Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Following a fulfilling twenty-five year career as a nurse, a change in profession has finally allowed me time to write in my favourite genre ~ historical romance. I am an Indie author and Old Sins, Long Shadows is my debut novel.
I was born in Cornwall, England and, like most Cornish people, I’m very proud to be from the celtic county. I am married with two children who are wiser than me, better looking than me and taller than me.
My first published work was the short poem called Taken which was shortlisted to represent and show case the talents of the south west of England. It was chosen for publication as one of a collection of poems from various poets for the book Bright Voices published by United Press Ltd in 2003.
There was a ten year hiatus in my writing as my family and nursing career took priority but now I’m back and I look forward to this new adventure.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Old Sins Long Shadows is a Victorian romance, with grit, set in Cornwall, England.
I can trace my Cornish roots as far back as the 18th century. This background and heritage has given me an understanding, knowledge and love of Cornish rural life which is the inspiration for my writing, as are the many historical buildings, beautiful countryside and dramatic coastline that form the Celtic county.
The story has always been in my head but the beautiful Lanhydrock House, daunting Bodmin Gaol and Bodmin Shire Hall court house, which are all open to the public and in Cornwall, were very inspriational and had to be have major roles in my story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always have a plan of the story, and I find writing easier if I walk my dogs first. As I walk I think about the next part of the story and how I will write it. I dont think its unusual, although I try to write a little every day, even if its only a few sentances. I find that if I leave a break of several weeks, it can stop the flow and it makes it harder to start again.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Winston Graham’s Poldark series is, and will always be, my favourite author and set of books. Partly because they are set in Cornwall, but mostly because they are just great stories. They have adventure, love, hate and history with memorable characters. They have inspired television series, remakes fo television series and appreciation societies. Even a mine in Cornwall has been named after them. That is success.
What are you working on now?
I am writing my second romance about a man who has lost his memory and therefore cannot remember his past. When you don’t know who you are, it is very difficult to build a future. Perhaps you are a criminal and a wanted man or perhaps you are married? We take our memory for granted but imagine if you lost it. Suddenly you would have no anchor or identity, as if suspended in time. In my story a man finds himself in this situation, with a woman who has secrets of her own. I’m only on chapter six but, as always, I’m enjoying the process of writing it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have not discovered it yet! I am on a steep learning curve and as Old Sins, Long Shadows is my first novel, I dont have a fan base from previous novels to support me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you have written a good story and believe in it, don’t forget to remind yourself that it is a good story during the low times.
The majority of authors will have received rejection letters from agents or publishers. Listen to constructive criticism.
Edit on paper, edit on paper and then edit on paper again. You will be amazed at how many typo errors you will miss on the laptop.
When you book is in print, you are only mid-way through the journey.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Edit on paper and not on the laptop. This valuable advise was given to me by an agent.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a Dilly Court novel. She writes in the Victorian era too, although I’m rather slow. I find it difficult to read a book when I’m writing one.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to make it a full time career and have many books to my name. Old Sins, Long Shadows is my first novel and I have been very happy with the reviews and ratings so far.
I am an Indie author. I have great respect for Indie authors, many are creative writers who write great books and have followed their dreams. I am proud to be an Indie author, however I would like to have a major publishing house approach me one day.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I don’t have one however the most influential is Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White. When I was about eight I borrowed it from the school library. It was the first book I read and I had a eureka moment. I still remember the moment clearly, the amazing feeling to discover that a book could take me to other places, times and worlds. From that day on I have been an avid reader. One book changed my life – it wasn’t a classic or a biography or a self-help book. It was a book about a spider and a pig!
Author Websites and Profiles
B.D. Hawkey Website
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