Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Kent and since then have lived in Hampshire, Wales (on the breathtaking Gower Peninsula), Dorset, Cornwall and currently in Totnes, Devon. I usually find that after six or seven years in one place life begins telling me it’s time to move on. I’ve now lived in my present home for just over six years, so am curious to see whether life will soon be prodding me again! I love medieval Totnes and this whole environment, though, and am in no hurry to go anywhere else.
I have written five novels, across a variety of genres. My first – OUT OF TIME: Tyneham Revisited – is a ghost story inspired by Tyneham, an actual Dorset village that died. Then came THE FOREIGNER (which I started writing before Out Of Time, but finished afterwards) – a romantic saga inspired by my grandmother’s life. DUSTY’S JOURNEY relates to a baby bird’s ‘take’ on the world and the idea behind it is to help people along a path of self-development. My fourth – THE PORTRAIT – is a love story across lifetimes that questions its protagonist’s understanding of death.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book – SAM’S STORY: It’s A Dog’s Life – was inspired by my charismatic Bearded Collie, Sam. Actually, I can take little credit for it, since Sam did much of the writing himself and needed very little input from me. I’m trying not to dwell on the fact that his book has, already, attracted far more reviews than any of mine!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Before I began writing, I read John Braine’s book HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL. This suggested setting a minimum number of words to be written every day – and I took the advice rather too much to heart. Traveling through France with my husband and two small daughters, I was determined not to let a single day pass without putting 1000 words on paper. (Back in those days, pen and paper or a typewriter were the only writing tools available!) This was my first attempt at writing a book and I worried that if I missed a day I might lose my momentum forever.
So, after each day’s journey had ended and I’d tucked the children (and my husband, who’d done all the driving) up in bed, I took myself off into the bathroom to write. Why the bathroom, you might ask? Well, we were on a tight budget and staying in B & B (Pension) accommodation without too many facilities – so the bathroom was the only place I could be where I wasn’t disturbing anybody. Of course, if another guest needed the shared WC I had to leave. Oh, and the light was on a timer, so every few minutes it went out and in total darkness I needed to reach up and turn it back on!
But I kept to my daily 1000-word pledge.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was deeply influenced, at the age of around 13, by Margaret Mitchell’s GONE WITH THE WIND. I think that must be one factor in my having written a saga of similar length. I’ve also been influenced by Daphne du Maurier’s work – especially REBECCA, a great favorite. I don’t know if I should be admitting this, but I’ve trespassed at Menabilly, the real-life Cornish mansion on which Manderley was based.
‘Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again … ‘ What a great opening sentence, and how privileged I felt to be there in the grounds of the house that inspired ‘Rebecca’!
Later, I met Daphne’s housekeeper of 30 years’ standing and had lunch with her. I also met Ralph Rowe, the housekeeper’s son, who before his untimely recent death was a Master Jeweler at Par, in Cornwall. As I write this, I’m wearing a beautiful ring he made for me that I treasure dearly.
What are you working on now?
My next novel is just a thought-form at present, but is connected with life beyond death – a subject close to my heart. I’m very keen to help people who fear death see that it is not something to be feared. With this in mind, I’m spending some time writing thoughts (my own and other people’s) on Facebook (and on a Blog) on what might lie beyond. So try not to be too surprised that my Facebook Profile is not mine in the accepted sense. I haven’t embarked on a Personal Profile yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not terribly adept at promoting my books, technologically speaking, but find the Author Marketing Club and sites like Awesome Gang absolutely invaluable.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes – sticktoitiveness! I think it’s important simply to keep on keeping on – being persistent and as consistent as possible in getting words written. I’m not recommending the way I once did my 1000 words daily – nor would I necessarily recommend a thousand words a day. That can be daunting, and often was, for me. Just find a method that suits you and stick to it through thick and thin. Thankfully, there are a great many different methods for success – or simply for the sense of achievement that comes with a book or short story that has your name on it. Make it the best it can be, writing several drafts if necessary, and editing it carefully so that there are at least no glaring errors.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was once told by Penelope Hoare, then an Editor with a big London Publishing House, that I had buried a promising theme beneath far too many words. That was clever in that I felt encouraged while also aware of where I was going wrong.
What are you reading now?
I’m about to read the latest in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series – PERSONAL. I adore Jack Reacher, although I was slightly disappointed in the last two books. My hopes are high that this new one will be a return to Lee Child’s earlier edge-of-seat form. I’m currently reading DISCOVERING YOUR PAST LIVES (Spiritual Growth Through A Knowledge of Past Lifetimes) by Dr Glenn Williston and Judith Johnstone. And on my Kindle at bedtime I’m enjoying Wilbur Smith’s WILD JUSTICE.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m exploring spiritual things and am fascinated too by cause and effect, both within this lifetime and past and future lifetimes. These explorations and my findings will decide the theme of my next novel, which is likely to go in some sense beyond death.
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?
REBECCA because of its many associations for me, personally;
FROM THE MUNDANE TO THE MAGNIFICENT and/or THE FINDING OF THE THIRD EYE by Vera Stanley Alder;
THE ASTONISHING POWER OF EMOTIONS by Esther and Jerry Hicks;
THE WINTER ROSE (a memorable novel set in the London I love) by Jennifer Donnelly
Author Websites and Profiles
P.G. Glynn Website
P.G. Glynn Amazon Profile
P.G. Glynn’s Social Media Links