Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written books under other pen names and in different genres, but Hell to Pay is my first historical novel, and I’m super proud of it!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hell to Pay was inspired by watching way too many heist movies! I was watching Ocean’s Eleven (again) with my husband, and just said “wouldn’t it be cool if this was set in Georgian London?” Since that’s a period I know pretty well, I decided that was the book I wanted to write.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
You can tell if the writing is going badly because there will be a glass of Southern Comfort & coke on my desk. If the writing is going well… sweet orange tea. I don’t really get it, either.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Where do I start? Bernard Cornwell and Georgette Heyer top the list of course, but I am also a huge fan of Terry Pratchett, Robin Hobb, Suzanne Collins, Elizabeth Chadwick, Mary Balogh, Orson Scott Card, Sally Quilford, Graham McNeill, Dan Abnett, Arthur C Clarke, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Michael Anderle, Faleena Hopkins, Margaret Atwood… did I mention that I’m a qualified librarian who worked in public libraries for a decade?
What are you working on now?
Three projects! The next book in the Rogues & Vagabonds series, Neck or Nothing, is underway. I have a regency romance under my pen name to finish up called A Novel Miss, and I’ve also got some science fiction to edit under my third pen name!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth for sure. Promotions and adverts will get you started, but the best thing you can do is have a group of people telling their friends to buy your book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop learning. Whether you want to be published traditionally or indie, whether you write just for yourself or you want to make a living at this, never stop learning. There is always something new out there for you to absorb that will make you a better writer, storyteller, and business person.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I had was to quit my excuses. I have a busy day job, a long commute, two young children, a spouse, a home, a cat, more excuses, more excuses, more excuses. All of them sounded legit and were great reasons why I wasn’t writing. I had to quit them. I read Air & Light & Space by Charles Bukowski, then quit my excuses and started to write. Nothing in my life has changed, other than the fact I now manage to churn out my books despite having no “time”.
What are you reading now?
The Harlot’s Press by Helen Pike, which I’m enjoying. I just finished The Reader by Tracie Chee, which I’d recommend to anyone. Seriously, go read it. it’s awesome!
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books!!!!!
Seriously, I’ve got basic outlines for another nine books across three pen names and genres. I’m pretty busy for the next year or so!
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?
You mean after I stop crying? Okay, here we go:
The Complete Works of Terry Pratchett, because I’m going to need a laugh.
The biggest, empty notebook ever and a pile of pens, so I can rewrite all my favourite stories from memory (is this cheating?)
How To Survive On A Desert Island, because seriously, nonfiction rocks, people!
How To Escape, Or Be Rescued From, A Desert Island, because I’m going to miss electricity and running water waaaaay too much.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gemma Williams Website
Gemma Williams Amazon Profile