Interview With Author mark demeza
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Mark wrote his first novel draft when he was 17 years old. It’s still lying in a box in a dusty loft. Untouched. Like many other aspiring authors, he fell in step with a ‘steady’ career and income, and the yearning to write gurgling away in the pit of his stomach.
When a gap presented itself in his busy life, he started to write short stories and was lucky enough to have a good number published or recognized in competitions.
In May 2022, a convenient break in his career appeared and, at the same time, he discovered the dreadful truth about his Jewish ancestors’ plight under the Nazis in the Netherlands. So he embarked on his first full length novel, The Thirteenth Child, a piece of historical fiction, but with the experiences of his ancestors permeating every word.
Patiently supported by his wife and daughter, watched indifferently by their black and white cat and often distracted by his ADHD, he completed the novel, and it was published in January 2024. Suitably encouraged, he started the sequel, which is to be released later in the year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Thirteenth Child
I recently discovered that 11 of my Dutch Jewish ancestors were transported and murdered by the Nazis in Auschwitz
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I use different methods for writing my drafts, depending on my mood – typing, handwriting and dictation.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dickens, Hardy, CJ Sansom, Robert Harris
What are you working on now?
The sequel to The Thirteenth Child
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Written Word Media and Facebook
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going – there will be highs and lows
Make sure your writing methods are the ones that work best for you and are not just those recommended by your favorite author.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See above
What are you reading now?
Conn Iggulden
What’s next for you as a writer?
The sequel to The Thirteenth Child
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?
Great Expectations
Atonement
Far from the Madding Crowd
Anything by CJ Sansom
Author Websites and Profiles
mark demeza’s Social Media Links
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