Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Africa on a diet of unconventional parents, theatre and Georgette Heyer. Eventually I went into acting and trod the boards in England until the writing bug got me, when I changed to teaching and directing while penning historical romances and edgy women’s fiction. My 8 year apprenticeship ended with publication by Mills & Boon, and 18 historicals. Latterly I had two historical mysteries published by Berkley and I’m hoping to release more Lady Fan novels. Meanwhile, it’s wonderful to be able to return to my first love and put out new and old releases in ebook where I now have 16 books for sale.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a contribution to the Regency Quintet Christmas Edition anthology. My story is called His Lordship’s Christmas Bride and it’s the first of my series about Cinderella or convenient brides. I really love the idea of creating happy endings for women whose position in life means they are unlikely to contract any kind of marriage, let alone an eligible one. So it is pretty much the Cinderella or fairytale theme.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
At the moment I do, because I’ve started writing first thing in the morning! I used to write about 3 or 4 afternoons a week, but lately I’m so busy with “life” that I don’t get the chance. So I’ve got into the habit of writing before I get out of bed. A cup of tea and then I’m ready to roll. I use an Alphasmart battery-operated basic computer for my first drafts, and I use that balanced on my knee. It seems to be a successful way to work because I get something down every single day.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I began reading Georgette Heyer at the age of 11, and fell completely in love with the genre. But I’m also very into sci-fi fantasy like Harry Potter and Terry Pratchett, and I’ve lately become addicted to Jodi Taylor’s Chronicles of St Mary’s – a crazy time-travel series. Agatha Christie turned me on to mysteries and The Hunger Games got me into apocalyptic fiction. I’m thinking of writing one of those myself.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m writing the second Brides story, and I’ve got another Lady Fan novel in the making as well.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use AskDavid and Fiverr mostly, and like the email lists that a lot of websites have now.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get the story down. You can’t edit something that isn’t there. Once it’s there, you can work on it to make it better. I think Nanowrimo is excellent for doing this.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t think – write!
What are you reading now?
Georgette Heyer for the umpteenth time! But I’ve got a load of different styles of book waiting on my Kindle.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting more books written, and getting my short stories out on ebook.
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?
The Works of Shakespeare. Brewers Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. A Georgette Heyer anthology (if I can find one). Halliwell’s Film Guide.
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