Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a clinical researcher by day, and a writer at evenings, weekends, first thing in the morning, and whenever I can snatch half an hour or so.
My first novel, The Brotherhood, is a psychological thriller set in a religious sect. It was published by Crooked Cat books last July. The sequel, The Refuge is due out on 28th May 2019.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Refuge, which will be released later this month, is a sequel to The Brotherhood, and deals with the aftermath of events in that book, and tackles a ‘what if’ question. ‘What if your long lost sister turned up after several years of captivity?’
The Refuge is available for pre-order on Amazon: http://mybook.to/therefuge
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As long as I’m armed with my laptop and some free time, I can write anywhere and any time. A beverage of some sort should be within reach, and I like to have background music, although when I’m deep into writing, I would be totally unable to say what songs have been playing!
My ideal writing spot is on a balcony looking out at sun, sea and sand (and some shade so I don’t burn, and I can see the laptop screen properly). Shame it only happens a couple of times a year. Most of my writing is done in my home office – a converted garage – with a view of my drive and the house opposite!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My main influences have been Agatha Christie, Dick Francis and Dorothy L Sayers.
I always write best in first person, and love the pace of the Dick Francis novels. The settings are brilliant, with relevant and cleverly distributed description.
Agatha Christie introduced me to crime! Her ability to get to the essence of a story, and yet provide all clues in the right order, and with a good smattering of red herrings, is an inspiration.
Dorothy L Sayers taught me most about the appeal of a great character. One of my absolute favourite characters in crime literature is Harriet Vane. She’s flawed, vulnerable, and kind.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a crime thriller set in the late 1980s at Manchester University. It’s called Revelation, and will hopefully be available for release winter 2019/20. It was inspired by my own experiences of being a student in Manchester at that time, and another ‘what if’ moment – ‘what if a student was found hanged in Halls of Residence?’ ‘How would the friends react?’ ‘What if someone was manipulating the situation from behind the scenes?’
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like Facebook because it allows me to interact more with the readers, particularly when doing live video posts – although they’re still a bit scary!
I’m still investigating the best promotional sites, but I’m very impressed with Awesome Gang so far!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make friends with other authors. Share your work in an environment you trust – a writing group filled with caring writers who will give you honest and constructive feedback. Avoid toxic groups – those people who want to pull you down, to make themselves feel bigger. There are loads of awesome people out there, who want to support you, and will feel enhanced by your success.
Also, find a course to learn about the craft of writing. Raw talent without the skills to refine it will not produce a marketable book.
Finally, keep reading. Read as many books in your genre as you can. Read books in as many different genres as you have time for. Learn what works for you as a reader. It will inform your writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s probably a cliche now, but it’s totally true: Show, don’t tell.
I’ve read a few free books recently, where the author has basically just narrated the story. I felt excluded, as though I wasn’t part of the action. I want to be drawn in. I want to be invested in the characters. Show me what’s happening, and help me feel what they feel.
What are you reading now?
I’ve just started reading The Sewing Machine by Natalie Fergie for my book club. It’s had an interesting start, and I’m looking forward to reading more over the weekend.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The Revelation is the prequel to a series of crime thrillers set in present day Manchester
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?
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte (favourite classical novel ever)
Gaudy Night – Dorothy L Sayers (favourite crime novel ever)
Crime and Punishment – Dostoevsky (I tried reading it once, and struggled, but I want to try again because I’m a bit older now, and would approach it differently)
The Brothers Karamazov – Dostoevsky (I started this one, and was really enjoying it, but didn’t get time to read for a couple of weeks. When I came back to it, I couldn’t remember who was who!)
Author Websites and Profiles
Jo Fenton Website
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