Interview With Author John Neely
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an independent author from Sheffield, England. I have written two books so far in the Lavender and Brown series. Book 1: Lavender and Brown – The York Mysteries and Lavender and Brown – York Shorts, which takes place before the first and features three short stories. I also have book 2 coming out shortly – Lavender and Brown – The Castle Howard Christmas Mysteries.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lavender and Brown – The Castle Howard Christmas Mysteries, takes place (you guessed it) at the beautiful Castle Howard just outside of York. This is where Brideshead Revisited was filmed as well as the new Netflix series, Bridgerton. Book 1, The York Mysteries includes two scenes at Castle Howard which were an absolute riot, so I knew that I wanted more scenes there, absolutely. I’ve made the Earl George Howard quite an enjoyable character. I wanted more scenes with him involved and also Mr Landley (his estate manager) whose always scratching himself in public and picking dirt out of his ear etc, while banging on about his wife, Margaret. He is very fun to write.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I carry bits of paper around so I can jot down any idea that springs to mind if that counts? This means I have scattered notes everywhere. I suppose I could invest in a notebook.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Loads. I think every book you read shapes you in some form. However, if you are writing in the murder mystery format then you can’t help be influenced by Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie who basically invented the genre.
What are you working on now?
Trying to promote the books! It’s harder than writing them I can tell you. It seems to me that you need sales to get reviews, but reviews to get sales. Oh, it’s hard!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still finding my feet on that front. Hopefully Awesome Gang!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day. Draft and re-draft. Come back to work you wrote yesterday, and then leave it a week and come back to it again.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stephen King’s book On Writing is excellent. Lots of great advice in there. I like his general advice on scene setting – three details on the scene to give readers a general picture but don’t overdo it – allow them to finish the rest.
What are you reading now?
Daughters of Night by Laura Shepherd-Robinson. It’s excellent.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Book 3 in the Lavender and Brown series I intend to take down a darker path. Lavender and Brown – The York Street Ripper is my penciled title.
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?
Ouch! Can’t I take more? Oh, that’s horrible. Maybe a Sherlock Holmes collection. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. Wow, I did it!
Author Websites and Profiles
John Neely’s Social Media Links