Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I like to spice myHistorical Mystery Thriller novels with some humor and irony as I believe this makes my heroine Nicolina Fabiani and her partner in crime David Baron more interesting and believable.
I also have a downright Satirical Crime novel which pokes fun at the very dangerous Eastern European Gangs who have based themselves in London.
I have also crossed genres in the 6 novels I have published to date.
The Magdalene Conspiracy – Historical Mystery Thriller
The Immortal Madonna – Historical Mystery Thriller
Both are a part of the Nicolina Fabiani series
An Obsessive Love – Psychological Romance
From Serbia With Love – Satirical Crime
Her Soul In Peril – a Metaphysical Fantasy about Past Lives
Blood Diamonds Conspiracy – a romantic thriller
The excerpts for these novels can be read on my website www.yvonnecrowe.com
I enjoy every minute of my writing and am passionate about the intensive research I put into each book,as I believe this phase is equally as important as writing it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published novel is THE IMMORTAL MADONNA and this was inspired by the success of my first novel The Magdalene Conspiracy; and also the discovery 14 years ago of the amazing Archaeological Site Gobekli Tepe in Turkey. This has turned mankind’s history upside down with the discovery of what is believed to be the World’s first Temple created 16,000 years ago and proving that the prehistoric Mesopatamian civilization was organized and more advanced than we realized.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not tend to write an outline of a book once an idea pushes its way to the front of my brain where it has been lurking for a while. I find my novels tend to morph as I write them and I prefer to retain a lot of flexibility in developing my story and characters. I sometimes find myself writing the end of the book after a few chapters. The synopsis for the novel I am writing now changed completely within a few weeks of beginning work on it. This in turn changed the slant of my new book and I think it is important to go with the flow and not become too dogmatic about the direction it will take. All becomes clear about one third of the way into the work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many it is difficult to list them as I am a voracious reader across two of the most popular genres, so the choice is astronomical. Here are a few
Daniel Silva
Dan Brown
Kate Moss
Steve Berry
Roger K Ellory
Reggie Nadelson
Khalid Hosseini
Edward Rutherford
Martin Cruz Smith
I could go on and on……but won’t.
What are you working on now?
I am now working on the third book in the Nicolina Fabiani series entitled Hitler’s Dark Shadow.
This book takes Nicolina and David Baron on the quest for David’s Jewish family’s fortune which was confiscated by the Nazis during WWII.
The story encompasses the Nazis’ interest in German Mysticism and particularly the ideology of The Black Sun and the search for The Holy Grail.
An excerpt from this book is available at the end of THE IMMORTAL MADONNA and also on my website www.yvonnecrowe.com
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Through trial and error, I have found it important to use the cross promotional concept to post my books on websites that have raised my profile and make my writing financially rewarding. Needless to say the Awesome Gang has been instrumental here.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write with a passion. Research your subject well. Write, write, write. Proof, proof, proof, edit, edit, edit. Polish your manuscript to a bright shining jewel.
Believe in yourself. Use a good editing tool. Proof and edit your book thoroughly before you release it. If you engage the services of a Digital Publisher who contracts to do this for you, check thoroughly they have done so before your book is published. This is your baby, you created this…..make sure no stone is left unturned in presenting it as perfectly as possible. Think of it as a baby at its christening, polished to perfection for all the world to see.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One very important piece of advice I was given at the outset was NOT TO READ THE REVIEWS ON MY BOOK. If you are seen to be even moderately successful you will attract negative reviews. Apparently from fans who feel you threaten their icon; as well as the trolls who surf the net trying to ruin author’s reputations.
What are you reading now?
Baghdad Central by Elliott Colla, a novel about a policeman in Iraq pre and post Invasion. It is excellent.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue to produce the Nicolina Fabiani series to a point where I will only write a sequel if I believe I can keep it fresh and interesting. I have become bored with many series written by best selling authors after the 4th or 5th sequel.
I am also writing a novel about a Muslim family who emigrated to New Zealand from Iraq after the invasion.. They are Palestians whose ancestors were driven out of their homeland Palestine, where they had lived for so long they cannot even begin to place their origins. History has repeated itself yet they are the kindest, openhearted and courageous people it has been my privilege to meet and I count them as close friends. I am passionate about Palestine and her peoples and believe the should be granted Statehood.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 months ago and decided against surgery, and chemotherapy and have survived. The tumor has now shrunk from 4 cm to where it cannot be felt. I will be writing a book about this journey in diary form as I want other victims of cancer to have choices other than medical intervention.
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?
And The Mountains Echoed
A Quiet Belief in Angels
Sarum/Russka
Gorky Park.
Author Websites and Profiles
YVONNE CROWE Website
YVONNE CROWE Amazon Profile
YVONNE CROWE’s Social Media Links