P.C. James Interview Published on: 01, Jul 2021
Do you have a simple childhood memory that you could never forget? I have many, including my mother telling me stories she made up to amuse my brother and me. Sadly, I don't remember any details of the stories, only her telling them.
Who was the first person you shared your first ever story with?A schoolfriend and I told each other stories at lunch time. We took turns, him one day, me the next. Again, I remember the events but not the stories.
Would you rather meet Agatha Christie's Miss Marple or Poirot?Miss Marple without question.
What do you love the most about mysteries?They're fun to read and write and they often point to interesting human insights.
What are some blogs every budding writer should follow to constantly learn and advance his/her skills?I don't spend much time on social media of any kind so I can't answer this question.
What challenges did you face while writing the novel, It's Murder, on a Galapagos Cruise?I have done a Galapagos cruise so the setting was easy but creating a story that tapped into the events in South America at that time took research.
How did you begin writing the Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries series?I've always liked Miss Marple, she reminds me so much of my aunts when I was growing up. Agatha Christie, however, gives us few clues about how Miss Marple became the super-sleuth of her later years. I thought I'd write my own 'Miss Marple', using my aunts as the model but starting with her as a young woman and showing her progression. The second series, if the first continues popular enough, will have Miss Riddell as an older woman.
How much did you research while writing the novel, ANNIE'S WAR?More than I intended to actually. I had my aunts diary and speaking notes from talks she gave after the war and felt I had a good understanding of the events of the time. However, I decided on a format that required more detailed knowledge of daily events and that took time.
How do you spend “quality time” with yourself?I run, cycle and/or walk most days and take my camera with me to capture any wildlife I see.
What defences do you have when you indulge in wildlife photography? Deadly animals seem to get so close to the photographers!so far, I've never felt the need for defences, even though I've been closer to bears and coyotes than I would have once thought safe.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?I work in two hour sessions, usually afternoon and evening. The morning's I give to the mechanics of writing, such as: researching, marketing, advertising, and managing my books on KDP
Everyone knows Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. But why did other Agatha Christie detectives, like Parker Pyne and Harley Quin, never make the big time?For me it's because they aren't interesting characters. They never seem quite finished, somehow.
How important do you think it is to spend time with yourself?For me, it's extremely important. It's when I work out the mechanics of the story, plot, events, and characters.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?My fifth book in the series, Then There Were ... Two Murders? will be published on August 7/8. The next one, the sixth, is still in my head. It will have a ghost or paranormal angle because it's a story that I've held onto for more than 40 years.
How has your experience with AllAuthor been?My experience with AllAuthor has been excellent. I use the social media products AllAuthor provides every week.
