Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote two educational books in the 1990’s , but mostly I have been writing for radio and television for the last 30 odd years. Also advertising, mayoral reports, anything that needed writing, I wrote it!
Since I retired, I have self published my first book, a memoir, about growing up with a mother who had a personality disorder. Then I then married a Walter Mitty character who took me to live in a variety of different countries, and I had some funny and hair raising adventures.
I feel passionately about spreading the word about personality disorders. But this is a fun book to read, not all doom and gloom. It moves at breakneck speed – as we did, across Africa. Title “Walking over Eggshells.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book I hope to publish next month [July 2014] and it’s a novel about a young girl who moves to Africa and gets herself into all sorts of trouble. A quick, light and easy read I hope people will enjoy while learning lots more about life in Africa.
I was inspired as firstly I had got more into the genre of book writing, very different from the media and also many people have a totally weird idea about Africa from things they see on the TV. I wanted to give readers a different perspective.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to have a study, full of books, a proper desk and chair and I could write in comfort. Now we have retired to Spain, we only have a small place and so I work on a lap top on my knees which is not ideal! It’s finding the quiet and the ‘house to myself’ to write without interruption that’s the problem. but I manage, somehow, writing is a drug and i can’t wean myself off it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The book that springs to mind is “Little Women,” by Louisa May Alcott. I read it as a child, and I was so impressed with Jo earning all that money by submitting stories and I wanted to do the same. I’ve always wanted to write, I sort of can’t help myself!!
I adore Jean Plaidy as she made her historical characters come alive and helped foster my love for history. Yet she has an extensive bibliography at the end of each book so I’m sure she did a great deal of research and made her books authentic.
Also an author called William Harrison Ainsworth. I was given “Old St Paul’s” when I was seven and ill in bed. He wrote historical novels over hundred years ago!
What are you working on now?
I’m writing my second book of memoirs, and this is more of a comedy – telling the stories of my days shooting [with a camera] in Africa, we went to all kinds of places and got into some ridiculous places. I sort of fell into the media and from broadcasting on radio as a continuity announcer, I ended up with my own video production company, and I never planned that at all!. It’s a fun project, and I am enjoying it.
But every month I have to take a morning off to write my satirical, political column for a local magazine.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think Facebook. You meet all kinds of people and you can promote your book. The Fussy Librarian will feature your books for a nominal fee. I also look for sites on the internet with special interest groups. Also book signings and offering sale or return on my books in local shops. It’s a numbers game.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write – no one can teach you how to write. They can help you tidy up what you have written, but don’t dither hoping to get it all right before you begin. I used to lecture video production students in scriptwriting, so I do know what I am talking about 🙂 When you have completed your story / book / poetry, then read the self help books and articles and see if you have incorporated all the rules / suggestions they make.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can’t learn anything without making mistakes.
What are you reading now?
Just about to start “A Borgia Daughter Dies.” by Maryann Philip. I am giving a history lecture next week and want to refresh my memory. History is my second love.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I may continue with another book featuring Amie. After that I have an almost complete fairytale comedy for adults that I’ve had on the shelf for over twenty years!
At the back of my mind, I’d also like to try my hand at historical novels.
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?
“Old St Pauls,” “The Tower of London,” and “Windsor Castle,” all by William Harrison Ainsworth. They take quite a while to read so would keep me occupied for longer!
If I was cheeky, I could ask for a compendium of all Jean Plaidy’s works?
Author Websites and Profiles
Lucinda E Clarke Amazon Profile
Lucinda E Clarke’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile