Showing posts with label Queen of Afternoon Tea Celebrity Author Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Queen of Afternoon Tea Celebrity Author Interview. Show all posts

Monday, March 25, 2013

"QUEEN OF AFTERNOON TEA" CELEBRITY AUTHOR INTERVIEW

"KING OF THE WEEK"
CELEBRITY AUTHOR
BOB DOERR
 









Welcome! Let me pour you a cup of Earl Grey tea and we'll get started. Please help yourself to a ham sandwich and a current scone with Devonshire cream and strawberry jam. For dessert, we have plum cake!

Where do you live? Tell us a little bit about yourself.     
 Hi, nice to be here. I live in Garden Ridge, TX, with my wife of 39 years. Before becoming a full time author, I spent nearly thirty years in the Air Force and retired at the rank of Colonel. I then worked for eight years with a financial planning company. For the past five years, I’ve focused on my writing.
Are you a traditionally published or Indie author?
 I guess you’d say I’m a traditionally published author, but my publisher is a small independent publisher.  Maybe that makes me a blend of the two.

What are your hobbies?
Other than writing which used to be a hobby and now is my profession, I like to play golf and to travel.  Golf may best be described as an aggravating addiction, if I could ever get good at it, maybe I would call it something else.  I’ve been fortunate to have visited a lot of different countries during my life, and I still have that desire in me to get up and go somewhere now and then.

Tell us about your current book. What was your inspiration?  
My current book is an international thriller with my protagonist on the trail of an international terrorist.   My inspiration was to write something different than my mystery series – which I still enjoy writing and will get back to writing soon.

How did you become a writer? When did you start?  
I started writing and telling stories when I was much younger than I am now.  I wrote short stories for fun and short stories for each of my children when they got old enough to read.   I always wanted to write longer stories but knew I needed to get to a point in my life where I could afford not to work.  With my background with AFOSI when I was in the Air Force, writing crime fiction and thrillers came as a natural fit.

How long did it take you to finish your first book?  
Tough to answer because I dabbled with my first book for years.  I didn’t have a deadline so it sat around a lot.  Once, I did decide it was time to dedicate myself to writing, my first novel was pretty much done.  Since then, it has taken me about nine months to write each whole novel.

Where do you like to write?
Away from my house.  Usually at a coffee shop or café where I can dedicate myself to an hour of two without interruption.

Favorite author(s)?
 I have several to include John D McDonald, Rex Stout, Dick Francis, Agatha Christie – as you can see, I’m pretty old school.

How many books have you written, so far? Do you plan to write more?
My sixth book will be released by my publisher in Apr/May 2013.  Five are mystery/thrillers in my Jim West series and the one soon to be released is a fantasy title The Enchanted Coin targeting middle grade readers that I authored with the assistance of my granddaughter. I’m working on the seventh, the aforementioned thriller which hopefully will be out at the end of the year.

Would you like to share a link where we can purchase your books?  
All my books are available through Amazon, several other online book stores, and at some actual brick and mortar stores, too. The books come in both paper and online formats.

What about a link to your website?  
My web page is www.bobdoerr.com , where your readers can learn more about me and my books.  
Thanks a lot for this opportunity to share some time with you and your readers!

It was my pleasure! Best success to you in your writing.

Award winning author Bob Doerr grew up in a military family, graduated from the Air Force Academy, and had a career of his own in the Air Force.  Bob specialized in criminal investigations and counterintelligence gaining significant insight to the worlds of crime, espionage and terrorism. His work brought him into close coordination with the security agencies of many different countries and filled his mind with the fascinating plots and characters found in his books today. His education credits include a Masters in International Relations from Creighton University.  A full time author, he has published five mystery/thrillers, the latest, No One Else to Kill, was released in December 2012. Two of his books were selected as finalists for the Eric Hoffer Award, and Loose Ends Kill was awarded the 2011 Silver medal for Fiction/mystery by the Military Writers Society of America. Another Colorado Kill received the same Silver medal in 2012, and the silver medal for general fiction at the Branson Stars and Flags national book contest in 2012.  He lives in Garden Ridge, Texas, with Leigh, his wife of 39 years.








Monday, March 18, 2013

QUEEN OF AFTERNOON TEA CELEBRITY AUTHOR INTERVIEW

"QUEEN OF THE WEEK"
CELEBRITY AUTHOR
 DIANE MCCLOSKEY



Welcome! let me pour you a cup of Lemon Lift tea and we'll get started. Please help yourself to sandwiches and scones. I made your Yoghurt Pie for dessert!


Thank you! And thanks so much for having me!

Where do you live? Tell us a little bit about yourself.

 I currently live in Killeen, Texas, about an hour north of Austin, with my husband, Jim, and our two dogs, Shadow and Moe. We moved to Texas after a house fire in New Jersey, to be closer to our daughter and four grandkids, who live about five minutes away. We also have lived in Florida, New Jersey and New York, where I was born and raised. We have three sons, all married; one in Florida, one in New Jersey, and one in California! (Lends itself well to traveling!)

Are you a traditionally published or Indie author? 

My only published work, Through Jenny’s Eyes, was picked up by BluewaterPress, LLC, after my having sent out queries to only 12 publishing houses! The proposed acceptance of my manuscript and subsequent contract were a great validation of my work, and I found the whole cycle quite exhilarating and totally rewarding.

What are your hobbies? 

Besides writing, I have dabbled in both oil painting and photography, and I love gardening, “The Great Outdoors”…things like that.

Tell us about your current book. What was your inspiration? 

My inspiration for the book actually was a random act, and had neither anything to do with the book nor any intent on my part to write a book. It was my being “held hostage” in my car by a fierce thunderstorm while waiting for my mom to come out of Church. If you’ve ever lived in Florida, you know that the storms can be quite ferocious, and this one was no exception. So I sat in the car and began writing on this little piece of paper about the storm…how forceful it was, the feeling of gloom and doom it brought with it…and then I just thought about who those feelings belonged to, and it was Jenny, as an adult, having to confront something painful in her life…thus began the book.

How did you become a writer? When did you start? 

I wouldn’t say I became a writer…I believe I was born a writer. I wrote a poem in Kindergarten, that I recall about 90% of to this day. I think it was a combination of my having deep feelings about things, and being a perfectionist that made writing come so easily to me…I wanted to express what I was feeling and not have it be misunderstood. With writing, you can get it exactly how you want it.

How long did it take you to finish your first book? 

That’s a hard question to answer because I’m not sure when I started it or when I finished it. It was also in the midst of caring for aging parents and raising four children, as well as working on a book about my dad.

Where do you like to write? 

Wherever I am when something needs to be written. Like I said, Through Jenny’s Eyes began in a parked car. I have, most recently, revamped my desk area to create a centralized location for all of my writing tools and the like, but I am essentially a rule-breaker, and I seek a sense of freedom to write wherever. I am not a disciplined write-at-a-certain-time, write-in-a-certain place kind of gal.

Favorite author(s)? 

Myself, of course, and then it’s more a matter of favorite books, not favorite authors. Claude Brown (Manchild in The Promised Land) because of its raw truths, Fynn (Mister God, This is Anna) because of the unique relationship and this unique child, J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings Triology and The Hobbit) because of the author’s ability to make it all so believable, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (The Little Prince) because of its lessons in simplicity….

How many books have you written, so far? Do you plan to write more? 

I was just taking a tally the other day, and between books and short stories and a poetry collection, I currently have twenty projects, some done, some in-progress. As for planning to write more, that’s a given, it’s what I do.

Would you like to share a link where we can purchase your books? 

My book is available for purchase on Amazon.com as both a softcover and an e-book for Kindle, or at the publisher’s website at www.bluewaterpress.com/jenny


What about a link to your website? 


Diane, it was such a pleasure to have you join us. Thank you, and the best success is wished for your writing endeavors. Here's Diane Mckloskey's recipe.


Yoghurt Pie

It’s extremely simple to make, and utterly delicious!

Two containers of yoghurt, any flavor (can be the same or different, doesn’t matter)
A graham cracker crust
One 8 oz. tub of Cool Whip
Mix the two yoghurts with the Cool Whip, and scoop into the graham cracker crust.
Freeze overnight with the cover on.
Remove from freezer at least 5 minutes before attempting to cut.
Run knife under hot water if need be; cut and serve!
Mmm, mmm, good!




Friday, January 4, 2013

Enjoy Your Weekend!









And why not cozy up with a brand new book? I would recommend "Murder in Half Moon Bay" first book in The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series. They're fast affordable reads and will take you away to beautiful resorts, afternoon tea, and solving mysteries, along with Jillian's adorable Yorkie, Teddy. Available on amazon.com and barnsandnoble.com. To order, click the link to the right. Thanks! See you on Monday with a brand new "Queen of Afternoon Tea Interview" to start off the new year.

~Nancy Jill

Thursday, August 30, 2012

TODAY - HERE WE COME!

Love the Dove wrapper quote that says, "Forget the rules and play by your heart." Sure, we can get criticized for following our dreams - but what should that tell us? Most of the critics wished they had our drive to go after their goals. From the past two years of being an author I've learned many important lessons. But the most important one is to follow my heart.

A few years ago my husband shared a truth that has made a huge difference in my attitude. He said, "No one else can make you happy." Living by this principal each day has made the difference between my being negative (blaming my failure on someone else) or being positive (if it is to be, it's up to me!). The feeling from taking responsibility for my own success is liberating!

Matt Patterson is "King of the Week" on "Queen of Afternoon Tea" Celebrity Author Interviews this week. Here is a man who faced adversity but used his situation to help others living through the same nightmare. I hope you'll read the article, make a comment and if you haven't followed already, take this opportunity to sign up by e-mail. Matt is giving away a copy of his book "My Emily" to a lucky commenter/new follower.

Have a wonderful day, dear friends!

~Nancy Jill

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

You Still Have a Chance to Win! COFFEE TABLE BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Enter to Win!


Rosemary Adkins is "Queen of the Week"on "Queen of Afternoon Tea" Celebrity Author Interviews this week and is giving away a copy of her beautiful book.

To win a free copy of "Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler" all you have to do is:

- visit "Queen of Afternoon Tea"
- leave a comment about the interview
- follow Queen of Afternoon Tea
- leave your e-mail address so we can notify you if you are the winner.

That's it! Winner will be notified right here and on "Queen of Afternoon Tea" Monday, August 20, 2012.  Good luck! Have a lovely weekend, dear friends!

~Nancy Jill 

Monday, June 18, 2012

QUEEN OF AFTERNOON TEA CELEBRITY AUTHOR INTERVIEW


"QUEEN OF THE WEEK"
CELEBRITY AUTHOR 
SHARON LEAF
 
COME JOIN US FOR SOME PEANUT BUTTER PIE AND A CUP OF TEA!

                                                                     

Monday, June 4, 2012

"QUEEN OF AFTERNOON TEA" CELEBRITY AUTHOR INTERVIEW

"QUEEN OF THE WEEK"
CELEBRITY AUTHOR                                    
JENNIFER STEEN 


 

Welcome! Let me pour you a cup of peppermint tea; I heard it was your favorite. By the way, I've included your recipe at the end of the interview. Please help yourself to a roast beef and  brie sandwich. We also have a black raspberry torte for dessert.

Where do you live? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hey there! I live in Leander, Texas with my family. I’m a mother of three beautiful kiddies. I have two boys and a girl (7, 5, and 3). I love to write (obviously) and I played the marimba and occasionally paint. I also teach the children music at my church. My favorite things to do usually involve do things outdoors in beautiful places, and spending time with my kids. I’m also extremely addicted to writing. I basically write for work AND pleasure. I’m also pursuing an English/Creative Writing degree from Southern New Hampshire University. I’m a Navy veteran, and served for six years between 2000 and 2006. I’ve traveled to many different states, and have been overseas. I decided to stay home with my kiddies while they were young (military life was super hard for my oldest when he was a baby so I wanted to slow things down a bit). Now, I’m gradually getting back into the real world since they are getting closer to school age. I feel like I’ve lived two totally different lives. I understand the working world and the stay at home mother world pretty well. I enjoy writing for women, teens, and I also like to write stories for a general audience. I do fiction as well as theater and I have a goal to add screen plays to my list of accomplishments at some point. I’ll have the opportunity to learn screen play format sometime during my degree program.

Are you a traditionally published or Indie author?
Well, I’m published through Twenty or Less Press and Books to Go Now. I do not represent myself, but those publishers are small, and they are considered Indie Publishers simply because of their size. Each one seems to be specializing in a certain chunk of the e-book market. I highly recommend them for any author who doesn’t have a lot of capital to invest in their own writing, but who would still like to get something out there. They do short stories and novellas mainly, and will do editing, promotion, and cover art at no extra cost—they just take a percentage of your royalties like any typical publisher.

What are your hobbies? 
I play Marimba (it’s like a pretty sounding xylophone), I sketch and paint, and I take pictures to put on my walls. I’ve always enjoyed music, but the other hobbies I picked up in order to make my home look nice while still living on a budget. We are poor college students, but I personally like to feel like I have money, even if I don’t. J Having my own paintings (water color/acrylic) and my own photography up makes me feel a lot of things, mainly artsy, brave, and pampered. All good things.

Tell us about your current book. What was your inspiration?
Well, the two books I have for sale currently are “Rain Plays Barefoot” and “A Little Push”. “Rain Plays Barefoot” was inspired by life as the only girl percussionist in my Middle School. It may seem sort of backward, but in some schools there used to be some unspoken rules about which instruments girls were supposed to play and which instruments boys were supposed to play. I wanted to play the drums, and, I was pretty good. This sort of meant that I was changing things for people, like their mindsets, but really…I just wanted to do, what I wanted to do. There were quite a few awkward moments, breaking into a world of boys that had hither to been closed, and so I thought that some of those memories would be entertaining to people. And of course…there’s a crush and all of that. I’ve jumbled things up rather nicely, and I will never admit which of the parts of that escapade are true or untrue ;-).

“A Little Push” is based on an epiphany I had one afternoon while riding a tandem bike with my oldest son. We always try to save money, and it had been a particularly annoying day, and we were riding up hill, and I had a backpack. I had a lot of worries on my mind, and then I realized that William was helping me get up the hill. Without even realizing it he was there pulling his weight. So, even though most of the events in the story are fictional, the epiphany was true to life, and represents a very special life lesson to me. I hope everyone can use it as inspiration in their own lives, no matter what sort of struggle they are going through.

How did you become a writer? When did you start?
I started writing when I was about 13 years old. My first novel ended up being a copy of Star Wars…only with different names. Yes, it was just bad! J But, everyone has to start somewhere, and nearly everyone (especially children) emulates stories they love when they first start to write. One of the reasons I joined the Navy was because I knew, even at eighteen, that I wanted to be a writer, but I also knew that I didn’t have enough life experience to write compelling stories. I want to go out and explore and live life, and then I’d be able to take those experiences and process them for years afterward. This is very true, but now I understand that the best thing to do is write WHILE you’re living your life. So, it is good to go out and experience things to get inspiration, but you don’t need to wait for grand things to happen to you. You can find inspiration everywhere you are. You just have to have the right sort of eyes to see the stories there.

How long did it take you to finish your first book?
Well, it was only a short story. I wrote it in its first form in just a day or so. Then I let it sit on my Storywrite account for a few years. One day, I randomly decided that “this is the day, this is when I WILL get published!” So I searched through my files for something that I thought might tempt a publisher. “Rain Plays Barefoot” was the first one. First, I thought that Rain was a very compelling character. She just sort of jumps out at you from the page. You grow empathy for her almost immediately, and she’s very unique. Also, I liked that within the limited world of Middle School drama, she was doing a very brave thing. She was like a hero in miniature—if you look at Middle School as being a microcosm of the world at large—and that really appealed to me. So, I sent it into Books to Go Now, and in two weeks they sent me the acceptance letter. Actually, I had also sent in “A Little Push” out to a different publisher just two days after I sent RPB and I got both acceptances back on the same day. It was my birthday last year. Like seriously, that day was the luckiest day ever. I’ll never forget it.
I also recently got “Black Friday” accepted by Books to Go Now. It will most likely come out sometime near the Black Friday holiday. It’s something different than what I’ve done before. It’s a little dark actually. It’s a thriller, involves a serial killer, but it also has those little rays of light which I love. It is extremely dark—for me—but it does comment about our society as a whole. I sort of discovered something just as a person by writing it, and I hope that the readers discover something too. I just wanted it to be a little something more than just another gory slasher story. But admittedly, it does delve into murder, why it happens, how that person’s mind works. If you enjoy human psychology, then it certainly would be a good book for you.

Where do you like to write?
I write everywhere. At my house, at the library, in the car, and I’m actually building my own writing room in my garage. I also just love using pen and paper, and I have favorite haunts out by the lake, or on certain hiking trails. I also do people watching at the mall or I’ll even park at random gas stations and write about people as they fill up their cars. Yeah I know, I’m such a stalker! People probably think I’m weird, but I try not to be too obvious when I do it. Like I give myself one or two glances, and then I have to write whatever comes to my mind about them. That’s a brilliant way to find stories, or find characters by the way.

Favorite author(s)?
I read in a lot of different genres. Here we go:

Science Fiction/Fantasy: Anne McCaffery, Andre Norton, Orson Scott Card, Tolkein, JK Rowling, Frank Herbert

Classic Authors: Jane Austin, Elizabeth Gaskell, Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, the Bronte Sisters, John Steinbeck

Screen Writers: Felicia Day, Andrew Davies, Tim Burton

Playwrights: Christopher Durang, Marsha Norman, Arthur Miller, Neil Simon (some of his plays are awesome, some are boring).

How many books have you written, so far? Do you plan to write more?
I have two short stories published, and I have hundreds of short stories written. I have one Novel written, and thousands of story ideas. I am picky with what I will send out to publishers, but I hope to start a system to get more of my stories out to the public.

Would you like to share a link where we can purchase your books?

Sure. "RAIN PLAYS BAREFOOT"   For Kindle:

What about a link to your website?

One awesome review I’ve received:

Five Stars from Kiki and Jules Reviews: As I have said before, Jennifer Steen is the short story goddess!! She once again pulls you into the life of her main character. You quickly become invested in the small twists and turns in the peek she gives you. This time Steen takes us back to middle school and what it was like to have that first crush. I was so taken back, and loved every minute of it.


Rain is not your typical tween. Not that she is weird, but she's not really on the same page as her fellow classmates. As her best friend, Jacey, and the other girls her age primp and poof themselves in hopes to catch some young man's attention, Rain would rather skip it all and just hang with the boys. She feels very comfortable in her own skin and feels no need to primp for attention. Not that she doesn't care what others think, but feels she has to do what she is most comfortable with. Most of the time that's on the basketball court with James or in band on the drum line with the rest of the guys. But there is a point where all Jacey's talk of boys and her current pubescent emotions get the best of her and she develops her first crush. Rain ends up conflicted and changing her ways to fit the ideals of a boy.


I refuse to tell any more of this delightful short story and encourage you to read. I will say I love, love the ending. It is perfect and sends the message I would want my child to see. Always stay true to yourself. If people don't love you just the way you are, then they aren't the people for you!!”

Jenny, thank you so much for the interview today. It has been a pleasure. I wish you all the best in your writing endeavors, my friend. And for you readers, Jenny has shared her recipe for peppermint tea. Enjoy!
My favorite kind of tea is peppermint. I love love this, and you can make it for a healthy Christmas substitute for hot chocolate.

Peppermint Tea

1 tbsp of peppermint leaves per cup of water. (Can get the fresh leaves they sell with rosemary and oregano at the grocery store)
Boil on stove until tasty
Poor in mugs, and add non-dairy creamer and a candy cane (if desired).
Also you can chuck the candy and creamer and it aids an upset stomach.
<--herbal hobbyist






Monday, April 23, 2012

"QUEEN OF AFTERNOON TEA" CELEBRITY AUTHOR INTERVIEW

"KING OF THE WEEK"
CELEBRITY AUTHOR
TOM BLUBAUGH
        






Welcome! 

 Let me pour you some lavender tea and we'll get started. We have Boston cream pie for dessert today. I made it this morning.

Where do you live? Tell us a little bit about yourself.

TOM: I live in southwest Missouri about an hour north of Branson. I say this because it seems most people, or at least a lot, know where Branson is. I was raised in a small town in southeast KS. I began writing poetry at age fourteen. I have written nonfiction most of my adult life. I self-published my first book Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry in 1974.  I wrote articles for denominational and business magazines  from 1975 through 1995. Then I co-wrote The Great Adventure for Barbour Publishing Co. in 2009. Bound by Faith Publishers published my first fiction Night of the Cossack in April, 2011. I’m married to Barbara. We have six children and fourteen grandchildren. Both of us are now retired. I have been a public speaker for 40 years. I was a self-employed entrepreneur  from1973 to 1995 and retired in 2004. I devote most of my time to writing and volunteer work.

Are you a traditionally published or Indie author?

TOM: Both.  It really doesn’t matter much at this time as the author is the marketer.
                                         
What are your hobbies?

TOM: I enjoy reading and photography. Sometimes cooking.  We have a family brunch once a month and all of our kids in the area usually show up. I do all of the cooking. I have a rule, “you can order your eggs any way you want them, but you have to take them any way you get them.”

Tell us about your current book. What was your inspiration?

TOM: The Night of the Cossack is a historical fiction about my grandfather who was a Cossack soldier in Russia. He died a year before I was born and I know very little about him. Actually, both of my grandfathers died before I was born. It was important to me to have a grandfather.  My novel fills a hole in my life.

How did you become a writer? When did you start?

TOM: I started writing poetry when I was fourteen. The real truth is the fact I was too shy to express my feelings to girls I liked so I wrote poems to them. Later I thought I might be able to turn them into song lyrics for rock and roll singers. This didn’t develop. A classmate who received one of my poems says she still has it in her diary after 57 years.

How long did it take you to finish your first book?

TOM: My first book, Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry was actually two term papers I combined. My first fiction, Night of the Cossack, took five years. It required a lot of researching.

Where do you like to write?

TOM: Anywhere that is quiet and peaceful—on the deck of a Cruise ship is the most enjoyable.

Favorite author(s)?

TOM: Andrew Klavan, Louis L’Amour, Tom Clancy and James Scott Bell.

How many books have you written, so far? Do you plan to write more?

TOM: I have written, co-written and guest written four books at this time.  Yes, I do plan to write more. I’m in the process of a sequel to Night of the Cossack.

Would you like to share a link where we can purchase your books?

TOM: My book, Night of the Cossack, can be purchased on Amazon.com, Barnes & NobleAuthor's Den and a signed copy, with free shipping to an address in the USA, on my website http://nightofthecossack.com.

It's been such a pleasure to get to know you, Tom. I wish you all the success with your sequel!

Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack--Read the first chapter get a signed copy by ordering here. FREE shipping in USA. Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.
ebook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.
Amazon Author page.
Amazon reviews.
ebook for Nook available at Barnes & Noble
Night of the Cossack Facebook author page. Be sure to like my page while you're there please.
Personal Facebook page
Visit My Blog. Be sure to sign up as a follower.
Twitter @tomblubaugh
Author's Den. A great Author/Reader site.  You can join free.  Look me up and be sure to become a fan while you're there.
Check me out on Goodreads.
Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print).










                                                                   
 




Monday, April 16, 2012

"QUEEN OF AFTERNOON TEA" CELEBRITY AUTHOR INTERVIEW

"QUEEN OF THE WEEK"    
 CELEBRITY  AUTHOR 
 TERRY TYLER
Welcome! I’m serving Earl Gray Tea this afternoon so let me pour you a cup and we’ll get started. Please help yourself to a pecan-butter sandwich. Later, we have Lemon posset for dessert. Such a light and lovely pudding! Let’s begin.

Where do you live? Tell us a little bit about yourself.             
I live in the North East of England (Geordie Land, though that won’t mean much to people who live outside the UK!). I’m not from here, though; I moved up here two and a half years ago to live with my husband. We don’t have children or pets, so our lives are mostly very peaceful! What else? I’m 52 but most people think I’m 10 years younger (maybe it’s just because I’m not very mature!), I’ve lived in lots of different places in lots of situations, known loads of people from all over the place – my life has been full, interesting and varied, but I’ve come to a resting place now, and am very happy.

Are you a traditionally published or Indie author? 
My books are on Amazon Kindle – oh, how I would love to be traditionally published! I submitted sample chapters of ‘You Wish’ to a few agents, two of whom asked for the whole manuscript, so I’m on the right track, even though representation remains elusive, alas! I think I might have another go with the novel I’m about to finish. I’d just love to see one of my books as an actual BOOK, not just on a Kindle – how much of a thrill would that be?

What are your hobbies?  
Mostly, I write! But I love to read, too, and my husband and I (oh dear, I sound like the queen!) love sitting in bed having indulgent ‘four film Sundays.’ Ten pillows, that sort of thing! Um, what else? I like growing things (I’ve just been repotting all my herbs!). I like to play backgammon, too, and word games. I love the sea and the countryside and mountains and wonderful scenery – I like taking photos. I wish I could say I did something fascinating like windsurfing, but like most people, my favourite thing is spending time with my family and friends.

Tell us about your current book. What was your inspiration
Can’t say too much about the novel I am currently writing it will give all the twists away! It’s called ‘The Other Side’ and I’ll just say it’s along the theme of how one small decision can completely change your life. For instance, imagine you are invited to a party; you are tired and don’t want to go. But you make the effort, and while there, you meet someone, who becomes a friend, and they introduce you to someone else who offers you this amazing job and you end up travelling all over the world - just because you made the effort to go to a party, even though you would rather have stayed lying on the sofa in front of the telly! It’s a tale of four lives, each one of which can be read as a separate story, though they all have a connection.
My novels are always a balance of observation of human behaviour, humour, and quite fast-paced storylines about modern women in today’s world. They always have twists you can’t guess at – I love putting red herrings in, too! Inspiration? I was first inspired to start writing again by the emergence of social networking. ‘You Wish’ features a Facebook stalker, ‘Nobody’s Fault’ a fake profile…but mostly I’m just inspired by my own life experience and everyone I have ever known.

How did you become a writer? When did you start? 
I always wrote stories, as a child. I first wrote a novel in 1993, just because I thought I’d see if I could. Between 1993 and 2000, I wrote about eight novels. Some were never even sent to agents, I just wrote them because I wanted to. I had whole manuscripts requested on a couple of occasions, after sending samples. I didn’t write any novels for 9 years when I lived in Norfolk, because my life was very, very busy, but I started again in 2010.

How long did it take you to finish your first book?  
About 6 or 8 months, I think. I write very quickly, and I’m disciplined about doing it virtually every day. I wrote it out in longhand first, and then typed it up for the second draft – back in 1993 I only had an old typewriter, not a computer or word processor, so when I did the re-write I actually typed the whole thing out again! I can’t imagine doing that now!

Where do you like to write?   
I write in the corner of my living room, on my big computer, which is always in the same place; it’s my little corner and I love it.

Favorite author(s)?  
John Boyne, Douglas Kennedy, Jack Kerouac, Norah Lofts, Evelyn Waugh, Emily Barr, Lauren Weisberger, George RR Martin, Susan Howatch, Elizabeth Jane Howard, Dorothy Parker

How many books have you written, so far? Do you plan to write more?   
Oh, yes! I have ‘You Wish’ and ‘Nobody’s Fault’ on Amazon, and will soon have ‘The Other Side’ on, too. My next project is a teen novel, which I am co-writing with a (published!) author, and then I have plans for another one of my own, which will be set in the music scene of the mid 1990s; it’s a re-work of one I wrote 17 years ago.

Would you like to share a link where we can purchase your books?
‘You Wish’ & ‘Nobody’s Fault’ are available free on Amazon.com  
Friday, April 20th through Sunday, April 22nd– other times there is a minimal cost.

What about a link to your website?  I don’t have a website yet – I haven’t had time to make one! But here’s a link to my Facebook author’s page. 
Many thanks, Nancy, for giving me the opportunity to introduce my work - and talk about myself! Also for making me aware of this blog, which I think is a lovely idea. I already have your "Murder in Half Moon Bay" on my pending list for when I have finished editing "The Other Side" and can allow myself a proper reading break. Thank you!

It was my pleasure, I assure you. Cheers for great success with your books!