What inspired you to transition from being a reader to a writer?
Great question and not an easy one to answer really, scratching an itch, having the opportunity because of the pandemic. A whole mixture of things really. One I've never regretted.
How did your experience as a blogger and event organizer influence your writing?
I think the vast amount of books across all sorts of genres influenced how I wrote, and gave me a general idea of what would and wouldn't work. It gave me a basic idea of story structure, and how to build tension. Organising events helped by knowing that every single author does things differently. There's no right or wrong way to go about writing, editing, and everything else that goes along with publishing a book.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing and publishing your short story, “The Family Curse”?
The biggest challenge, along with any book, is exposure. Trying to get it seen by readers. It's so difficult, and feels like a daily battle. I knew I'd only be able to publish on Amazon, and hoped by offering the proceeds to a mental health charity, one which is particularly important to me, would help it be seen.
How did the lockdown period shape your creative process?
A lot of people struggled during lock down and it stifled their creativity. this absolutely was not the case for me. I was in a job I hated, and being furloughed was the best thing ever. To be given a free pass to suddenly do whatever you like when you can't leave the house, the possibilities were endless. It took a little while from blogger and reader to writer, but once I'd opened the floodgates, the ideas never stopped.
Can you share a moment when you truly felt like an author?
The first time was when I was a Spotlight Author at the Bloody Scotland festival. I had an author lanyard for the first time ever, and it felt reaffirming. Before that, I think holding the book in my hand for the first time, it had my name on the front, there was no denying that I'd written it, and that I could now call myself an author. It takes some getting used to though.
What themes do you explore in your writing, and why do they resonate with you?
I didnt realise when I started out, but I explore a lot of things that affect women, that may not be talked about often enough. In Peter Markham, the issue of abuse, and how appalling the statistics for sexual assault convictions are in this country. I also touch on how frightening it can be as a woman to walk across a dark car park alone at night, where a man wouldnt even think twice. In my next book i've turned a common theme on its head, and looked at male domestic violence. I dont hate men, although it may seem that way, but I need to be authentic, and as a female, I dont feel I can write a male voice that way.
How does your background in forensic science influence your storytelling or perspective?
I write myself into a situation where it would be impossible for the police to solve because I know too well how to make a scene forensically clean. I have to go back and add in something the perpetrator has missed so they can actually be caught by the end of the book. It does mean I can make it difficult for the team, and they will have to rely on other methods to try and solve the case. As I dont have a background in policing, I'm not sure if this is just making my job unnecessarily difficult though! I have also tried to use some of the different and less known areas of forensics in my books.
Are there any particular authors or books that have shaped your writing style?
Authors like Tony Forder, TG Reid, Alex Scarrow and Mark Richards showed me that you can still inject humour into your books. They dont all have to be straight procedure, and dark and gloomy. I think I have laughed out loud at each of these authors books, despite some dark stuff happening in all of them. Kathy Reichs, Tess Gerritson, Karin Slaughter and Bill Bass all ignited my love of Forensics. I got to tell Kathy Reichs at a book festival a couple of years ago, that she is one of the reasons I decided to study Forensics. She looked quite taken aback, but asked if I planned carrying on with it, before moving on to the next person. A special moment.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself while writing your book, “The Disappearance of Peter Markham”?
My mind is a dark and scary place. In life I am super chilled, laid back and placid. When my fingers touch a keyboard, it gets dark! Really dark. I have stopped a couple of times, surprised at myself.
Do you have a specific writing routine or process that helps you stay productive?
Not really. I am lucky that I can write anywhere, any time with anything going on around me. I can focus in and get into the flow really quickly (I believe due to as yet undiagnosed ADHD) My new job created the perfect environment on my lunchbreaks where I could get around 2200 words a day down.
How has changing jobs this year impacted your creative work?
Yes! Changing jobs has been completely life changing. My old job was completely destroying me. I struggled to get through the days, and didnt have the mental space for anything on top of that. My new job were super supportive of my book release, despite knowing me a matter of weeks after I started. That was special and hasnt changed. I wrote to help with my mental health. It has improved since I changed jobs, but its not better. So it still helps. People always say dont you want to get revenge on your old job in your books, but I think the experience has impacted me so much, I cant.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing but doesn’t know where to begin?
The advice of many others, just do it. There is no excuse if you really want to write. You will find time. Even if its fifteen minutes a day. Put your phone down, play less Candy Crush, watch one less episode on Netflix, get up half an hour earlier. You're never too old either. So many authors are starting in their sixties and having great success.
If you could go back and give your past self one piece of advice before starting this journey, what would it be?
Try and be more patient, its not one of my best qualities, but it would have saved me some grief and heartache.
What’s next for you—any upcoming projects or books in the works?
I got my rights back to Peter Markham in february. I am just waiting for some amendments on the cover, then will be sharing the reveal for that. I am going to self publish it, then publish the second in the series, currently called Masquerade of Murder. I am writing the third, but I have an idea for a new series, which is a bit more cozy crime, that i'm itching to start. However I know myself, and know if I dont finish book 3, I never will, so need to be good, and concentrate on one thing at a time!
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
I love it, its a great community, and the mock ups are brilliant, I save them all. I will be adding more books in the future and looking forward to working with you going forward. Thank you.
