Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in a very small town in the midwest and have lived with my husband and two boys in New York, London and Melbourne, Australia. For several years I was a travel writer specializing in articles with historical background, but now devote all my time to novel writing. Previously, I have written four novels, but did not try to publish them.
At present, I have completed two books of a Russian Trilogy of historical thrillers under my pen name, Minerva Taylor: The Blood Stiller, on Amazon and other booksellers, and The Blood Archive, soon to be published. I am working on the third, The Devil’s Tears.
I have also published two children’s books, James and the Mini and The Mole Brothers’ Magnificent Mission, both on Amazon and am finishing the draft of a Mole Brothers’ sequel.
I live in London, but spend the summers on Long Island catching up with family and friends.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Blood Stiller, book one of the Russian Trilogy, was inspired by meeting an elderly Russian emigre in New York. She
was charming, had an intriguing past and many stories to tell, true or not. I never found out.
I became fascinated by the upheaval of society in the Russian Revolution and the turmoil it created in people’s lives and read extensively about the period. I decided to write the series of thrillers because much had already been written about the period, and I wanted to build a plot around an original view. I also like the idea of using a modern setting and intermingling the plot with the past.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up at six, have two cups of coffee and begin writing. I quit around noon and try to have lunch with a friend, shop or visit a museum. My best ideas to solve writing problems come when I am out walking through London. This is probably not unusual or eccentic.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Le Carre’s spy novels I love his intricate plotting.
Shakespeare’s works
Tolstoy’s Hadji Murat ,War and Peace
Philip Roth
Comic books (graphic novels) I learned to read with comic books.
What are you working on now?
I am working on The Devil’s Tears, the third book in The Russian Trilogy. Much of the action takes place in oil rich Baku, Azerbaijan which I have visited and found fascinating. I think my writing has improved since the first book. I also love my character Reuben Yoder, a half Amish country deputy sheriff who feels he is a failure,.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new to promoting my books and am hoping my website attracts readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
New authors should have confidence in their ability. Some time ago, I did present an unpublished novel to a prominent agency. One of the editors said the book didn’t pass their committee but that she would like to keep contact with me.
I had so little confidence at the time that I didn’t call her and regret that lost opportunity to this day.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To stop staying your novel isn’t that good.
What are you reading now?
Life and Fate, Vassily Grossman’s novel about the WWII siege of Leningrad. Grossman was a Bolshevik journalist who coverered the Eastern Front for Red Star, the Red Army newspaper, after Germany invaded Russia. His novel was confiscsted by the KGB in 1960.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to complete the Russian Trilogy and perhaps to continue the character of Reuben Yoder, the redneck deputy sheriff in another thriller.
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?
Tolstoy’s War and Peace
Proust’s Remembrance of Things Past
Shakespeare’s Plays
Robert Frost’s poems
Author Websites and Profiles
Judith Windeler Website
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Twitter Account