How long have you been writing for and how much of that time have you spent writing fiction?
I have been writing ever since the lockdown.
What’s the average word count for the books you write and how long does it take you to write your average book?
I aim for 100, 000 words and my books take me about 9 – 12 months to write.
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 mornings, but my daily word count varies.
How much do you research for a book before you start writing?
As I write Tudor historical fiction I spend about 50% of my time on research.
What do you find most difficult about writing a book?
Finding a really satisfying ending to anchor the storyline.
Which of your books are you most proud of and why?
The Tudor Maid because it was my first historical novel.
Which of your books was the most difficult to write and why?
The Tudor Fool because it involved getting into the mind of King Henry VIII.
Which self-publishing platform do you like the most and why?
Amazon KDP
Would you publish with a traditional publisher if they contacted you? Why?
Yes, I would be interested in traditional publishing because it would give me more options.
How many unfinished or unpublished works do you have?
Currently I have five unpublished books in the pipeline.
Do you prefer creating stand-alone books or series?
I prefer to write in a series.
What’s one character you wish you would have created? What do you find compelling or interesting about this character?
Scarlett O’Hara because she is such a spirited personality.
What book do you wish you would have written? Why?
Gone With The Wind because it is a marvellous expression of an era.
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?
Yes, I do special research on what it was like to live, dress, eat and think like a Tudor.
What does success as a writer look like for you?
Reading the reviews that readers post about a book.
Writing can be a lonely job. Do you take any special steps to ensure you remain part of the world?
As part of my historical research I like to visit Tudor historical sites.
Constantly sitting and writing can be physically debilitating. How do you take care of yourself, physically?
I have a daily routine so I am not just sitting sit all day long.
Do you read your reviews? How do you deal with bad ones?
Yes, I find it very helpful to read reviews and I learn from the feedback they give.
What books have you read that were particularly inspiring?
I thought The Kite Runner was a remarkably good book.
Do you have a favourite author? A favourite book?
I enjoy reading Tudor history and historical fiction the most.
Do you plot your stories in great detail before starting to write, or fly by the seat of your pants?
I use a combination of both as I want a good narrative arc but I don’t want to lose the freedom and flexibity of my imagination.
Of all the characters in your stories, which is your favourite?
Margery Hallows, the seamstress to Anne Boleyn
Have you based any characters on real people? If they found out, how did they respond?
I found out from my research that Anne Boleyn actually had a maid called Margery Horsman who worked in the Queen’s Wardrobe and brought her clothes in the Tower of London. Naturally, I had to include that episode in the narrative.
What’s the best thing about being an independent author? The worst?
The freedom to choose my own book cover designs is the best thing.
Do you make a living selling your books?
Not yet as I have only just started.
What advice would you give to a new author?
Go for it!
