Interview With Author Sophie Duncan
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was boen in Dublin and raised in London and am now in Oxford but spent 22 years renovating a medieval castle in southern France, in a very rural area south of Carcassonne. There I met francophiles from all over the world, learned about building and property and bred Standard poodles. I have always loved to write fragments but inspiration for a book came when we were featured on a television programme and I met others all over France doing the same thing as us. Rescuing old buildings.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Beyond Paris. It is inspired by an opportunity for travel around France and meet others who had moved to France with the intention of renovating a castle. It was fascinating to see their different methods, inspirations and the distinct parts of France they had chosen.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write notes all day long and try to make time first thing in the morning, early about 6pm for proper writing. Going a way for a couple of weeks for dedicated writing time is also helpful.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I adore Aldous Huxley, Kahil Gibrahan, George Orwell and Bill Bryson and Thomas hardy.
What are you working on now?
I am writing on the book I intend to write when the one I actually wrote came out. It is a more in-depth study of the chateaunauts rather than a look and France and its regions.
I also have some humour I am working on.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Up until now I am relying entirely on word of mouth and organic Face Book posts.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make time in the morning and remember that even when you are not writing you are gestating.
Practise finishing short things.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be fooled by intentions.
What are you reading now?
Several history books about Oxford where I am a guide and have a tour company.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep on finding the time to have a proper sit down with my ideas.
I am currently backing up, printing out and organising my notes.
I would like to transcribe diaries from travels when I was a teenager and in my twenties when I travelled around the world.
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?
Shorter English dictionary
Thesaurus
Jude the Obscure
Tom Jones
Author Websites and Profiles
Sophie Duncan’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.