How long have you been writing for and how much of that time have you spent writing fiction?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I have been writing ever since the lockdown.<\/p>\n\n

What’s the average word count for the books you write and how long does it take you to write your average book?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I aim for 100, 000 words and my books take me about 9 – 12 months to write.<\/p>\n\n

What is your writing routine (Do you have a daily word count goal? Do you write whenever the spirit moves you?)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I like to write in the mornings, but my daily word count varies.<\/p>\n\n

How much do you research for a book before you start writing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

As I write Tudor historical fiction I spend about 50% of my time on research.<\/p>\n\n

What do you find most difficult about writing a book?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Finding a really satisfying ending to anchor the storyline.<\/p>\n\n

Which of your books are you most proud of and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Tudor Maid because it was my first historical novel.<\/p>\n\n

Which of your books was the most difficult to write and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Tudor Fool because it involved getting into the mind of King Henry VIII.<\/p>\n\n

Which self-publishing platform do you like the most and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Amazon KDP<\/p>\n\n

Would you publish with a traditional publisher if they contacted you? Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Yes, I would be interested in traditional publishing because it would give me more options.<\/p>\n\n

How many unfinished or unpublished works do you have?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Currently I have five unpublished books in the pipeline.<\/p>\n\n

Do you prefer creating stand-alone books or series?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I prefer to write in a series.<\/p>\n\n

What’s one character you wish you would have created? What do you find compelling or interesting about this character?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Scarlett O’Hara because she is such a spirited personality.<\/p>\n\n

What book do you wish you would have written? Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Gone With The Wind because it is a marvellous expression of an era.<\/p>\n\n

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?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Yes, I do special research on what it was like to live, dress, eat and think like a Tudor.<\/p>\n\n

What does success as a writer look like for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Reading the reviews that readers post about a book.<\/p>\n\n

Writing can be a lonely job. Do you take any special steps to ensure you remain part of the world?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

As part of my historical research I like to visit Tudor historical sites.<\/p>\n\n

Constantly sitting and writing can be physically debilitating. How do you take care of yourself, physically?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I have a daily routine so I am not just sitting sit all day long.<\/p>\n\n

Do you read your reviews? How do you deal with bad ones?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Yes, I find it very helpful to read reviews and I learn from the feedback they give.<\/p>\n\n

What books have you read that were particularly inspiring?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I thought The Kite Runner was a remarkably good book.<\/p>\n\n

Do you have a favourite author? A favourite book?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I enjoy reading Tudor history and historical fiction the most.<\/p>\n\n

Do you plot your stories in great detail before starting to write, or fly by the seat of your pants?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

Of all the characters in your stories, which is your favourite?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Margery Hallows, the seamstress to Anne Boleyn<\/p>\n\n

Have you based any characters on real people? If they found out, how did they respond?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

What\u2019s the best thing about being an independent author? The worst?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The freedom to choose my own book cover designs is the best thing.<\/p>\n\n

Do you make a living selling your books?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Not yet as I have only just started.<\/p>\n\n

What advice would you give to a new author?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Go for it!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t