Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
When I was living in Nottingham, UK, a friend inspired me to write a portal fantasy, which became The Jet Jewel. A lot of the setting is inspired by Nottingham’s Victorian buildings and, of course, by Nottingham Castle. Even though I wrote most of that book living in France, I actually finished it back in the UK.
My time in France, however, inspired me to write a series of sunny cosy mysteries, which I’m currently working on.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my current work in progress is Death by Naked Ladies. Although the main character is a vintage pin-up photographer, you won’t find any actual naked ladies inside. Sorry to disappoint 😉 The titular Naked Ladies is in fact a poisonous plant…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wish! I can only write when the children are at school and don’t need me, so I’m bound by their schedule. No time to make myself a mai tai first, or strip to my underwear and only write with the light of the full moon.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It’s almost impossible to pick one author. I’ve read so much over the years, that I can’t pinpoint certain authors that have always been there. Like most cozy mystery writers, I’d pick Agatha Christie as a source of inspiration. And for my fantasy book, I’d have to name Susanna Clarke. I read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell when I was outlining, and it quickly ascended to my favourite book.
What are you working on now?
Like I said, my current work in progress is the St Maurice Mystery Series. It features a female vintage pin-up photographer solving mysteries in a rural French village.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m only just getting started, so I don’t have any recommendations yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. Keep going. It’ll never be perfect, you won’t be an overnight success. But you’ll get there, as long as you keep putting your work out there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Butt in chair. Without it, there’s nothing to market, nothing to sell.
What are you reading now?
I always have several books going. For my book club I’m reading Outlawed, but I also have a Flavia DeLuce novel open, and I should get back to The Silent Companions…
What’s next for you as a writer?
Since I’m working on the first draft of the first novel in my first mystery series, I don’t think I should be thinking about what will come next! 😀
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?
Can they be collected works? Because I have them on my shelves: Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen and Arthur Conan Doyle. If there were a giant book of Agatha Christie’s work, I might switch that for Jane Austen (gasp, sacrilege!). Because the last space would be reserved for my Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
Christa Bakker Website
Christa Bakker Amazon Profile
Christa Bakker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account