Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As Paul James, I’ve written a YA Science Fiction series, The Modest Proposal Institute, I’ve edited and published my aunt’s WW2 diary as Annie’s War, and a fictional diary of a Canadian family during the events that took place from Sept 11, 2001, the bombing of the WTC, to September 2002.
As P.C. James, I’ve now written two cozy mysteries of The Miss Riddell Cozy Mystery series, with anothr two, at least, to come out very soon. I’ve always enjoyed Agatha Christie-style mysteries, especially Miss Marple who reminds me of my aunts when I was growing up. I decided to write my own (Agatha isn’t writing any new ones:-) but including the early years, which Agatha didn’t do.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s Murder, on a Galapagos Cruise is the second book in the series and it was inspired by the Galapagos cruise I took when I retired. We didn’t have a death onboard but the setting is real — I have the photos to prove it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that I’m aware of unless procrastination is a ‘style’. I write (and un-write whatever I’ve just written) on an old laptop at m desk for some hours every day. Eventually, the ‘writing’ exceeds the ‘unwriting’ and I have a book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are Jane Austen and Bill Bryson and I try to get a touch of their humor into my stories. For cozy mysteries, I like all the classics, Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers,
What are you working on now?
Book 3 of The Miss Riddell Cozy Mystery series, A Murder for Christmas, and an as-yet untitled fourth book in the series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use AMS ads as a running promotional effort, of course. For promotions, I’ve found Awesome Gang very effective, in addition to many others.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice is to write every day, followed by work out the story before you write, which is easier said than done in my case but I know it works.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Plan out the plot in some detail before you write. I’m still working on making that happen consistently for me but when I do, it works. Also, write a series, not a standalone book.
What are you reading now?
Two non-fiction books — The Consuming Instinct by Prof. Gad Saad and Manthropolgy by Peter McAllister. I’m sure something from both of them will show up in my fiction in years to come.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish four books of Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries and then either revisit my Modest Proposal Institute series or do another cozy mystery series.
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?
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Author Websites and Profiles
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