Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a recent convert to writing have been a rail commuter for years, forced to read in order to maintain my sanity. Over the last few years I decided it was time I wrote some books of my own, after all how difficult can it be?
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is Peninsular Spy. It is the first sequel to An Agent of the King and is set in the Napoleonic Wars. Archibald Dexter, the hero of both books is everything Richard Sharpe is but a whole lot more. Archie is handsome, fiercely brave and women melt at his touch but there the similarity ends.
I wanted to create a believable but interesting hero, a man true to his times but in so many ways a man of the future in his time. Intelligent but rebellious, hedonistic yet patriotic, forward thinking set vulnerable.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only if you call reading my work out loud as I write unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favourite writers were Bernard Cornwell, Clive Cussler and George McDonald Fraser but then I was captivated by Julian Rathbone’s eccentric take history.
What are you working on now?
Between my 2 Napoleonic era thrillers I wrote The Black Knight, a thriller set during the turbulent 1880s, a time of terror and insurrection in London. My WIP is a sequel set in the early 1890s. The great powers of Europe are shifting their allegiances and a fateful realignment is taking place that will eventually lead to the Great War. In the midst of this sinister criminals and powerful men will seek to exploit the fault lines that develop. The fledgling secret service my be the last line of defence Britain has.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I will be honest, promotion is my weak point and I have not found a way to promote my work yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Enjoy your writing for what it is and do not dream of riches.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not write for yourself because you will always be impressed.
What are you reading now?
You are a long time dead -Guy Martin
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my WIP and then give some thought to investing in 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?
Republic – Plato
Joseph – Julian Rathbone
History of the English Speaking Peoples – Winston Churchill
Author Websites and Profiles
NJ Slater Author Profile on Smashwords