Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney Australia. I have been writing since I was a small child, poems, essays, plays, short stories and one book.
Over the years, I have completed several courses in writing, both fiction and non-fiction but have never submitted any of my work to publishers. As a newly published author, I am just starting my journey, and Shadows of Knight is the first full-length book I’ve written, as part of a trilogy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shadows of Knight is book one in the Dark Shadows trilogy. It is a romantic suspense story based in Vancouver BC. I got the inspiration to write the book, during my first visit to the beautiful and romantic city, two years ago with my wonderful husband. I’ve never been into straight romance stories, but I do love a good mystery, so I thought, combining the two, would be a perfect fit for me as a writer, and a lot of fun.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have collected a wealth of experiences and travel adventures over the years. So, I like to pluck out bits of my own life’s story and weave them into my writing, just to add a bit of spice and authenticity to my stories.
From my years of college and university, I’ve developed a passion for doing research, which is something I do, to help me get my head inside the story I’m writing. I love spending time, searching on Google for images that match with my ideas for different elements of my story, such as background settings, and how my characters would look in real life.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When it comes to reading, I enjoy a variety of genres. Colleen McCullough, an Australian author, is one of my favourites. As a former student of ancient history, I especially loved her Roman series. Agatha Christie is another favourite, when it comes to murder mysteries.
What are you working on now?
The other two books to the Dark Shadows trilogy are almost complete and I will be publishing them over the next few months. I have also researched and mapped out the story lines for next two books, after that.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have only just started the long journey in promoting my first book, so I haven’t found what works best for me, as yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author myself, I’ve learned how important planning and preparation are when it comes to the writing process. You also need to do your research, to make sure each and every element in your story, rings true.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t let the obsession to be perfect, prevent you from achieving your goals.
What are you reading now?
I’ve just recently discovered Pepper Winters, a dark romantic suspense author, and her “Indebted Series”.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing stories, developing my craft and learning the business of promoting and marketing.
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?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin – a favourite growing up.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J R R Tolkien – another favourite
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – because it’s been sitting on my bookshelf unread for years.
A History of Ancient Egypt by John Romer
Author Websites and Profiles
M E Whiter Website
M E Whiter Amazon Profile