Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for many years now, across a range of genres – everything from children’s poetry to science fiction. However, I now focus on one genre – erotica. Whilst not everyone’s cup-of-tea, it is a (privately) popular and ever-growing genre.
To date, I have one novella and two shorts published, although I also have a number of other projects in the pipeline.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Kat Amongst the Pigeons.
Katherine Quinn arose from a sparring session with a fellow writer. We agreed to attempt a genre that was new for us – namely, erotica. She went on to finish her novella, become very successful and has now got 25+ books under her belt. I quit after 12,500 words as it was travelling int a humorous and more graphic direction than regular romance/erotica.
Several years later, I ‘found’ my style and the book fell into place. I wrote 30K words in a month and ‘Kat’ was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Haha – If people could only see me when I write.
I nearly always wear a fedora (my work clothes) and usually listen to ambient sounds like rainfall, forest, cats purring – things like that.
One of my cats likes to sit on the low shelf at my desk and watch me write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
A range of sci-fi and fantasy books, but in my specific genre – I have to say I am only here because of Emmanuelle de Maupassant – both her words of encouragement and her writing.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on Kat Amongst the Pigeons (Book 2). It’s (obviously) the continuation of the first Katherine Quinn novella.
I owe it to Kat to complete her first adventure.
I am also finishing off the third in my BBW ‘Dawn and Dirty’ short stories series and adapting an older, part-written novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
as a relatively new author, I’m still working out the best options for me. however, I find Twitter and Facebook to be the best to date.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I always give the same advice and it upsets other writers:
The most important skill you need to learn is to be able to honestly assess your text for what it is. If it is good, then it is good. If it is dire, you need to understand that as soon as possible.
Just because you spent five years on your own personal ‘magnum opus’, and poured your heart and soul into it doesn’t make it any good.
The sooner you can see that, the better you will become.
Writers write – publishers reject manuscripts for a reason. You expect them to trust your ability in your craft, you should do likewise for them.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s not what you know. It’s not WHO you know… It’s what YOU know about who you know – haha!
What are you reading now?
Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett (yet again)
What’s next for you as a writer?
Change the beds, grab a cup of coffee and feed the cats.
But in the literary world – I have a TV series that I need to get finished…
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 Complete Sherlock Holmes
The Annotated Alice (a wonderful reference book about the Wonderland/Looking-glass books)
Healer – F. Paul Wilson
Author Websites and Profiles
Tom Marlowe Website
Tom Marlowe Amazon Profile
Tom Marlowe’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account