take over. They did that in my book “Tunnels”, turning a 300 page book into a 600 + page book! I think I am calling the new book “Doorways & Dimensions”. It is about Parallel Worlds, another theme that runs through a lot of my books. I am fascinated by thinking there may be a world just next to our own. Like a holographic card, the kind that you look at ad see one picture and the turn to find something totally different. I like to think that’s what worlds are like.

I kind of know the answer to this, but any future projects?

I hope to finish 40 books as I finish my fourth year of being an author. I am a bit OCD, and like everything nice and even. Last year for a Goodreads challenge, I had 797 books read close to the end of the year and had to read 3 more to make an even 800!

Wow! So tell us who is your favourite character of your books and why?

I would have to say Nikole Teresa Anderson in my book “Tunnels”. In spite of challenges she goes through she keeps trying. I also really like the bad guys to write about. They are so much fun and it is easy to get into their characters. There’s usually at least one in every book.

How do you come up with the names for the characters in your stories?

Mostly they just come to me, I think sometimes the characters already know there names. Once in a while I will use a friends' name but change it a little to fit the character. Mostly though, they just pop in my head when I begin the writing.

Where can readers find your work?

http://www.amazon.com/P.-S.-Winn/e/B0...
author.to/PSWinnbooks www.facebook.com/pswinnbooks www.barnesandnoble.com/c/p.s.-winn www.goodreads.com/author/show/6580862...

On twitter you can find me @pswinnauthor I do a lot of tweeting and have just passed having 12,000 followers

That is crazy to me since I just got on there a couple years ago and didn’t even have much to do with computers until 2012 when I wrote the first book!

Have events in your own life made their way into your stories?

A lot. I think when you write, your experiences show through in the stories. They have to I would think because you are shaped by life events and the people you meet.

Which authors have enthralled you? Who do you get your inspiration from?

Definitely Stephen King, Dean Koontz and James Patterson, but I love classics like John Steinbeck Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and Charles Dickens. I read a lot, like I said 800 last year and already 100 this January and have been amazed by new writers I have found. So many people are very talented. I have to say that readers don’t get enough credit, it is their imaginations that make the books. No people can read a book and walk away with the same feelings or the same pictures in their mind. My readers have been amazing and have left me such great feedback, both in person and in the wonderful reviews.

What book are you currently reading?

I read two or three a day, so you probably caught me in between books. Although I am planning on reading Stephen Kings book about JFK, which I haven’t had time to pick up yet.

Where do you read mostly?

Anywhere and everywhere. That’s also where I write, which I always do longhand. So, when you see me I will have a notebook and a pen in my hand.

How many books do you read a month, would you say?

At least 50, sometimes a hundred.

Wow! So where do you do your writing?

Everywhere. I write every free moment it seems, before I finish one book I start on another. I think because I have to write longhand. So, when I am typing out one finished, I am writing the new book.

How many hours a day do you write?

It depends, sometimes an hour, and that can be five minutes here and five minutes there until the day is done. I wrote a book in a week when I had the flu.

What challenges do you face when writing? Are you easily distracted?

I am not distracted. I’m the type of person who does things better when I have more than one thing going on at a time. I am really lucky in that or my family would probably disown me, although I do get lost in the writing.

Are you self-employed or do you have another job?

I am only an author right now and hope to stay that way. I worked part time while writing most of the books but have a bad back which doesn’t let me do a lot. Also my husband has bad health and I prefer to be close to home.

What are the best and worst things about being a writer?

The best is telling the story and having people tell you they loved it or that it changed something in their lives, that is the greatest feeling in the world. The worst of course is promoting the books.

What is the most exciting experience you've had as a result of writing?

I don’t know if it’s exciting, but the most touching was a reader telling me her daughter was having a difficult labour and was rushed to the emergency room. The baby’s heartbeat was irregular. The mother had one of my children’s books and she pulled it out and began reading out loud. The baby’s heartbeat steadied and the birth was a success. That makes everything I do worthwhile.

How do you market your work?

Mostly on Facebook and Twitter, I am also on Goodreads. I use my Amazon Author Central page to pot any sales I am having. The best marketing I have found are the wonderful friends and followers on social media who share my books.

What do you like doing when you aren't writing?

I like to draw and I like to keep close tabs on family and friends. I also like the outdoors and walking through parks and people watching.

Do you own an e-reader?

I did, but now I use my kindle cloud reader on the computer. When away from the computer I carry around paperbacks.

Have you attended any writing workshops? Literary events? Local book fairs?

No, in my small town you don't find too much for literary events. My writing workshop is my life. Everything that happens adds experience to my resume and a bit to each story.

Lastly, what advice can you give to other writers?

If you love to write, do it. Don’t worry about selling a million books, that probably won’t happen. But, to get a great, sincere review is almost as magical as sharing your stories to begin with.

Thank you, Pam. It was a pleasure to get to know you a little more, and I don't think I know anyone who can write, read and review that much in one month...ever :)

I am delighted to announce that Pam O'Shea is the next author in my new series.

As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear in a series of *interviews*. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, their drives, likes/dislikes and learn a little more about them.

Pam has written the historical novel THE BOWES INHERITANCE.


Dublin 1882: When determined but impoverished Louisa Campbell inherits a large estate in the north of England, from an uncle she didn't even know existed, it appears to be the answer to her prayers. Her younger sister, Eleanor, is gravely ill, and believing that the country air will benefit her, they decide to take up residence at Bowes Farm, situated on the Cumberland coast. However, they soon realise that all they have inherited is trouble. Their uncle had managed to alienate almost everyone in the area and worst of all, was suspected of being a Fenian activist. His reputation leaves Louisa and Eleanor battling to gain acceptance in polite society, especially with Nicholas Maxwell, their handsome neighbour and local magistrate. His father was cheated out of the farm during a card game fifteen years before and he is determined to get the property back. Louisa unearths secrets from their family’s past that threaten their future while the spectre of their mysterious benefactor overshadows everything. When a Fenian bombing campaign comes close to home, Louisa finds herself a chief suspect and must fight to clear her name. She must dig deep to find the courage to solve the mysteries that Bowes Farm holds before their lives are destroyed. And most importantly of all, will she be able to finally trust and love the man who is surely her sworn enemy?


Please find the full interview here (also linked to my twitter, tumblr, facebook, Goodreads, and google + account) and do share with your circle of book friends - thank you:



I read that when you were young your father gave you the complete works of Jane Austen. Wow-what a gift! Tell us about that and how did that shape your future interest in reading and writing?


I was already an avid reader by then. My father had brought me to our local library when I was about 6 or 7 (I think he was fed up being constantly asked to buy me more books!). Being an only child I found reading a great way to entertain myself and escape to other worlds. The Austen gift was significant in that it confirmed my love of classical literature and the 19th century world. I also studied Pride and Prejudice for a state exam soon afterwards. I had a fantastic English teacher who really made it all come alive for me. After that I always found myself straying to the literature or historical fiction section of the library or bookshop. I have a deep love of this period of history – a time of extraordinary change in every sphere of life. Coupled with an obsession with 19th and early 20th century dress and architecture, it was inevitable that when I did decide to write, there was only one genre I would feel most comfortable in.



Over the years I have scoured bookshops and Amazon for great historical fiction. However, the quality can vary considerably and it was on finishing one particularly disappointing book that I suddenly thought to myself that I could have come up with a better ending. After my third child was born I decided to have a go. That novel will be unlikely to see the light of day but I did complete it. That process started something and I gradually realised that I needed to take it further.



Which other authors have enthralled you?


How long do we have? My top authors would be Elizabeth Gaskell, Maria Edgeworth, and Georgette Heyer for literature/historical fiction and Dorothy L. Sayers, P.D. James and Elizabeth George in the crime genre. As you can probably guess, I am also a bit of a crime fan!


Which writer has had the biggest influence on your work?


Undoubtedly Heyer, though I do not write in the Regency period. I read her biography and was fascinated by her research methods. That has influenced my own love of authentic detail. I enjoy research and often have to pull myself back from it to actually write. However, I am a firm believer that it is the subtle details in a story that best convey this. Otherwise your work can look like an historical thesis and not an entertaining story. The exception to be this would be biographical historical fiction but readers are savvy enough to tell the difference. Historical detail should enhance, not swamp, your narrative. This is one reason that I tend to avoid real historical characters in my books – I prefer historical events to weave away in the background. The story should be able to stand up on its own even if you strip away the historical references. If you don’t have a strong plot and well-developed characters you probably shouldn’t be writing in this genre.



What book are your currently reading?



I am about to start ‘Post-Famine Ireland: Social Structure’ by Desmond Keenan. I am currently researching this period as my next novel is set in Ireland, c. 1895, and I am trying to glean as much background information and history as I can. I have also just finished The Irish RM stories by Somerville and Ross, again for research but also because I love the style of the writing – they were excellent story tellers and there is a lot of humour in the books. My TBR pile is quite large at the moment – near the top is ‘Ludwika’ by Christoph Fischer (WWII novel) and a collection of short stories by Mary Grand called ‘Catching the Light’.



I read some of Desmond's writing when researching for my novella LIBERTY OR DEATH. Irish history is extremely fascinating and its such a rich, beautiful country full of wonderful people. Where do you read mostly?



It’s difficult to find time but usually on my commute home from work on the train. If a book really grabs me I can be found reading anywhere, any time!



My thoughts exactly! So where do you do your writing?


I am lucky enough to have a study. It’s nice and quiet and I usually have only the dog and cat for company.


Tell us about your first novel? When did you start?


The original premise was a young woman inheriting a property and having to fight to keep it. It had a beginning, a middle and an end (always a good thing!), but there was no flesh to its bones. I knew I wanted it to have an Irish flavour, but with a new angle perhaps. I have always been fascinated by the complex relationship between the Irish Ascendency and their British counterparts and that, and a wrangle over land, seemed a good place to start. It was only as I started to research, that the story took on a life of its own. Sub-plots popped up, often influenced by real events that I read about from old newspapers, books and on-line blogs. What started out primarily as a love story became tangled up in Irish history, Fenians and the English Lake District! THE BOWES INHERITANCE was born.


I started it in 2013 and finished the first draft in about 6 months. It took 2 years to finally publish as there were gaps of time when I was unsure what to do next/what direction to take. Thankfully, my editor was very encouraging and gave me the confidence to finally go for it.


I am very lucky in that the book has been very well received, is getting great reviews and was even long-listed for the Historical Novel Society 2016 Indie Award. I heard a few weeks ago that it had received an Honourable Mention at the London Book Festival. This has been a huge boost to my confidence and I am more determined than ever to keep writing.


That's brilliant news, Pam! So are you self-published or traditional?


Self-published and proud of it!


And who is your favourite character from your book and why?


Louisa in THE BOWES INHERITANCE is a very strong and determined character. She faces a lot of trials in her young life and has the guts to overcome them. There are echoes of me in her, though she handles what life throws at her far better than I ever did!


Do you agree with the statement: write about what you know?


Hmmm – I’m actually not sure. Yes it is safer and probably easier to write about what you know or love best. But are you stretching yourself as a writer if that is all you do? Mind you, if your fans love it there is enormous pressure on you to keep writing the same kind of story. That’s the beauty of self-publishing; you are free to experiment and tell the stories you want to tell. My next book will be more of a crime novel and possibly a lot darker than THE BOWES INHERITANCE.



What challenges do you face when writing? Are you easily distracted? Not enough time?


I am a busy working mum with three kids. Finding time to sit down (when I’m not tired) and write can be a challenge. Also, because I am self-published I have to spend a lot of time promoting my book on social media. This can suck all of the free hours from your day.
As an author are you self-employed or do you have another job?
My husband is very supportive and I am lucky in that I have been able to reduce my hours and work part-time. I had hoped that this would give me more time to write but as often as not, something always comes along to distract.



What has surprised you most about writing?


I hadn’t realised how important it is for your own self-development to break out of your comfort zone. The urge to write had always been there and I had dabbled with poetry as a teenager. But overall, I had suppressed it and let life get in the way. Writing has given me a sense of inner peace and fulfilment like fitting the final piece in a jig-saw.


What are the best and worst things about being a writer?



The best is getting all of those characters finally down on paper – they have been in my head for years, clamouring to get out!



The worst is that I find it frustrating that I can’t write full-time; that would be a dream come true.


How do you market your books?


I was a complete novice and scared to death of the whole marketing thing. I barely knew where to start so my adventure in promotion has been a steep learning curve! I have tried lots of different things – some have worked, others didn’t.


As I am self-published my book is only available as a print on demand (POD) paperback or ebook on Amazon. In the future, I may try other platforms as well but for now, I don’t have the advantage of people randomly browsing in a book shop and finding my book. I have to use social media to promote.


I recently did a blog post on this subject which goes into great depth on this subject. http://pamlecky.com/2016/01/21/how-to...



But the methods that have been most successful for me have been a) enrolling my ebook in KDP Select and doing week long countdown deals, and b) signed book giveaways on Goodreads.



There are mixed thoughts on KDP. So as a self-published author, have you tried the traditional route?



Yes, but I sent my manuscript out far too soon and burnt my bridges; nothing back but polite rejections. It was probably the best thing for me because at that stage I sought advice and followed it. I found an editor and found out as much as I could about the whole publishing business. Self-publishing had always been my Plan B, but the more I learnt about it the more it appealed to me. I haven’t looked back since. It suits me perfectly – probably because I am a control freak. I couldn’t bear not making the decisions. I heard recently about a traditionally published author who was shown 4 or 5 cover options – she picked one and they just went ahead with the one they wanted! That would kill me.



Do you own an e-reader?



I have had a Kindle for about 5 years - recently upgraded to a Paperwhite. I find them fantastic – it’s always in my bag.



Have you attended any writing courses or conventions, and if so, what are your thoughts about them?



I have attended Book Festivals – they are a great way to network and get a feel for the industry.


Luckily, I attended a Self-Publishing Conference in The Irish Writers Centre – that was fantastic and I learnt so much. It was the pivotal day that I decided to go for it.



Through Facebook I have found some fantastic groups, one of which is the Historical Novel Society. It has members all over the world and is a great place to connect. They hold an annual conference and I am going to this year’s event in Oxford. It will be fun to meet up with all of those historical fiction authors I know on FB and finally meet them in the flesh. Again, I am hoping that it will be a chance to network and perhaps promote my book. I understand there will be opportunities to pitch to agents even though I don’t think that is the way for me to go while I still work part-time. It will be interesting to see how it works out. Worst case I love Oxford and look forward to visiting it again!


What do you like doing when you aren't writing?



I love to read and listen to music and I am a keen gardener. I studied horticulture with the RHS and at one time had planned to go into garden design. The recession put pay to that. I find working in my garden very relaxing which often helps me if I am suffering from the dreaded writer’s block! I also love photography.


Do you watch TV? If so, what programmes?



I don’t watch a huge amount compared to years ago. When I was studying at night I had to cut it back drastically and just never went back. However, my kids have been at me to get Netflix and I finally succumbed. Now I am totally addicted to The Good Wife – great story and super writing. I am also a huge fan of Inspector Montalbano on the BBC. Obviously, any historical dramas will be watched in my house!


What's your favourite season and why?



Autumn – the colours and the scents and above all the nature of autumnal light. There is something melancholy about this time of year which appeals to me (I don’t know why!). I think there is a gothic novel in me trying to get out!


Last question: what advice can you give to other writers?



Believe in yourself, trust your instincts and listen to your editor. Not everyone will like what you write and that is perfectly ok; the world would be very dull if they did.




Thank you for agreeing to feature as an author in this series, Pam.


To connect with Pam please click on the below links:


Facebook: Facebook
Twitter: Twitter
Blog/Website: www.pamlecky.com
Goodreads: Goodreads
Amazon: Amazon UK

I am delighted to announce that Sean MacCotter is the next author in my new series.

As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear in a series of *interviews*. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, their drives, likes/dislikes and learn a little more about them.

Sean has started an exciting new trilogy. THE KEY, A Crusader’s Story, follows Ralph de Mortimer on his great adventure, his frequent heroism and his struggles to reconcile his commitments to his Order, his King and his woman. The book is filled with battles, shipwrecks, intrigue and survival. It paints a vivid picture of the life of a soldier of God during one of the most tumultuous times in history.

Please find the full interview here (also linked to my twitter, tumblr, facebook, Goodreads, and google + account) and do share with your circle of book friends - thank you:


Is the medieval age your favourite time period?

Medieval is one of my favourites, but not the only one. My second book is set in the 17th century Age of Discovery, and my third in process is in the 1920’s. Historically, I’m interested in how events and people fit together more than any single place or time.

Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing and why?

My first novel, THE KEY, was published on Amazon in June, 2015. Prior to that I had written instructional and marketing materials for my employers, and historical narratives for family members. After I retired my family encouraged me to try writing something for a wider audience and THE KEY was the result. I found myself with the time to dedicate to writing a full-length novel, combining my love for history and a bit of talent for telling stories.

Have you *secured* a literary agent?

No agent yet. I’m still taking a cautious approach and self publishing e-books now. When I’m ready, and I think the world is ready for me, I’ll explore options. An effective agent would certainly be helpful. So far, stories from my friends who have agents have led me to believe finding an effective one is no easy task.

Are you self-published or traditional?

I’m self-published. Before I began my first novel, I made a personal commitment to keep my expenses to a minimum until I’d tested the market acceptance for my “product”. If readers were interested in what I produced, I would consider printing and finding a publisher. If not, I’d write to satisfy myself and not burden the world with junk.

How many books have you written?

To date, I’ve written two books, THE KEY and THE GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER. They are historical fiction/mystery/adventures and comprise the first parts of a trilogy.

THE KEY is set in the 12th century period before and during the Third Crusade. The story follows two Templar knights who are among the personal guard of Richard the Lion Heart from the king’s rise to power, through his victorious crusade and during the time of his imprisonment. All the while, the two knights protect the secret of THE KEY.

The second book in the trilogy, THE GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER, published in late November, 2015, focuses on An English adventurer who carries the Key with him to the Province of Maryland in the mid-1600’s. Possessing the secret awakens forces beyond his comprehension who would take it from him by any means. The settings are real and many of the characters are the very people who ruled Maryland during very turbulent times.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently researching and writing the third book in THE KEY trilogy. As yet it remains un-named. I’ll get around to giving it a label when I am nearer revealing it to the world.

It brings THE KEY into the 20th Century and closes a circle that began more than 2500 years earlier. All I’ll say about the setting and characters is they aren’t the same as I created before. But the adventure continues, and the mystery is solved . . . or maybe not. I’ve still not decided how the last chapter turns out.

Any future projects?

I’m focused on finishing the current book right now.

After I finish THE KEY Trilogy in e-book format, assuming anyone likes the stories I tell, I plan to revisit them and bring out second editions in print.

I keep a notebook of more ideas and random mental meanderings of future projects, but nothing definite at the moment.

Do you start with an outline, plot or just go straight into the story and see where it goes?

I begin with a plot idea, then an outline, then characters/locations/pertinent equipment, then write. I update all my ‘guides’ throughout. I’ve found a spreadsheet with timelines and characters helps me keep things in order.

Who is your favourite character of your books and why?

Ralph de Mortimer, the young knight Templar in The Key begins life as a squire blinded by the tales glorious deeds in the Holy Land spun by old knights who have been retired. He matures, being involved in several of the most important but little known events in medieval history. He struggles with his pledge to the Church, his worldly desires, and his responsibility to his King . . . and his vow to protect the secret of the Key.

THE GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER is a minor English gentleman who leaves England behind to seek his fortune in the New World. He lands in the Province of Maryland with a butler, a ring, title to a piece of wilderness land, and The Key . . . and a job he didn’t wish for as a spy for the Governor in a conflict he didn’t understand.

How do you come up with the names of your characters?

Interesting question. The main characters in my first two books are historical, as are most of their supporting cast. Some of the minor characters I named for typical names of people in the same locale/time period/class. In one case, a character, initial simply referred to as ‘the sergeant’ grew in importance throughout the book and I had a contest among readers to give him a name in a second edition.

My current main character has a fictional name I selected to evoke a sense of adventure. He’s surrounded by a group of other purely fictional characters and historical chracters present during the events in the story.

Have events in your own life made their way into your books?

Yes, and the events of my family and friends. I think we all see the world through our own lens and filter no matter how much we attempt to step out of our own shadows.

Where can readers find your books?

Both books are currently available for the Kindle at Amazon.

In U.S. http://www.amazon.com/Gentleman-Adven...

In U.K. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gentleman-Adv...

Which authors have enthralled you?

Looking around my office/library I find myself surrounded by non-fiction history – my first love – rather than the collected works of any particular author with one exception. I read most of Shakespeare’s non-comedies before I was twelve years old. Not because I was a child prodigy, but due to my spending summers in a strange city with a grandmother in whose collection I found the bard’s work the least intimidating. Since then, I’ve reread everything attributed to him multiple times as he paints pictures of people and places with words better than anyone else I’ve read.

What writer or book has had the biggest influence on your work?

See the above. Henry V is my favourite. I lived in England near Canterbury, with friends who actually lived in castles. Soon after World War II the imagery was clear and the English Davids defeating foreign Goliaths struck a chord.

What book are you currently reading? Why that one and what it's about?

I’m reading nothing but research material for my current book at the moment. I’m pretty single-focused when I’m working. TV is OK because I don’t get too involved, but books distract me.

Where do you read mostly?

I read research materials in my office or where records are located if I have to track things down.

How many books do you read a month, would you say?

When I’m not writing, 2-3 books a month. As I said before, while I’m researching/writing I’ll refer to 10-20 sources a day, some from my own books, some on the internet, others on location.

Where do you do your writing?

I have an office/library in my home where I do all my writing. I carry a notebook with me to capture any brilliant thoughts that force their way into my brain . . . it stays pretty empty. Since my works are heavily historical, I need computers (2) to keep facts organized and accessible, and loads of shelf space and file cabinets to keep paper from burying me.

How many hours a day do you write?

I try to “write” at least two hours per day at least five days per week. When I’m digging into unfamiliar ground I might well stay at it all day. But I try to put something on paper at least two hours per work day.

Do you agree with the statement: write about what you know?

Absolutely not. How boring would that be? If I’m not learning something new every day I’m not having fun. When I read ‘formula’ writers I begin to snore after the first couple of books.

My books so far have bases in facts, and include people I know (in some cases my own distant relatives), but my joy is in the digging and discovery of the overlooked important titbits of history that turn the world. I write to bring that joy to my readers.

What challenges do you face when writing? Are you easily distracted?

I occasionally get ‘blocked’ like every other writer, but if I force myself to put words on paper I usually get going again. Infrequently, I’ll write a character into a corner they can’t get out of or which is simply too improbable and I’ll have to tear out a chapter or two and rethink the action.

My family knows to stay away when my office door is closed – bless them. I don’t carry a phone when I’m writing and I don’t look at iPads/e-mails/facebooks and the other inventions the devil created to lead good people down the road to perdition.

As an author are you self-employed or do you have another job?

Retired. Previous work life as a naval aviator, political consultant (that’s Washington, D.C. codespeak for hired mercenary), government executive (that’s Washington, D.C. codespeak for the payoff for being a successful hired mercenary), tax and accounting manager, and youth athletic coach (the most rewarding).

What has surprised you most about writing?

It’s easier than I thought it would be. The stories are inside me shoving my fingers around the keyboard.

What are the best and worst things about being a writer?

Nothing is bad about being a writer.

The author thing is another matter. I’ve spent more than 30 years marketing other people’s ‘stuff’ in one form or another. I’d really prefer to not have to spend time in that world anymore.

What is the most exciting experience you've had as a result of writing?

The first five star review! Somebody actually paid for one of my books, liked it, and told the world about it. How cool is that!

How do you market your books?

Facebook, goodreads, e-mails to a pretty extensive list of contacts.

I don’t do face-to-face events yet, as my books are only available in e-book format; i.e. nothing to put into someone’s hand. I’ll begin some events this coming summer when/if I publish on paper.

What do you like doing when you aren't writing?

Travelling, eating interesting dishes, cooking, watching TV (see below)

Have you attended any writing courses? If so, did they help?

I’ve recently attended courses on self-publishing and marketing self-published books. I took several writing courses in college a couple of centuries ago.

Do you own an e-reader?

Kindle on iPad

Do you listen to audiobooks?

I used to when I travelled by road frequently for long distances. Not so much nowadays.

Lastly, what advice can you give to other writers?

Write. Then write some more. Write because you have a story to tell and want at least one other person to hear it. Write because you have a story to tell and are getting old like me and are afraid you’ll forget it if you don’t put it on paper.

Thank you, Sean, it was a pleasure to speak to you and good luck with your epic trilogy!

I am delighted to announce that Dawn Reno Langley is the next author in my new series.

As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear in a series of *interviews*. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, their drives, likes/dislikes and learn a little more about them.

I've known Dawn for a number of years and she is an award-winning author of nonfiction books on art and antiques, novels, children’s books, short stories, poetry, theatre reviews, and a writer of academic essays.

Please find the full interview here (also linked to my twitter, tumblr, facebook, and google + account) and do share with your circle of book friends - thank you:

Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing?

All That Glitters was my first published novel. It started about two years before it finally found a publisher interested in publishing it. The story's details were largely based on some bits and pieces from my life as an antiques dealer. I set the story in Boston, where I grew up, and my nephews became characters in the novel. It went through many iterations before publication, some of which I was happy with, some I wasn't (including the title). My editor forced me to change the title from the original (Amaryllis) to the final one, and when the book came out, there were two others with the same title. That didn't help sales much.

I can see why you weren't happy. Are you self-published or traditional?

I'm traditionally published. All of my books have been published by major publishers or by e-publishers.

Who publishes your body of work?

Each book was published by a different publisher: Crown Books, Avon, Zebra, Simon and Schuster, Alliance, Random House.

How many books have you written?

I've written nearly 40 books; 29 have been published. Some of them (my favourites) are adult novels, some are children's books, and a number are nonfiction. I love working on stories that have social justice themes, and the novels I currently have in my queue focus on animal abuse, civil rights, gender activism, and ageism. In the past, I've written novels that have been shelved as romances, but I've never considered myself a romance writer. If I'd written just that type of story, I'd probably be rich by now.

That's a body of work. So have you *secured* a literary agent? If so, at what point in your writing career?

I've had several agents during my writing career. My first one was located in California and worked on my nonfiction with me. I foolishly believed she couldn't do what a New York agent could and terminated the relationship. My second agent was in New York, but she didn't sell anything for me, so I terminated that one, as well, and I sold a couple of books on my own. My third was a top NY agent who sold quite a few books, but, ironically, she thought I was writing in too many genres and let me go. I hired a friend of mine after that, but we both agreed that it wasn't working, and I found another NY agent who had been an editor at some major publishing houses. I really liked her, but I had started writing in a different genre, making it more difficult for her to sell. We parted on a positive note. I've been without one since then and am currently searching for a literary agent who I can work with for the rest of my career.

Where do you do your writing?

I often do my best writing in barrooms or cafes, but I write in my office on the second floor of my home, overlooking the parking lot. I also write on my kitchen table, looking out my patio doors at the beings who might visit my little backyard. And there's a place in the Raleigh-Durham area called The Frontier where my writer friends and I meet to write. And, of course, any bar or cafe that will let me in its doors.

I tried writing in public places and I find it too distracting. There's a question I want to ask you about that later. So with your stories, do you start with an outline, plot or just go straight into it and see where it goes?

I'm more inclined to create a pretty strong outline before I dive into a story. I always know where it will end, but I'm not usually sure how the characters will get there. However, that said, the outline usually changes as I work through the story -- and most certainly changes during the rewriting process (as it is doing right now on my latest novel, The Mourning Parade).

Who is your favourite character of your books and why?

I adore my Sophie, who's a major character in a novel that's almost ready to go out to agents (for the second time -- it's undergone a major rewrite). She's an elephant who has endured an abusive life, yet she falls in love with Natalie, the protagonist in the story, and together, they teach each other how to trust again. She has a huge heart.

How do you come up with the names of your characters?

Sometimes I name the character depending upon their personal background, but there are many times when I'm likely to just look around my current location and pick a name based on what's in my line of vision. It's not, as they say, rocket science.

Have events in your own life made their way into your books?

I've definitely used some of my own experiences, but they make their way into the books in a very changed fashion. For example, in my first published novel, ALL THAT GLITTERS, my main character is an antiques dealer, as I was, but that's where the similarity ended. In the book I'm currently rewriting, the main character travels to Thailand to volunteer at an elephant camp. I'd travelled to the same place, but other than utilizing the place as setting for that boo and my love for elephants, the rest of the story is fabricated.

To be honest, I think there's probably not a writer out there who doesn't incorporate some of his/her own experiences into the writing s/he does.

Which authors have enthralled you?

Enthralled . . . such a good word. Not many authors enthral. Shakespeare is one. I can go back to his work over and over again and every time I will find something new. I know that it's not "cool" to return to him rather than to extol an author less known by the reading public, but there's a reason he's the master. Others that I love include Virginia Woolf (her sentence structure and courage have always inspired me), Michael Ondaatje (even his novels are poetry), and Barbara Kingsolver (Poisonwood Bible is a brilliant example of point of view).

What book has had the biggest influence on your work?

It's so difficult to choose one book since there are so many that have taught me lessons in language, point of view, setting description, and plot movement, but if forced to choose only one that influenced what I have written, I'd have to say Poisonwood Bible. As I said previously, it's a brilliant example of point of view, but it's so much more than that. It's a treatise on characterization, setting, and theme. It's nearly a perfect novel.

What book are your currently reading?

I'm almost finished with The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I'm late in coming to this novel, largely because I had so many others to read, but I finally picked it up. Tartt deserves the Pulitzer for her brilliant writing, and in deconstructing it, I see that the writing comes alive because of her specific details. She has taught me a lot about what to do, as well as what not to do. I think details can liven a story, but I also believe they can slow a reader--as well as the plot.

Why read that one? What it's about?

I've chosen it because of the press and awards (to be honest), as well as to challenge myself in the deconstruction of the text. I'm glad I did so, because it's taught me a lot.

The story is of a boy traumatized by his mother's death in a bombing and follows how he continues to try to live, in spite of the horrible guilt he carries (in the form of a symbolic painting, a master work of art, a little gem, an image of a goldfinch that he has stolen after his mother's death and carries with him throughout his teenage years and into his adulthood).

I love it when authors recommend another authors work. Do you listen to audiobooks?

I have on occasion, but my drives aren't as long as they used to be when I was commuting, so I'm more likely to read than to listen to my books.

I usually listen to a book if I'm out walking. For some reason I can't listen to one inside. Do you agree with the statement: write about what you know?

Yes and no. There's always something in my novels I know really well, but no matter how well I know details, there's always more research to do. I don't believe there are many stories that don't rely on a writer's imagination, though. No matter how many true tales there are that are weird or enthralling (to use your word), the novelist has to employ imagination to put the story pieces together in a way that build toward the climax. Life doesn't work in such an organized fashion. A writer's responsibility is to present a story with a proper antagonist and protagonist, a series of events that build to a climax, and a believable denouement.

What challenges do you face when writing? Are you easily distracted?

The biggest challenge is having enough time. I'm distracted by social media, but I'm always multitasking, so no matter how much I'm distracted, I always meet my own self-imposed deadlines (which are usually a lot tighter than any editor has given to me). I'm determined to get my work out there. I have a goal that might be a bit pie-in-the-sky, but I'm focused on it. Come hell or high water.

Are you self-employed or do you have another job?

Aren't all authors self-employed? And, yes, I have another job, but it's too much fun to be a "job" (I rehab old houses).

What has surprised you most about writing?

That no matter how much schooling I have gotten (I have a PhD), I'm still learning more about writing and probably will never be satisfied with what I produce.


What are the best and worst things about being a writer?

The best: I get to work whenever I want to, I find new worlds to explore, I learn something new every day, I entertain my friends and family and strangers, I get to spend lots of time in bookstores and cafes and libraries, I wear lots of black clothing so I never have to match anything.

The worst: There will always be authors better than I am, I have to deal with criticism all the time, I am never satisfied with what I do, I watch other writers who can't put a sentence together make the bestseller list constantly (how do writers like Danielle Steel still exist?), and I make very little money, which is the reason all my clothes are black!

What is the most exciting experience you've had as a result of writing?

Research is exciting, especially when I'm travelling to new places, but I think the best and most heart-warming experience was when I was presenting a new book at an antiques show in Washington, D.C. and people literally ran through the door to my table to buy the book. Nothing compares.

What do you like doing when you aren't writing?

I'd travel constantly, if I could. New cultures amaze me. I've swum with elephants in Thailand, fed wild monkeys at the base of the Himalayas in Pakistan, seen a full moon rise as a sunset simultaneously blazed across the Grand Canyon, and stood in the same room as Mary Queen of Scots in Edinburgh Castle. I've seen the Pope give a service in the Vatican, watched Vanessa Redgrave rehearse in The Globe Theatre, held my breath while a whale gave birth while I watched from a beach in Hawaii. And wherever I've gone, I've met with creative people who have become my favourite friends.

Do you watch TV? If so, what programmes?

Yes, I do, and I try to find intelligent programs. Sometimes that's difficult, and the reality shows lure me in with their brainless visions into lives I wouldn't want to lead.

I love 'Luther,' 'River,' 'House of Cards,' any of the Sherlock shows, and anything historical (i.e., Downtown Abbey, The Borgias, Camelot).

Your favourite films?

All time favourites: Casablanca, The English Patient, Out of Africa, Shakespeare in Love.

What's your favourite season and why?

Spring. My garden is ready to be planted, and everything has started anew. Fresh. New beginnings.

Last question: what advice can you give to other writers?

So much advice to give. Write your heart out during the first draft, then put it away and start something new. While you're writing, read the best authors and note what they do well. Try to put some of their skills into your new work. Let other writers you trust read your work. Cultivate those friendships and encourage them to be hard on you. Look at their work and force yourself to be constructive with them. Know your grammar. And never send your work out without thoroughly and completely editing it. Finally, be patient and don't expect to get rich.



Thank you, Dawn. It was a pleasure to speak to you again.

To connect with Dawn you can find her on facebook, twitter and on her website below:

www.facebook.com/dawnrenolangley

@proflangley

www.dawnrenolangley.com

I am delighted to announce that Margaret Muir is the next author in my new series

As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear in a series of *interviews*. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, their drives, likes/dislikes and learn a little more about them.

Margaret has called Australia home for 43 years but was born in Yorkshire.

She writes under the by-lines of Margaret Muir (historical fiction) and M.C. Muir (nautical fiction) as she discovered that male readers would not to entertain traditional sea stories written by a female.

Please find the full interview here (also linked to my twitter, booksie, librarything and google + accounts) and do share with your circle of book friends - thank you:

Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing and why?

I was a late starter. For most of my life I never read or wrote but, when made redundant from a life-time profession, I decided it was time to do the things I had always wanted to do. One was to write a book – another to sail on a tall ship.

The tall ship adventure came first and, during that first voyage on the Indian Ocean, I witnessed the bioluminescent particles in the sea and was mesmerised. This inspired me to write a scene set on a sailing ship. Slowly a story idea evolved around this image and the idea blossomed into my first novel – SEA DUST.

At the same time as my tall ship adventures, I embarked on a B.A. (Writing) in order to hone what writing ability I might have. By the time I graduated in 2004 my manuscript had been accepted by a London publishing house. It was released in hardback in 2005. Since then I have averaged writing a book a year.

Are you self-published or traditional?

As indicated, I was traditionally published by Robert Hale Ltd in London. This, though exciting at first, provided little return for my efforts and offered limited input and control over the publication process. As a result, in 2010 I left Hale Books and took up the challenge of self-publishing. Producing both e-books and paperbacks, marketed by Amazon, I have not looked back since.

How would you describe your self-publishing experience?

Initially it was challenging and I needed help to have my MSS formatted. But over the last five years self-publishing, for both Kindle e-books and Create Space print books, has become very easy. Amazon and Create Space accept WORD documents, which means a novel can be uploaded within minutes and will appear for sale on the internet the following day. Apart from self-publishing my manuscripts, I create my own covers at no cost. My only expense is having my work edited by a professional.

As a traditional author the publisher sold only a few hundred copies of my books. As a self-published author I have sold thousands.

That’s a brilliant achievement, Margaret. So working with a traditional publisher, did you have an agent?

I felt lucky to obtain a London agent for my first manuscript however, looking back, the contract he arranged with Hale was disappointing – only a few hundred pounds advance and 10% royalties. But at the time, being a new writer, I thought I had won the lottery. Furthermore, Hale only published small numbers in expensive hardback editions specifically for the British Library so my books never made it to the shelves of a bookshop. Soon after the agent died and the agency folded, I turned to self-publishing.

How many books have you written?

I have written 14 books in total – My first four English historical fiction novels (published by Hale) were set in Yorkshire and directed at a female readership. The next four titles, and my current work in progress, are nautical fiction seafaring adventures set during the Napoleonic War. These books target a male readership. Because of this, I write this series under the by-line M.C. Muir.

My short publications include a non-fiction book on goats, a YA fiction, both a short story and a poetry collection, and a few children’s stories.


Who is your favourite character of your books and why?

I have two – one female and the other male.

Emma Quinlan, the protagonist in SEA DUST, was my first imagined character. Set in 1856, her life was a struggle against a background of adversity. With the responsibility of a son to think of, her story is one of escape seeking a new life. It is a journey story in more ways than one and, in a way, reflects some of my own feelings and experiences.

Oliver Quintrell first appeared in FLOATING GOLD as a Royal Navy captain aboard HMS Frigate ‘Elusive’. His adventures have now sailed through 4 books and will continue. He is admired and respected by both officers and men under his command. He is astute in his judgement and a stickler for abiding by Admiralty orders. He bears physical and emotional flaws and has a streak of cynicism running through his veins. Published reviews reveal that readers relate to the fact he has human failings.

Now, Oliver Quintrell – the protagonist in the Under Admiralty Orders series – where does he come from? Is the character based on anyone you know?

Oliver Quintrell is a figment of my imagination. He is, however, the type of man I admire – a strong silent type. His character has grown and strengthened over the course of four books and, though I cannot visualise his face, I feel I know him.

Have events in your own life made their way into your stories?

I think so. To write convincingly, you must write about places you have been and things you have experienced – love, loss, grief, joy. My first story, SEA DUST, was a young woman’s search for a new life, and like me she escaped England and sailed (I flew) to Australia. While one’s personal experiences remain guarded, veiled emotions easily spill onto the page.

You are obviously a sea-faring veteran to write such vivid scenes. What is it about your love of the sea? Have you always felt akin to it?

Before my first sail, I’d had no connection with the sea. But sitting bow-watch on a tall ship, in the middle of the night, witnessing the sea’s magic, had me completely hooked. Since then, I have made numerous voyages on tall ships, including on Cook’s “Endeavour” replica; on the colonial brig, “The Lady Nelson”; and most recently on the Dutch tall ship “Europa” along the Australian Bight. I’ve also sailed across the Atlantic on a barquentine though that was a more modern passenger vessel. And all this despite the fact I am as sick as a dog for about 36 hours whenever I sail. But Lord Nelson also suffered from seasickness so I believe I am in good company.

Which authors have engrossed you?

I love the swashbuckling adventures of Rafael Sabatini (1875-1950). They transport me to another time and another place.

What writer or book has had the biggest influence on your work?

The greatest influence on my nautical writing is C.S. Forester’s ‘Horatio Hornblower’ series of nautical fiction books.

What book are you currently reading? Why that one and what it’s about?

“List, Ye Landsmen” by William Russell Clark (1894) – a story of intrigue and adventure aboard a sailing ship in the mid-1800s. I have only recently discovered Clark’s works written in the Victorian style and will be reading more of his titles (57 books).

Where do you read and where do you do your writing?

My fiction reading is limited to bedtime. Non-fiction research reading is as required.

I write at a desktop computer but whenever or wherever ideas grab me, I write them down in longhand.

Do you agree with the statement: write about what you know?

Most definitely. Good writing must incorporate all the senses and to best convey the feel for a location – the smells, sounds and sights – it is imperative to have been there. The Internet is a great source of information, but it is no substitute for personal experience. Furthermore, to convey emotion demands you delve into the depth of your heart and soul in order to write with honesty and conviction.

What challenges do you face when writing? Are you easily distracted?

I am fortunate in that I live alone and when in writing mode I will write for 6-7 hours every day without interruption. At times however, between books, I suffer from writer’s block and my mind is completely devoid of ideas for weeks. At the time I fear I will never write again. Fortunately, this eventually passes.

As an author are you self-employed or do you have another job?

Though I am now of pension age, ironically, I subsidise the government paying tax from my book earnings.

Benjamin Franklin said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes”. Has anybody said “I love my government”. Okay, now tell us what has surprised you most about writing?

That people read my books. That they enjoy what I write and ask for more. That I make money from my writing.

What are the best and worst things about being a writer?

Writing is a lonely occupation, but I was a loner before I became a writer, so it suits me. For me, writing for a traditional publishing house was both constricting and frustrating. I much prefer the independence which self-publishing provides and also the income I receive from book Royalties (70% as a self-published author as against the 10% as a traditionally published author).

What is the most exciting experience you’ve had as a result of writing?

I have been amazed at the reader response to an Amazon promotion on my box set, YORKSHIRE GRIT. This promo, which ran during January 2016, boosted the titles position to #2 on several Amazon UK rankings. Apart from selling over 3000 copies in four weeks, it has also recorded over 200,000 pages read by readers who have borrowed the book through Amazon Prime. I know this will not continue now the promotion has ended, but it was a thrill to see this title being so well received.

What do you like doing when you aren’t writing?

I love to travel (by sea). Unfortunately my tall ship sailing days are over. Today I enjoy cruising the seas to discover and experience new and exciting locations for forthcoming stories. I enjoy research and study and love to learn. I also enjoy participating in writing events and this year will be attending the Maritime Writers’ Festival in Weymouth, Dorset, UK in March. And in September, the Historical Novel Society’s Conference in Oxford.

Do you own an e-reader?

Yes, a kindle.

How many books do you read a month would you say?

I manage only one fiction book a month because I usually fall asleep reading in bed.

What advice can you give to other writers?

Learn your craft thoroughly. Practice your craft. Write, write and rewrite. Be prepared to accept criticism and rejection, and keep persevering. Expect little or no monetary returns initially. When they do come, the rewards may be small and it may be years before they are substantial so don’t give up the day job yet!

Write for the love of it. Write from the heart.

Thank you, David, for the opportunity of sharing this Q&A with you.

No, thank you, Margaret, it has been an absolute pleasure to talk to you. I could have talked with you all day.

To connect with Margaret you can find her on facebook and her website below. Her book titles are on Amazon worldwide.

www.margaretmuirauthor.com

I am delighted to announce that Jeri Westerson is the second author of my new AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT series.

As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear on a series of *interviews*. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, likes/dislikes and learn a little more about them. I find writing incredibly lonely, but knowing there are other people out there (who are far better at their craft than I am) gives me inspiration to continue writing.

Jeri has written nineteen books and here’s what she had to say about them, being a *hybrid* author, what she’s currently working on & what else has she got up her armoured sleeve for the future.

Please find the full interview below (which is also linked to my twitter, booksie, librarything and google + accounts).


Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing and why?

I suppose you mean my first published novel, because my first written honest-to-goodness-finished novel was when I was sixteen and it was a Tolkien-esque adventure novel with all sorts of magical creatures and a hero’s journey. It wasn’t bad, actually—since I’d been dabbling in writing quite a bit prior to that—but it is locked away, never to see the light of day. As it should be.

So my first published novel was VEIL OF LIES, the first Crispin Guest Medieval Mystery. It isn’t the actual first Crispin Guest novel, just the one that was published. Having joined a professional writing organization (Sisters in Crime) and schmoozing and networking with the folks there, I learned that quite often the first in the series doesn’t get picked up by a publisher. Either the author isn’t quite there yet with their style or it just doesn’t hit the mark, we don’t know. So once I had finished the first novel (CUP OF BLOOD) and polished it, I worked at getting an agent. But while that was happening I didn’t sit back on my laurels (which are a bit uncomfortable, truth be told). I started right in on the second novel, keeping in mind it might become the first. Also I wanted to see if I could write a second in the series because prior to writing a mystery, I had been writing and trying to sell standalone historical novels. The kind I liked to write, focusing on fictional individuals, ordinary folk in extraordinary circumstances, did not seem to appeal to editors who wanted something more from court life, the more well-known monarchs. But this idea of a fictional protagonist with the more famous people from history on the peripheral translated very well into mystery, with a fictional detective solving fictional murders. So the genre was all new to me to write.

At what point in your writing career did you manage to *secure* an agent?

After the first manuscript of historical fiction was done around 1993 I went looking for an agent. I know most people today think they don’t need one but an agent can do things for you and your career that you simply cannot do for yourself. It took me three years to get my first agent, and we worked together for three more years–even obtaining a contract with a publisher who, unfortunately, went out of business before the book could make it to print. We failed to place that book elsewhere. After a while we parted ways since we couldn’t seem to do anything more for each other. I had two more agents over the years–one simply flaked out on me the other I fired–and then secured my current agent in 2005 on a fluke. I had been reading the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Series (that eventually became True Blood on HBO) in those early days when those books hadn’t made it near the bestseller lists and I saw how the books were gaining, how they started in trade paperback, then to hardcover and wondered about the agent who was helping her career along. I looked him up, saw that one of his junior agents had a degree in medieval history, and on a whim, I sent them my fIrst Crispin book, CUP OF BLOOD. We had a back-and-forth email conversation about improving the manuscript for about a year before I asked if they were going to send me a contract already, which they did. CUP OF BLOOD never sold but fourteen months later, my editor at St. Martin’s asked if there was anything more from me because “he couldn’t get the characters out of his head.” I had only just turned in VEIL OF LIES. In a week I had a contract. And it only took fourteen years to get one.

How long have you known your agent? Describe your relationship?

I actually worked with the junior agent for the year he was with the company and then I started working with the founder. It’s a business relationship. It’s not as if he comes over for Thanksgiving (he’s in New York, I’m in southern California). I don’t need to be friends with my agent or my editor. Some authors want that but I’d rather keep it business-like. I kvetch to him and he reassures me. He suggests a direction in my career and I try to work with that. He is my advocate, sometimes a hand-holder, and always looking for more ways to get my books to places I hadn’t thought of. He’s secured my audio book contracts, foreign sales, and offers literary advice. He’s naturally not happy that I self-publish books but I think he has seen the necessity and that it helps the brand. Self-publishing made my continuing to traditionally publish possible. I know that sounds backwards, but I’ve never made very much in trad publishing–advances are small and not nearly enough to live on–and if I hadn’t self-published and published my GLBT mysteries (he doesn’t represent those), then I would have had to get a part time job, and then there would have been no more time or energy to keep writing. It’s a strange industry.

Are you self-published or traditional?

I’m both, which is the direction of most authors these days. We call ourselves “hybrids.” I never would have self-published out of the gate. For one, in 2007, the words “vanity press” were still ringing in our ears and those who couldn’t land a publisher paid money to publish their books. That was not for me. There is something to be said for running the gauntlet of agent and then editor. It not only validates your years of hard work and rejection, but on a more practical level, having a book in a publisher’s catalogue is that imprimatur to bookstores and libraries that your book is worth their money. “Discovery,” that all-encompassing word, is the most important aspect to the author today, getting your name out there. I’m afraid it’s an even more incredible uphill battle for those who only self-publish.

So the first six Crispin books were published by a big New York publisher St. Martin’s. But after those six, they didn’t think the sales were worth their time and cut me loose. My agent got busy looking for another publisher, but I didn’t want a year to go by without a new Crispin book for sale. So I dusted off that first real book in the series—entitled CUP OF BLOOD—reworked it, called it a “prequel,” and published it on Amazon’s Creastespace platform. (Here’s a link on how we did the photoshoot for the cover) It did and continues to do well, particularly the ebook. And it garnered the 12th industry award nomination for the series.

Excellent cover photo shoot and congratulations for the award. How many books have you written?

After CUP OF BLOOD’s success, I went into the “vault” to pull out some viable historical novels I had written while searching for a publisher. Did some rewrites, got them professionally edited, and released three more: THOUGH HEAVEN FALL (what I call a medieval parable), ROSES IN THE TEMPEST (my Tudor-era tale of the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII), and NATIVE SPIRIT (a Catholic-themed book on St. Kateri Tekakwitha under the pen name Anne Castell).

In addition to that and the Crispin books, I also write a GLBT mystery series under the name Haley Walsh, the Skyler Foxe Mysteries. Those are published by a small press, and I have also self-published accompanying novellas.

And now I am delving into the paranormal and my agent is currently peddling my paranormal romance called BOOKE OF THE HIDDEN, (a feisty young woman finds an old book that releases supernatural creatures into our world, and she must return them from whence they came with the help of a handsome demon. The series is designed for six volumes). And I have a steampunk novel I will soon be marketing called THE DAEMON DEVICE (a Jewish/Gypsy magician truly can do magic with the help of Jewish daemons…for a price, in this Victorian alternate history. This series is designed for three volumes).

All told, I have nineteen books written, and a few short stories available in anthologies or on Amazon as ebooks.


You are very busy indeed. What are you currently working on?

Several things. The newest Skyler Foxe Mystery, CRAZY LIKE A FOXE; the tenth Crispin Guest Mystery, SEASON OF BLOOD; and a brand new Tudor-era mystery series with an unusual detective called SONG OF THE MAGPIE. I’m working on the research and the outline on that last one, so I expect it to take some time.

Who is your favourite character of your books and why?

Crispin Guest, of course. He’s such a wounded individual, but so full of heart. Yet he’s his own worst enemy because he is so stubborn about maintaining his honor at all costs. He’s endlessly interesting and I’ve enjoyed the process of allowing him to mature as the series goes on.

We all loved those flawed characters and creating their blemishes and foibles is really good character building. Where can readers find your books?

Some can be found in bookstores, but of course the majority is available through Amazon. You can find out more about them on my website (including a diverting series book trailer) at http://www.jeriwesterson.com

Which authors have captivated you?

As far as world-building you can’t beat Tolkien and JK Rowling. For prose there’s Robertson Davies and Arturo Pérez-Reverte. For mystery I have always loved Dorothy Sayers because she was the first to give her detective a life outside detecting. Shakespeare, Chaucer, Hammett, Chandler…

What writer or book has had the biggest influence on your work?

Right now, for mystery, it would have to be Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. When I was working out just how to write a mystery, I literally took apart THE MALTESE FALCON, scene by scene, tick by tick. And as for character and style, I looked to Chandler. His Philip Marlowe thought of himself as a white knight living by his own code, but Crispin really was a knight and continues to live by his chivalric code.

Have events in your own life made their way into your stories?

Not really. Not specifically. There was a long stretch where we weren’t doing well financially and I was depressed because years and years were going on without my getting a book contract, and those feelings of despair and failure naturally crept into Crispin’s own situation, but that’s really about it.

How many books do you read in a month?

For fiction, I only have time for two. But for research, oodles.

Where do you do your writing?

I have a home office designed just for me by my clever husband. Lots of bookshelves full of research material as well as lots of toy knights battling it out.

How many hours a day do you write?

About six, all told. Sometimes more if I’m on a roll.

What challenges do you face when writing? Are you easily distracted?

What? There was a bird outside my window… God yes, I’m more easily distracted these days simply by virtue of being a woman of a certain age. And then there’s the internet—Facebook, Twitter, email…

As an author are you self-employed or do you have another job?

I gave up my day job (possibly prematurely) years ago to write full time. Being an author doesn’t pay the bills. If you think it’s a great job to get rich then you are barking up the wrong financial tree. I wouldn’t have been able to keep on writing if I had stayed gainfully employed, even at part time as I was. My energy and concentration have changed a lot from when I started writing-to-publish nearly twenty-three years ago. My husband, god love ‘em, supports us.

What has surprised you most about writing?

How much time an author has to spend on promotion. Publishers don’t do that anymore. They don’t spend the money or time on you. The author must do the lion share.

That’s true and for most part of the day I’m marketing my own books. What would you say are the best and worst things about being a writer?

See above for the worst. But the best is creating these people and their lives and having them truly touch readers, people out there you will never meet. It’s a strange and wonderful sensation.

How do you market your books?

I spend a lot of time cultivating relationships on Facebook (I even do virtual book releases there, which are a lot of fun), I have a newsletter with giveaways, I do a lot of appearances at libraries and luncheons, and I market mostly to libraries through networking and mailings. I used to attend every mystery fan convention I could, but it’s on my dime and it’s been getting expensive. I parse those out. Besides, it all cuts into writing time.

What do you like doing when you aren’t writing?

Travel, watch old movies, snoop in antique shops and bookstores.

Do you watch TV? If so, what programmes?

Oh yes. As my husband says, if it’s got a British accent, I’ll watch it. So a great deal of PBS viewing, BBC America for my Dr. Who fix, and the classic movie channels.

Do you own an e-reader?

I do! I’m a fan. I just don’t have any more room on my shelves and I don’t get rid of books so it’s really the only option. I carry it around in my purse so I am never without a book. It has a nifty leather case that looks like a book cover to keep it all scratch-free.

What’s your favourite season and why?

I love the fall because of the lay of the light, because it’s finally getting cooler, the fall colors, etc. It’s very hot in the summer in the area of southern California I live, so if Crispin is shivering and the snow is falling, you can be sure I wrote that in the heart of the summer.

Lastly, what advice can you give to other writers?

Hone your craft, which means writing and reading constantly. There are no shortcuts; you have to do the work to improve. Listen to the advice of those who are better at this than you are and then take that advice, whether it’s about marketing or writing. Don’t be a prima donna. This is a smaller community than you think it is. We know each other and we network. Remember, no one is in competition with you. Books aren’t laundry soap. Readers don’t just pick one brand and that’s it. They are voracious and they love it all!

Thank you, Jeri, this has been delightful and insightful. For more information about Jeri’s wonderful catalogue of work, and to connect with her, see below:

www.JeriWesterson.com

@jeriwesterson

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