When you are getting ready to start a new book, what’s the
first thing you do?
I get myself a cup of tea, lock myself in a dark room, put
my iPod in my ears and drift off into another world.
If you could have dinner, coffee, or drinks with a fictional
character, who would you choose and where would you go?
That would have to be Dracula. I know, I know, it’s probably
an obvious choice. But I have loved this story from being a kid. I would have
to take him somewhere rather quiet, so maybe a little restaurant out in the
sticks. After all, I wouldn’t want anyone to notice that his wine glass may
actually be filled with blood.
Do you usually begin a book with a character or a plot?
It depends. With the Bloodlines Trilogy, it began with the
plot and the characters kinda developed along the way. Whereas with Leticia, it
was actually the location that sparked my idea for a character, and then the
storyline followed.
Do you have any hobbies or special interests you’d care to
share?
I love visiting old buildings and photographing them. I’ve
invested in a profession DSLR camera and kit. Photography has always been an
interest of mine, I’ve always had a camera. I love to learn the history behind
certain places and ruins, so it fits together quite well.
I’m also a graphic artist. I love creating. I’ve made quite
a lot of book covers for authors, and myself. But I also create images just for
fun.
Who would play your hero/heroine in the tv or film version
of your book?
Now that is a good question. I really like Rachel Weis. She
played Evie in The Mummy, and Angie in Constantine. But I think she may be a
little old to carry Keira off.
To be honest, I wouldn’t really want a well known actress. I
was given a chance to put my work out there. Someone believed in me enough to
give me a chance. I would also like to give an aspiring actress the chance to
get herself out there. That would be really special I think. As long as she was
dark, not really skinny and could play my rather snarky, but loyal heroine, I’d
be happy.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
I guess you hear this all the time. But don’t give up.
Believe in yourself, perfect your craft. Don’t be afraid of asking for help if
you need it. You can do anything you put your mind too.
I would also say, make sure you research the publisher you
are thinking of approaching before you send your letter to them. There are some
very bad people out there, sadly. Make sure you don’t suffer at their hands.
Google will always list these people.
What jobs have you had on your way to becoming a writer?
I was an office junior in an Architects firm.
Then I was an internet advisor.
Then a debt collector.
And then I worked for a Retail Estate Agency, where I did so
many different jobs. I dealt with new contracts, photos, marketing etc.
Now I work for myself, I’m an Avon Rep (I really don’t like
it, lol). I make jewellery, and I work as a freelance graphic artist. I work
with my own publisher from time to time, and I’m on call as an illustrator with
a UK based publisher too.
Did you have any interesting experiences when you were
researching your book, or getting it published?
Yes. I can’t say too much. But I was originally with a UK
based publisher who took me for a lot of money. Thousands. I was a complete
novice, I had no idea what I was doing and I openly admit I didn’t do any
research on the company before hand.
The publisher I am with now, saved my career. Saved me. I
was absolutely distraught and really thought “I’d just found my dream job. This
is the only things I’ve ever truly loved doing, and I’m losing it.”
I approached Karen, World Castle Publications, and like I
said, she took me on and saved me. I will be eternally grateful for that. She
is a great woman, and I am now part of a wonderful publishing family. I
wouldn’t swap them for the world.
Who are your favorite authors? What authors have influenced
your book?
My Favourite author always has, and always will be Richie
Tankersley Cusick. I loved her point horror novels when I was in my teens. I
think Carolyn Crane has a fantastic mind and writing style too. I’m proud to
have her books sitting on my shelf. Bram Stoker was an amazing writer. Dracula
is my all time favourite….everything. Book, movie, myth. I’m just in love with
it all.
Where does the magic happen? Where do you write?
I write everywhere. In my room, the living room, the car,
you name it, I can write there. I’m lucky enough to have a notebook small
enough to fit in my bag, and a Window phone, so I have Microsoft Word with me
everywhere I go.
What's in the works for you?
I currently have six project on the go. Some are in very
early stages. I’m currently spending most of my time on Betrayal, which is the
second part to the Leticia story, and a secret adult book I’m writing. It falls
within the Urban Fantasy/Mystery/Crime genres. I’m really having some fun with
this one.
I’m also having the audio version of Bloodlines released
soon. That is very exciting.
