Interview With Author Roberta M Howe
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have two published books in a series through publishers and they are on Amazon etc. I am from a family of writers my mother and aunt having published about eighty books from 1947 to the 1980’s so writing is in my blood. I live in the English Lake District which is very beautiful with many lakes and mountains but lived in London for 25 years so had and have, the best of both worlds. I love animals and currently have a Border Collie that comes on my many walks, my main hobby. After that, travel is my passion. I am always looking for my next country in which to set my books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Azalea and I – On the Road to Spain. Living in Spain for two years was the inspiration as I saw the best and worst of it. I was able to use both and weave an adventure around the problems it has and see how my heroines deal with the situations in their own ways and watch their characters develop and why.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I carry a notebook everywhere so I can write notes about people I see or meet to potentially use as characters in my books. No-one is safe!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
CN Beaton with the Agatha Raisin series. Murder and comedy go hand in hand with very strong characterisation. A winning combination that I love.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my third book in the Azalea series. It is called Azalea and I – On the Road to Mutiny and set in the Dominican republic.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have finally found an outstanding person in marketing and promotion who is helping enormously. I have tried many methods including advertising on FB, Twitter and many more. I have had library signings, newpaper articles and radio interviews. Everything should be tried.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about what interests you and don’t expect success, instant or otherwise. Write because you enjoy the whole exercise and it stimulates you – then you will never be disappointed. Have endless patience and then some more.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Best advice I have had after self publishing and approaching publishers is to research them very carefully. Don’t take any offer just because you have one. It can be costly getting the rights back to your when it doesn’t go well.
What are you reading now?
Jonas Jonasson. The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing and research for my Azalea series but I want to add other types of book and write as one off’s.
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?
One Agatha Raisin, one Jeffrey Archer, a historical none fiction book about The Stuarts and Mary Stuart’s The Moon Spinners
Author Websites and Profiles
Roberta M Howe’s Social Media Links
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