Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of the beset-selling Spotlight romance series. So far, I’ve written three books in this series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Director’s Cut. It’s the third book in my series, and I’ve been absolutely delighted with how popular all the books have been so far. The book is an adult romance, of the Fifty Shades variety, and it follows screen-writer-turned-actress Isabella Green, as she meets famous director James Berkeley.
As a journalist, I have lots of experience of the celebrity London circuit, and all the amazing restaurants and nightspots in the Uk capital. I wanted to share this all with people in a compelling love story, with a few steamy scenes thrown in for good measure!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unlike many writers, I show up to work on time, and work from 9-5 without exception! I think that’s quite unusual 😉 But I did start out writing for newspapers, so I guess I learned diligence that way. Other than that, I consult quite a few friends on scenes, and character points to find out what’s going to work best.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I did an English/History BA, and was sponsored to do an MA, so I’ve read a huge number of classics. It was only in the last few years that I really started reading easier, faster paced books – and finding out how much I enjoyed them! My books have been described as the kind of guilty pleasure, junk food type books of the reading world, and I love this description.
With this background, I’ve got quite diverse tastes. I love Jane Austin, Dickens and Defoe, as well as Jackie Collins, Dan Brown, and of course, EL James.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the last book in the series The Final Act. And I’m also starting on a historical romance, which follows a courtesan as she tries to fool high society.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon. Sorry to say. Free promos of my books have been the single best way I’ve found. But sites like this one are really helpful in directing people to the free promos.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If your writing is commercial (rather than literary), don’t bother with publishers. Trying to appeal the narrow taste of the kind of people in publishing can really shred your confidence. Concentrate on dealing direct with the people who matter – your readers. You’ll usually learn far more, from an honest review, of someone who has actually bought your book, than from publishers. Of course, not everyone is going to love your work, so you have to ignore the odd reader who just doesn’t get you. But if similar comments pop up time and time again, it will direct you to fix things.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be absolutely sure, that your books are reaching your actual target market. If your book has a cover which suggests the content is very character-led, for example, when it’s a pacy thriller, you’ll open yourself up to criticism from people who aren’t your target readers. I’ve seen this happen, and it’s cruel when authors lose confidence, purely because their book is being sold to people looking for something different.
What are you reading now?
Beautiful Disaster (which is amazing!), Dan Brown’s Inferno, and The White Queen by Phillipa Gregory
What’s next for you as a writer?
Historical romance, and I also have a series of historical thrillers, set in London in the 17th century.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Such a hard question! It used to be Dune. I also love Pure, the Crimson Petal and the White, Hollywood Wives, and The Da Vinci Code.
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