Interview With Author Charlie Bel
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a first time author, mum to 2 young boys, and work full time in childcare. We have a busy family life, with two lizards and a puppy as well. I have one published works, but I have lots of projects on the go!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first published works is The Warrior Hero (a middle grade fantasy). I’d just woken up one morning with this idea that was persistent, and decided to give it a go, and see if it was something I could write into a novel for that age range. I knew it would be for middle grade, and I then wrote most of the first draft in a month.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so, unless multiple notebooks counts…! I tend to start with pen and paper before putting on laptop, and also have a separate ideas notebook, which may have titles, a starting few sentences, or a general idea.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many authors I love, and that influence my writing – with looking at how best to structure novels, or how to develop well-rounded characters. Loved the Alex Rider books (Anthony Horowitz) for character and gadgets, the Recruit series (Robert Muchamore) for the way the stories were written, Jacqueline Wilson for relatability, and characters. I reread the Joan Jonker books as I love her characters, and sense of place.
What are you working on now?
I am writing the follow up to The Warrior Hero. As well as that, I have some other middle grade fiction in the works, also in fantasy genre. Currently in early stages of some adult books as well.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to do a mixture of Instagram, and blogging, but still trying to figure the best way to promote my books!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Enjoy it, have fun writing, there is no right way to write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A first draft is meant to be messy.
What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading (for who knows how many times) some Joan Jonker books – the Molly and Nellie series are my favourite. I’m also really enjoying James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to carry on writing, got lots of projects in the works, so just figuring it all out really!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Probably Joan Jonker: Mollie and Nellie – Stay in your own backyard, and then I’d skip through to The Sunshine of your Smile, as that’s one of my favourites. Then I’d choose a couple of James Patterson – not sure which ones, maybe a couple of the Women’s Murder Club series, or one of those, and one Alex Cross.
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