Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in rural Gloucestershire with my husband, son and two cats, one with half a tail but that’s another story. I grew up in Yorkshire then travelled the world as an English teacher. My travels have inspired my writing especially Greece. So far I’ve written three books in the Greek Island mystery series and a checklist Christmas short novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a new departure for me. Callie’s Christmas Countdown is set in the UK and the heroine Callie just wants everyone to have the best Christmas ever. She’s so busy planning though that she forgets about herself.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write without coffee. Not so unusual but the funny thing is that once I start I find the coffee is usually untouched and cold when I next look.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Every book I’ve ever read has influenced me in some small part. The biggest influences though are Victoria Hislop and John Fowles.
What are you working on now?
I can’t decide whether to write a fourth book in the Greek Island Mystery series or to write something completely different. In the end it will be the characters who decide.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have one particular website but over the last few years have built up a relationship with many writers and bloggers. They are wonderful at getting the word out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It may sound trite but ‘Don’t give up.’ Write, write, write in if you think it’s rubbish. After all you can always edit it but you can’t edit a blank page.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write about what you know OR be prepared to do a helluva lot of research!
What are you reading now?
i’ve just got an advance copy of Tracy Chevalier’s new book, ‘ At the edge of the orchard’ and am really looking forward to that. I’ve also got a couple of Sara Alexi’s on my TBR pile too.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A major film deal and a six figure book deal? I wish! Still there’s no harm in dreaming. I hope to write another book this year and then focus more on publicity.
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?
Oh that is so hard! I find it hard enough to decide what to read next as it is. Anyway, I’d take John Fowles ‘The Magus’ as every time I read it, I find something new in there. Perhaps ‘Le grand Meaulnes’ by Alain Fournier as the descriptions are just beautiful and I suppose I’d better take a book on how to survive on a desert island!
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