Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write contemporary romantic fiction about women, their families and men they can’t live without. I try to create worlds I like to live in; quirky and bohemian, filled with artists and musicians striving to express themselves.
I grew up in London, surrounded by poets, film-makers and political activists. I have worked as an actress, musician, singer, and was a journalist for many years, contributing articles to the BBC, Channel 4, Euronews TV and writing for publications including The Guardian, The Times, and the FT. Born in the UK, I have lived in France and Belgium, and worked in Germany, Holland and Greece. I have travelled widely in Europe, Russia, the US and Africa.
I relishes the absurd – there’s nothing better than hearing someone crack up at a joke I wrote. In fact I think some of the funniest and most endearing characters I’ve written are in fact animals; dogs, cats, horses, a donkey and even a parrot.
I have written I Married a Pirate (published in paperback by Myrmidon), Living with Spies, In the Doghouse, and On Golden Sand.
As an avid reader in French and in English, I was thrilled to be asked to translate the new Angelique books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wrote On Golden Sand because I wanted to go to Cornwall but couldn’t because of travel restrictions. I built the plot around the idea that a long-lost husband could wash up on the beach, and put the donkey in because my friend Lena asked me to. (She loves donkeys.) I invented the artists for fun!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I write with a cat on my lap and one eye on the weather outside, because if the rain stops I’ll dash off to the airfield and fly a plane.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nancy Mitford, Stella Gibbons, Georgette Heyer
What are you working on now?
A sequel to In the Doghouse, because several people have asked for one. It might even turn into a series!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve only just begun promoting them, so I don’t know. In the past I just wrote them for fun. But now I’m really trying to sell them properly.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take no notice.
What are you reading now?
West with the Night by Beryl Markham
What’s next for you as a writer?
Plotting a book about a French chef and a cowgirl.
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?
The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Author Websites and Profiles
Samantha David Website
Samantha David Amazon Profile
Samantha David’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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