How long have you been writing for and how much of that time have you spent writing fiction?
I have been writing fiction for at least thirty years but many of my efforts remain unfinished.
What’s the average word count for the books you write and how long does it take you to write your average book?
My novel contains approximately 47,000 words and for various reasons, took three years to write. The next one will be much quicker!
What is your writing routine (Do you have a daily word count goal? Do you write whenever the spirit moves you?)
I keep promising myself that I will have a proper writing routine but unfortunately I get easily distracted. I did start writing in Knaresborough Library until the pandemic shut it down. I have since written many chapters in Wetherspoons in Knaresborough, fuelled by breakfast and unlimited coffee.
How much do you research for a book before you start writing?
Research for the biography is ongoing. Although this is a personal account (not mine), I have tried to put the protests into context, and also need to verify certain points as memory can be faulty. There has been much less research for the Ladies although I have checked such things as gay marriage in the Church of England and how a caber is tossed. These tend to be small but important details that are easy to get wrong.
What do you find most difficult about writing a book?
Being disciplined and getting myself motivated to sit at my laptop.
Which of your books are you most proud of and why?
5 Ladies and A Bus Called Bertha – I didn’t realise I could write a whole novel, and have already started plotting and planning book two
Which of your books was the most difficult to write and why?
All of them – see reply about the lack of discipline above!
Which self-publishing platform do you like the most and why?
Would you publish with a traditional publisher if they contacted you? Why?
As this is extremely unlikely to happen, it is not something I have considered. Having spoken to different authors, working with an agent and a traditional publisher appears to be as hard as self publishing.
How many unfinished or unpublished works do you have?
Too many!
Do you prefer creating stand-alone books or series?
The Ladies may develop into a series but stand alone is probably more realistic for me.
What’s one character you wish you would have created? What do you find compelling or interesting about this character?
Rumpole of the Bailey. He would make a good consort for one of the ladies, being equally forthright and devious. He is a brilliant comic character.
What book do you wish you would have written? Why?
Any of the Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple stories written by Agatha Christie. They are superbly plotted.
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 particularly. If I was writing about a character with a specific cultural background or heritage, I would research this to make sure I didn’t make any glaring errors.
What does success as a writer look like for you?
People enjoying my book.
Writing can be a lonely job. Do you take any special steps to ensure you remain part of the world?
I belong to a couple of writing groups, and have found fellow writers to be very supportive and encouraging.
Constantly sitting and writing can be physically debilitating. How do you take care of yourself, physically?
I take regular breaks for coffee and buns.
Do you read your reviews? How do you deal with bad ones?
So far, all my reviews have been positive. If I get a bad review, it’s just one of those things.
What books have you read that were particularly inspiring?
Over the years, I have read voraciously and can’t really say that any particular books were inspiring.
Do you have a favourite author? A favourite book?
As a child, I loved the works of Enid Blyton, Noddy, the Famous Five and all. These are now considered not at all the thing, but for a child, she conjured up a world that was different but somehow believable. I think I wanted to be The Naughtiest Girl In The School!
Do you plot your stories in great detail before starting to write, or fly by the seat of your pants?
I like to know where I’m going with a story but don’t stick rigidly to plot lines.
Of all the characters in your stories, which is your favourite?
I couldn’t possibly say!
Have you based any characters on real people? If they found out, how did they respond?
The 5 Ladies are inspired by real people but fortunately they think it is all very funny, and know that the characters are based on different types of people, rather than any specific person.
What’s the best thing about being an independent author? The worst?
Being able to write what you like. I haven’t really come across many downsides, apart from having to promote my book which isn’t easy or comfortable.. However this seems to be something which many writers struggle with, so I know that I am not alone.
Do you make a living selling your books?
No
What advice would you give to a new author?
Enjoy your writing!
