Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a British writer and ghostwriter and have lived in Italy since 1994. I write regularly for international clients and have written two non fiction and two fiction books as a “ghost” one of which was an Amazon bestseller.
I now live in a farmhouse in the countryside in Tuscany. I am a former language teacher and edited the top UK lifestyle magazine ITALY for 5 years. I’m a big animal lover and have two handicapped pigeons, seven alpacas and two rescue dogs.
I love the magic of everyday life, the power of our thoughts to influence our paths and try to incorporate a touch of this in all my books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My children’s book Ruby and the Ghost Dog was inspired by my rescue English setter Gassi and by my work as a volunteer in our local dog’s home. Having recently experienced very personal losses one of the themes of the book is grief and how to work through it, an important theme for children, I feel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I work with music on, but i think a number of people do that. I do feel there is a Muse who writes through us when we are in “flow”.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
British writer Susan Howatch writes powerfully spiritual books. Gerald Durrell’s animal books.
A cliche – but Shakespeare has always influenced me.
US naturalist Diane Ackerman writes beautiful, lyrical prose.
What are you working on now?
A non fiction book about a house on Ibiza.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Not being afraid to give the book away for a few days. To me having as many readers as possible is the most important thing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Instead if getting in your own way, believe that you have a message to get out which is going to help people. You are just the intermediary for the Muse to do her work!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“There is nothing that is good or bad but thinking makes it so.” (Shakespeare)
What are you reading now?
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting Ruby and the Ghost Dog because I believe it has a powerful message for people.
Getting to work on a sequel!
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 Complete Works of Shakespeare
London the Biography by Peter Ackroyd
The Return by Josephine Sellers
A book on how to survive in the wild!
Author Websites and Profiles
Fiona Tankard Website
Fiona Tankard Amazon Profile
Fiona Tankard’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account