Q: When did you realize you were first interested in writing?
I’ve always loved writing since I was a kid. I used to be scribbling stories down all the time. But when I left school I was too busy trying to get a job, we didn’t have any guidance about pursuing writing as an actual career. And then later, I was too busy trying to pay the mortgage to actually have the time and opportunity to pursue writing as a career. But a few years ago I moved from the UK to North Cyprus, and that’s when I finally had the chance to seriously devote to my passion.
Q: How would you describe your first novel, Fourteen Days Later, in 20 words or less?
A fun-packed romantic comedy that proves anything is possible if you take a chance.
Q: I read that your second novel, The Fashion Police, is the first in a series with the character Amber Fox. When you first thought of the idea for The Fashion Police, did you know right away you wanted it to be a series?
Yes, I wanted to write a comedy mystery series so that readers can get invested in the characters and see how they grow with each novel.
Q: What was the most difficult part of the writing process for you?
Plotting. I hate it! Give me a character to make up or dialogue to write and I’m loving it, but plotting is my pet hate. Unfortunately it’s a necessary evil. No plot means no story.
Q: What are you currently reading?
Take the Monkeys and Run – a cozy mystery by Karen Cantwell.
Q: What are your thoughts on e-books? How about self-publishing for writers?
It’s funny, because if someone had said thirty years ago that people would be reading their books on a little hand held computer that could hold thousands of books, they would have carted you off to the funny farm! But I think e-books are the future of publishing. They are hugely popular in the US now and they’ve change how people read. Alot of owners of e-readers say they read more than ever now because of the ease and availability of it.
The e-book revolution has really enabled some fantastic writers to indie publish, whereas with traditional publishing they wouldn’t have had a chance. There are some indie authors out there becoming very successful – look at JA Konrath and Amanda Hocking, for example. But with traditional publishing, a book could be fantastically written, have a great plot and characters, but wouldn’t be accepted by a major publisher unless it was going to be a bestseller. And that’s been compounded by the current global recession. So self-publishing gives authors that chance to get their work out there, and readers now have more choice than ever. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Q: You are not only a writer, but a fitness trainer, massage therapist, and you freelance write on health and fitness. First off, where do you find the time for it all?
That’s the hard bit. I wish there was more time in the day. Especially now with the expanse of social media as well - Facebook, Twitter, blogs – it’s hard cramming everything in. Really you should try and avoid spreading yourself too thin and concentrate on good quality blogging and writing rather than quantity.
Q: Why is health and fitness so important to you?
I suffer from fybromyalgia, so for me exercise is essential to keep the condition under some sort of control and help with the pain.
Q: What would be your best advice for aspiring writers?
Keep writing! Being a writer isn’t easy, but with the growing e-book industry, it’s now much easier for new writers. Querying traditional agents and publishers takes up a lot of time, and you have to be prepared for a lot of rejections – even JK Rowling received rejections in her time – so you need to have a thick skin. When you think you’re work is ready for the public, I would recommend getting it critiqued by other authors or literary consultants so it’s in tip-top shape. And don’t forget to read. Being an author is as much about reading as it is about writing.
Q: Where would be your dream vacation?
Ooh, that’s a hard one! At the moment, I’d love a relxing beach holiday somewhere in the carribean. But I’d love to go and travel round Australia one day. Maybe if I ever hit the bestseller list!
