Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the author of a Culture Crime Series that includes GOLDEN ICON (The Prequel), MASTERPIECE and BOOK OF HOURS. The last book in the trilogy FINAL SCRIPT will be published in Spring 2018.
I have also published a love story ELLIE BRAVO and a book of short stories RED SHOES. I am publishing my second book of short stories BEDTIME READS in October 2017.
My background is in travel and tourism and I use my experiences of living and travelling abroad and knowledge of locations as an integral part of scenes in my novels.
My Culture Crime Series allows me to develop characters and to explore right and wrong whilst writing about our world heritage, art and ethnicity.
I have a blog about how I write my novels and the research involved and a weekly blog on Bedtime Reads. https://janetpywellauthor.wordpress.com/
If you would like to join my Readers’ Groups simply sign up and download MASTERPIECE for free. http://www.subscribepage.com/janetpywell
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I went through a period a couple of years ago when I couldn’t sleep. That was amazing for me as I’ve always been able to close my eyes and drop off without a worrying thought or even a good book to read.
I could have slept on top of a pinhead but now, things have changed.
I’ve changed.
After a day at the computer or wrestling with some new online marketing I’m exhausted and far too weary to pick up a book and re-read the same pages from the night before especially when I’ve often forgotten about the characters and the plot. So I wrote short stories based on the sort of stories that I would like to read. Sometimes funny or thought-provoking but not sad.
I am about to publish a book of short stories: Bedtime Reads. This book consists of seventeen short stories based on relationships. Each individual tale spotlights a variety of compelling characters revealing their tangled emotions and complicated dreams.
These bite-sized page-turners show the lengths to which some people will go in pursuit of happiness or revenge. Written to entertain, amuse and stir your emotions, these enticing narratives will provide unexpected plot twists that may keep you reading into the early hours.
From romance to murder, this exceptional collection of thought-provoking short stories is an enjoyable feast of evening bedtime treats…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in a variety of places; local coffee shops, hotels and the town library. Most often I write at home with my cat Tango peering over my shoulder and my labradoodle puppy Teddy at my feet. I have to make the most of the quiet times when they are both sleeping. Sometimes if it’s been a particularly busy day or I can’t sleep I get up in the night and write on the sofa as I don’t want to disturb my partner or our Japanese student.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I try to read an assortment of books. I like variety and something unusual especially with a good plot twist that I didn’t expect. Sarah Waters did this in Fingersmith which was very clever. I also like Stieg Larsson’s Lisbeth Salander as a protagonist and the action of the Dan Brown series – both of these authors have inspired me to write and use international locations based on where I have lived or visited.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the final edits for BEDTIME READS due for publication on the 30th October and I am rewriting parts of FINAL SCRIPT the third and final book in my CULTURE CRIME SERIES featuring Mikky dos Santos who is brilliant, idiosyncratic and loves to break the rules.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am using GOLDEN ICON (the prequel) in the Culture Crime Series as a free book to encourage readers to download my book. I also use BookFunnel to offer MASTERPIECE free for a limited time if readers would like to join my READERS’ GROUP mailing list.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Keep on doing what you love.
I would also recommend Nick Stephenson’s ‘Your First 10K Readers’ course for Indie authors.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Offering your first book/chapter/character profile for free to readers is like giving away cheese in a supermarket. It gives readers the opportunity to get to know you and sample a flavour of your work.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading No Man’s Land – David Baldacci
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on my next Culture Crime Series. I am getting ideas for a new protagonist and themes for a new protagonist and I may base my books on true cold cases.
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 Bible.
The complete works of Shakespeare.
(Is that cheating?)
Author Websites and Profiles
JANET PYWELL Website
JANET PYWELL Amazon Profile
JANET PYWELL’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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