Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired property manager and have written 2 historical novels in the last few years. I was born and brought up in Yorkshire – not far from Haworth, home of the Bronte sisters – and lived in Zurich and London before settling in Hampshire, where I have lived for the last 30 years.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Divided Heritage. It was inspired by my first novel, Voyage to Venning Road, which was based on a true story concerning my great-uncle who worked for the Malayan colonial government. One of the fictional child characters I introduced into that novel is the main male character in the second, which follows his life and the lives of his sisters from 1928 to 1948, as they experience prejudice, tragedy and the barbarity of war.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, unless it’s unusual to have pen and paper in every room so I can jot down ideas as they come into my head.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Bronte sisters, Noel Barber, Dinah Jeffries.
What are you working on now?
I write a short story every month for my writing group and plan to put a selection of them into a book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Local magazines and newspapers and word of mouth.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you really want to write, not just what will sell well. Put your heart and soul into your books.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Follow your dreams.
What are you reading now?
Dangerous Crossing by Rachel Rhys.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Putting my short stories into a book, then I have a very vague idea for another novel, set in the 1950s this time.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte