How long have you been writing for and how much of that time have you spent writing fiction?

I started writing 5 years ago and in that time I’ve published 4 books so I’ve been very busy. My next book, Diary of a Regency Lady is different to my previous work. It is set in Harrogate as apposed to the NE coast of England and is set in a different time period. My previous books were set in the 18c.

What’s the average word count for the books you write and how long does it take you to write your average book?

80,000. It’s a bit like giving birth so it takes around 9 months but sometimes the research takes a little longer

What is your writing routine (Do you have a daily word count goal? Do you write whenever the spirit moves you?)

I like to write in the morning. Depending on the stage of the project I often write until midday but sometimes all day

How much do you research for a book before you start writing?

A well researched book is important to me. I hate it when there are errors in the books I read, it distracts from the plot and I don’t want that for my readers.

What do you find most difficult about writing a book?

The actual getting it from a manuscript to a book. I’m not good with technology and need help to get it into print.

Which of your books are you most proud of and why?

My Constant Lady is the first in a 3 book saga. It was my first book but not the first published. I loved doing the research in Whitby and Alnmouth and really enjoyed writing it. My protagonists, Eleanor and Gabriel, became my best friends because I spent so much time with them!

Which of your books was the most difficult to write and why?

Never the Twain because it’s a crime novel and so not only was it hard to construct the story but I had to not give the game away too soon.

Which self-publishing platform do you like the most and why?

I suppose Amazon because most people buy my books there.

Would you publish with a traditional publisher if they contacted you? Why?

Probably not. I’m a control freak and they would want to change things I bet.

How many unfinished or unpublished works do you have?

2. One had been waiting for 2 years to get the ending reworked. The other will be out in the autumn.

Do you prefer creating stand-alone books or series?

Both. I have published a 3 book saga as well as stand alone.

What’s one character you wish you would have created? What do you find compelling or interesting about this character?

Ross Poldark. Winston Graham is an amazing author. The Poldark series runs to 12 books and the character of Ross develops in such an interesting and unexpected way throughout.

What book do you wish you would have written? Why?

Tess of the D’urbervilles. I first read it when I was 16 and have read it many times since. It’s timeless.

Do you find it challenging to write characters of a different gender, race, or culture than you? Do you do any special research for these characters?

Not really. We are all the same and all different.

What does success as a writer look like for you?

Finishing what I started. It’s good if people appreciate my work too.

Writing can be a lonely job. Do you take any special steps to ensure you remain part of the world?

I don’t find it lonely. I have my characters to talk to, and they talk to me. I need to get out more!

Constantly sitting and writing can be physically debilitating. How do you take care of yourself, physically?

I walk the research assistant. I also dance twice a week. I was a yoga teacher in a previous life and so stretch a lot

Do you read your reviews? How do you deal with bad ones?

Yes and not very well. Someone left a review and gave the whole plot of the book away. She liked it but still…

What books have you read that were particularly inspiring?

The Poldark series. Brilliant writing, great plots and historically accurate.

Do you have a favourite author? A favourite book?

Winston Graham and Thomas Hardy. I also love Kate Atkinson.

Do you plot your stories in great detail before starting to write, or fly by the seat of your pants?

Pantster. This sometimes gets me into bother as one character was pregnant for 14 months until the rewrite…

Of all the characters in your stories, which is your favourite?

Gabriel Reynolds. He’s my ideal man!

Have you based any characters on real people? If they found out, how did they respond?

No.

What’s the best thing about being an independent author? The worst?

You can do what you like when you like. Getting the work into print

Do you make a living selling your books?

No

What advice would you give to a new author?

Research research research