Where have you spent most of your childhood?
In Australia. I was born in Melbourne in the State of Victoria. Have lived here most of my life as a home base, but have lived from time to time in the UK, France, and other states of Australia, mainly due to work.
What is one lesser-known fact about your childhood?
Can’t think of one, except I discovered films at an early age and was hooked.
Who is the most supportive person in your life when it comes to your writing?
Not one person but my family and various friends.
Who are the people that have influenced you as an author? Are you inspired by any other author specifically?
My influences go back to literature from the 1930/40. Steinbeck, Evelyn Waugh. Agatha Christie, E.F. Benson. In terms of mystery writing, Christie most certainly.
How would you describe your long career in filmmaking?
Satisfying. I had experience in the many facets of film making from Producing, Directing, Script writing, but the majority of my film work was in Editing, which is where a film is really made. In the cutting room, where all the elements come together.
Who inspired the character of Belinda Lawrence in "Calamity at Kryme Cottage"?
Belinda is a combination of several women I have known who each had a mixture of independence and charm and who forged ahead whatever the obstacles.
Do you remember the first book you ever read? What was it about?
Not really. I do recall Wind In The Willows as a school project, but I also recall reading Sexton Blake mysteries, mainly because my brother, who was six years older than me, was reading them and so I took to them as well. I suppose they created an interest in detective mysteries for me.
How did you come up with the plot of your book, BLOODY HAM?
Over the years I spent some time in Richmond in London; I worked on two films at nearby Twickenham film studios, and lived there for a while, so I got to know the area and its history fairly well. Part of that was the history of Ham House which is on the Thames there. The story of the house intrigued me and by adding the film elements it allowed Belinda to be part of the action and explore that history.
Which option do you prefer, reading some books or watching movies adapted from them?
Both. I know enough to realise that a film version has the story seen through other eyes, but accept that . Two different beasts.
If you could improve one thing about your writing, what would it be and why?
I have a work in progress which is not a mystery but a novel about the relationship between brother and sister. I want to continue with it to make a break from the mystery books; they can become formula if you don’t keep them in check.
Do you need to know how a novel ends before you begin writing it?
No. I have what I call a road map of where I think I’m going, but tend to go off on side roads. The characters will tell me where to go and what the resolution is.
What are some examples of things that made you think "Wow, perfection actually exists"?
I doubt it does. There are many books and films that I think are perfect but that’s an illusion. At best they can satisfy me.
What percentage of your daily writing do you end up not using in published works?
Very little. I write close to the bone and constantly edit as I go. My problem is to go back and expand information and character development that I may have overlooked in creating the story, a story the characters are eager to tell me.
What's next for you? What are you working on now?
Apart from the novel I mentioned earlier, I am researching material for a new Belinda Lawrence mystery. THE CHARABANC OF DEATH.
What do you like the most about AllAuthor?
The wide expanse of books. The variety. The new authors. And access to all.
