Category Archives: Author Q&A

Paul Dalton – Author Q&A

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Paul Dalton

Paul Dalton

After completing an art degree, Paul Dalton got a job in a bookshop and then a library. His storytimes were legendary. Through his writing, he explores climate change and the questions that go with it. He set his novel in the present day, as climate change is a story for now, not the future. He puts jokes in his writing as sometimes all you can do is laugh. ‘Don’t Go To Work, The World Is Ending,’ is out May 25th with Indie Novella.

Paul can be found at:
Website: pauldalton.co.uk
Instagram: @pauldalton_
BlueSky: @p-dalton.bsky.social

Tell me what inspired you to write your debut novel?

Like a lot of people, I spend a lot of my time thinking about climate change and have come to the conclusion that only normal people can fix it. The trouble is, that normal people don’t feel like they have the power to do so. So I thought, why not write a story about some normal people actually getting to fix a problem?

What came first, the characters or the world?

Characters but it’s all linked. A good world should be a character in its own right.

How long did it take to write?

About 2 years, but that includes about 9 months of rewrites with the publisher.

Do you have a writing playlist? If so do you want to share it?

It’s the album ‘Pink Flag’ by Wire. It’s post-punk perfection. It’s only 30 minutes long so I must have listened to it thousands of times.

What kind of reactions have you had to your book?

Surprise mainly, I didn’t tell too many people about it until I had a publisher interested.

What can you tell us about your next book?

It’s early days but: Dracula. Fascism. Christopher Lee.

Which genres do you read yourself?

Anything with a good hook for fiction and as widely as possible with non-fiction.

Don't Go To Work, The World Is Ending

Don’t Go To Work, The World Is Ending

What will always distract you?

I don’t get distracted, I get temporarily inspired.

What were your favourite childhood books?

The Pongwiffy books. A smelly witch and a Dutch hamster, what’s not to love? Honourable mention for Bill’s New Frock and Harry the Poisonous Centipede.

Do you have any rituals when writing?

Does listening to the same 30 minutes of music on repeat count?

How many books are in your own physical TBR pile?

Only about 5 at the moment but that’s because the other 30 are in a drawer where I can’t see them so I don’t get guilty.

What is your current or latest read?

The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt. Which is surprisingly compelling, like a non-fiction 1984

and finally, what inspired you to write the genre you do?

I think fantasy suits big ideas. Humans have always used fantasy to try and understand the big stuff. Gods and monsters and all that, is just an attempt to process the things that don’t make sense. I like to write about the things that don’t make sense, which, unfortunately, includes climate change.

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Roxie Key – Author Q&A

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Roxie Key

Roxie Key

I’m a crime thriller author from Northampton, where I live with my wife Laura and daughter Hallie. I’ve always been a writer… although the stories I wrote as a child about my pets will never see the light of day, I knew from a young age that one day I wanted to see my name on a book cover. I studied Creative & Media Writing at Middlesex University and then went on to become a copywriter for a global brand. I’m represented by the always brilliant Maddalena Cavaciuti at David Higham Associates. My debut novel, The Deadly Spark, is out now in the UK, US and Canada! When I’m not writing, I can usually be found swimming, reading or gaming.

Roxie can be found at:
Website: roxiekey.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RoxieKeyAuthor
Instagram: @RoxieAdelleKey
TikTok: @roxiekeyauthor
Threads: @roxieadellekey
Twitter: @RoxieAdelleKey
Bluesky: @roxiekey.bsky.social
Pinterest: uk.pinterest.com/roxie_key

Tell me what inspired you to write your debut novel?

A few things sparked the idea, one of which I can’t tell you about as it’ll reveal something I really don’t want you to know yet… the killer’s identity! But honestly? The reason I wanted to write about a deadly fire was because it’s one of my biggest phobias, ever since we were shown a video at primary school about how quickly a house can go up in flames. Fire is so beautiful but so destructive, so dramatic, and the mental image of a burning house is so emotive, so naturally, it’s great to write about.

What came first the characters or the world?

Definitely the characters, alongside the plot. I totally fell in love with my characters quite early on! I didn’t decide on the setting of Brighton and the Scottish Highlands until a few drafts in, and it just worked with the story.

How hard was it to get your first book published?

Quite hard but not as hard as others. I started writing The Deadly Spark in the summer of 2019, just after my honeymoon. After many, many rejections, I finally met my dream literary agent Maddalena Cavaciuti on Twitter in 2020. We polished the manuscript together, and landed a contract with HQ early 2021. It wasn’t published until May 2024, and it’s been a rollercoaster ever since – not just the publishing journey, but I also managed to have a baby in that time.

How long did it take to write?

From first draft to final final final edit, it was probably around four years. If I remember correctly, the first draft took about six months, but it went through so many edits over the years. It was certainly a long-winded process, but I’m hoping book number two will be a quicker process now I know (sort of) what I’m doing.

Do you have a writing playlist? If so do you want to share it?

Actually, I don’t. I tend to listen to all sorts of things depending on my mood. Usually I pick a generic acoustic playlist from Spotify if I’m writing. I did make a playlist of songs that appear in the book which can be found here.

How many publishers turned you down?

It was twenty-something. I can’t remember the exact number. I do remember it *almost* getting to a bidding war situation but one publisher dropped out before we got to that stage.

What kind of reactions have you had to your book?

I’d say mostly great – the reviews on Amazon average around 4.5 stars, and on Goodreads around 3.9 – Goodreads is brutal, so I’ll take it. I had some great blurbs from fellow crime fiction authors, including Jane Casey and Clare Mackintosh. Most crime readers seemed to love it too. I did find that having it selected as a Chapter 25 Book Club read was a double-edge sword: a nice sales boost, but a lot of non-crime readers who just hated it.

What’s the favourite reaction you’ve had to your book?

When people say they want a sequel, which I’d absolutely love to do! I also love it when people say how much they like the characters. It’s such a personal thing, and I really appreciate it.

What can you tell us about your next book?

I’m currently working on a standalone psychological thriller, all about sleepwalking. I’ve also got a sapphic romantic comedy in my back pocket, but it’s in the very early stages. Watch this space.

Do you take notice of online reviews?

Probably a little too much. In fact, just as I was answering about the reactions to my book, I had a quick peek on Goodreads and saw a pretty spiteful 1-star review. But I’ve realised that if my favourite authors are getting 1-star reviews, then I can deal with a bit of that too. I definitely think the good outweighs the bad in terms of the reviews for The Deadly Spark, although I’ve been warned time and time again to stay away from Goodreads.
Do I listen?
I do not.

Would you ever consider writing outside your current genre?

Absolutely! I’ve always wanted to write diverse and inclusive children’s fiction, and I’d love to write a sapphic romantic comedy.

What did you do before (or still do) you became a writer?

I’m a creative copywriter for Avon Cosmetics Europe, and I am dabbling in a bit of freelance writing on the side. I recently had an article published in Mslexia, and do little bits like blog posts and proofreading for people. And then there’s also parenting a toddler, which is a full-time job in itself.

Which authors inspire you?

I find inspiration in everything I read, from Gillian McAllister’s incredible characterisation and Louise Jensen’s beautiful description, to Jane Casey’s expert procedural plotting and Clare Mackintosh’s killer twists and reveals. I’ve recently got into Erin Kelly’s books which I adore for the stunning way she constructs a sentence.

Which genres do you read yourself?

Mostly crime – I love psychological thrillers and police procedurals. But I do like to mix it up with lighter reads like romantic comedies and romantasy, especially if they feature queer characters.

What is your biggest motivator?

My initial motivator was seeing my book out in the wild, on the shelves of book shops. Now I’ve achieved that, my dream is that one day I’ll be able to earn a living from writing books. I’m a long way off, but I’m only 36, so there’s time.

What will always distract you?

Ugh, housework. There’s always something to do, isn’t there? My kid is also pretty distracting, in the best possible way.

The Deadly Spark

The Deadly Spark

How much (if any) say do you have in your book covers?

I’m proud to say I came up with the idea for the cover of The Deadly Spark, and I think HQ did an amazing job bringing it to life.

Were you a big reader as a child?

A *huge* one. My dad read me a bedtime story every night without fail, and we always had books in the house. It makes me so happy that my daughter is the same.

What were your favourite childhood books?

When I was little, I was all about Enid Blyton – I just wanted to go on adventures with The Famous Five. Then I got into fantasy as a teen – Harry Potter, His Dark Materials, that sort of thing. I also remember loving some the classics, like The Secret Garden, Tom’s Midnight Garden and A Little Princess.

Do you have a favourite bookshop? If so, which?

We have some lovely independents not too far from us in Northampton. My favourite is Suddenly on Sheaf Street, a stunning shop that stocks all sorts of books and beautiful gifts.

What books can you not resist buying?

Aside from twisty crime thrillers with a brilliant hook, I’m pretty addicted to buying books for my daughter. If I see *any* book that features either two mums, anything about space, or anything written by Julia Donaldson, it’s going straight in my basket.

Do you have any rituals when writing?

I don’t have time for rituals – I write whenever and wherever I can, between work, parenting, household jobs and trying to keep fit. I would love the luxury of being able to have my own writing space, with calming music, scented candles and a perfectly positioned ergonomic chair, but the reality for me (and most busy writers) is snatching half an hour as a slump over my laptop in bed and wonder why I complain about my bad back so much.

How many books are in your own physical TBR pile?

In the words of many suspects in the type of books I read… “no comment.”

What is your current or latest read?

I’m reading an ARC of The Missing Hour by Robert Rutherford. I loved Seven Days and this one is proving to be just as good! I’m also listening to The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell, which I’m enjoying a lot.

Any books that you’re looking forward to in the next 12 months?

The next Norfolk Mysteries book by Rob Parker. Book 1, The Troubled Deep, was so addictive, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

And finally, what inspired you to write the genre you do?

Following my childhood obsession with Harry Potter, I spent a long time working on various children’s fantasy novels before I realised that sort of story takes a certain kind of brain – one which I do not possess! It wasn’t until I picked up Jane Casey’s debut novel, The Missing, I thought yes – this is right up my street. I love this. Maybe I could do this. And the more crime fiction I read, the more certain I became that it was what I wanted to do.

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Nigel Stewart (2025) – Author Q&A

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Nigel Stewart

Nigel Stewart

I’ve published 5 novels: Colouring In (2019); The Lines Between Lies (2020); Secrets We Hide From Ourselves (2021); Justinian’s Daughters (2023); and The Road Home (2023). The first 3 were with Purple Parrot Publishing, the last 2 with Provoco Publishing Limited. I’m no longer working with either company and my books are currently being reworked ahead of self-publication this spring/summer.

Based in Kirkham, Lancashire. Still spend time writing and recording my own songs.

Nigel can be found at:
Bluesky – @menigestew.bsky.social
Instagram – @menigestew
Facebook – facebook.com/nigel.stewart.3720

Our first interview was back in 2022

Tell me what inspired you to write your (debut) novel?

There was a very general sense of being around people whose talents were hidden underneath “life”. But in more specific terms, a guy I’d been in a band with was a really talented artist, especially with pastels and watercolours. But he tended to put that in a distant second place behind his corporate career. He was also a bit weird about praise for his art – only wanted it from people he believed were ‘experts’. I kind of developed that into Colouring In, creating this artist that had those characteristics, but also threw in another side, in which the main character believed he couldn’t be creative if he was also in love/in a relationship. For subsequent books I’ve been inspired by: something I saw on a train; a party; a WW2 airfield; and cathedrals.

What came first the characters or the world?

For the debut, definitely the characters. In subsequent books, it’s been more of a mix. In Justinian’s Daughters, the setting (Pembrokeshire) was and is right up front as a character.

How hard was it to get your first (debut) book published?

Colouring In was self-published in 2016 even though I finished the original draft of the book in 1994. Long story, which I’ll summarise as “life got in the way”. But the self-published edition led to a connection and collaboration with a local indie publisher on an upgraded version of Colouring In, then on two further novels.

How long did it take to write?

I started writing Colouring In during mid-1990, which is when the novel is set. It underwent many versions and changes until I felt it was finished, in 1994. It then sat on floppy disks until around 2007 when I had another surge of work on it. Then, in 2014 I had a major life change and writing became a big part of my life so for two years I really pulled the story apart and put it back into a new shape ahead of self-publishing. Then, finally, ahead of the 2019 edition another few months of work on the book in collaboration with PPP. So, in total, about 8 years. The fastest I’ve written a first draft of a book was 4 months – that was The Road Home.

Do you have a writing playlist? If so do you want to share it?

I don’t write with any music or distractions. I do create playlists FOR some of my books – because they have so much music in them. Here’s the one for Secrets We Hide From Ourselves – https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/secrets-we-hide-from-ourselves/pl.u-EqmVfa55YNb

How many publishers turned you down?

None, since I took myself seriously. But back in the 90s, when I made enquiries with the MS for Colouring In, I just got ignored.

What kind of reactions have you had to your book?

Almost always favourable. One book blogger has written incredibly complimentary reviews of my work. A couple of 2 star ratings on Goodreads. I think people are sometimes perplexed by my lack of genre, but most people get that I prefer to be genre-defying.

What’s the favourite reaction you’ve had to your book?

Another author – Stef Barnfather – review contained the words: “…Stewart’s voice is direct… with grit swirling throughout his lustrous prose… and Justinian’s Daughters is top-notch speculative fiction.” I love that. It made me glow.

What can you tell us about your next book?

It’s a set of short stories, nine in total. The first is set in 1900 and the last in 2020. One character from each story moves forward to the next one, as a kind of generational theme – they occur every 15 years. Each story looks in on real lives during a time of some great momentous world event (eg – VE Day in 1945, the 1990 poll tax riot in London).

Do you take notice of online reviews?

I had to go back to reviews to answer the above question. I know they’re there, but I don’t spend too long checking them. Perhaps I’m more conscious of them when a book is new.

Would you ever consider writing outside your current genre?

Because I don’t really write in any genre – I just tend to see everything sitting in Literary Fiction – I feel like I’m constantly changing to try new things. I’ve recently finished a novel set in 1575, which will need to be marketed as Historical Fiction.

What did you do before (or still do) you became a writer?

Throughout my writing career, until August 2024, I worked in the IT industry as a procurement and supply chain manager. I took redundancy, and now writing is what I do.

Which author(s) inspire you?

My early inspirations were Evelyn Waugh, Virginia Woolf, Kazuo Ishiguro and Iain Banks. Also quite like Thomas Hardy, Ian McEwen and Jo Nesbo. But more recently I’ve grown to really like Heidi James’s books, and her podcast is hugely inspiring. Ronan Hession’s Ghost Mountain knocked me over.

Which genres do you read yourself?

I’m not particularly driven by genre. I’ve never read much crime, sci-fi, horror or historical fiction. I tend to like more general stuff, and I like dropping in on books I see being fêted on socials.

What is your biggest motivator?

As a writer, to keep pushing myself to do new things and evolve what and how I write. As a human being, my children.

What will always distract you?

My ludicrous imagination.

How much (if any) say do you have in your book covers?

I’ve always had complete control over them. For the forthcoming re-editions of my previously published novels, I am working on new designs with my daughter who is brilliant at graphic design.

Were you a big reader as a child?

Until perhaps 12/13 years old, yes. I found studying literature at school made me disinclined to read and by the time I did A level English I hardly read at all. It was too much like schoolwork.

What were your favourite childhood books?

The Winnie the Pooh books (stories and poems) and Wind in the Willows. White Fang was a book I loved – read it loads. I also loved the book they recently made into a film called Operation Mincemeat. The book was The Man Who Never Was by Ewen Montagu. Spike Milligan’s war memoirs were big favourites in my very early teens. Three Men in a Boat was also much-loved (it still is).

Do you have a favourite bookshop? If so, which?

Locally, there’s a shop in Lytham called Plackett and Booth where I generally buy my books. It’s small, with lots crammed into it. They always help me find what I’m looking for. I always find Blackwell’s stores warm and welcoming.

What books can you not resist buying?

Anything by Bluemoose Books. I’ve almost always got at least 3 of theirs in my TBR pile.

Do you have any rituals when writing?

Switch off phone. Switch off all media. Take 5 minutes break every 30. Stay hydrated but also caffeinated.

How many books are in your own physical TBR pile?

Loads – but I keep it simple and always have The Next Five books lined up in a discreet pile.

What is your current or latest read?

I’ve recently finished The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot. I really enjoyed it. This morning, I started on a short stories collection by Raymond Carver called What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.

Any books that you’re looking forward to in the next 12 months?

Colette Snowden wrote Captain Jesus, one of the best books I’ve read in the last 5 years. Her new one is coming soon and I can’t wait for it. (Ashamed to say I’m not sure what it’s called – but when we met she assured me it’s brilliant!).

Any plans or projects in the near future you can tell us about?

Reworking all five of my existing published novels for re-publishing, which should be done by the end of the summer. I’m submitting the shorts, individually and collectively to prizes and into agents. Started work on a new novel on Feb 5th which I’m excited about. Then I’ve also got my Tudor minstrel to work on once I’ve done a shed load of research.

Any events in the near future?

I’m busy writing, so no plans to attend anything related to my own work. I’m in Haworth later in March to catch up with Nydia Hetherington as she launches her new novel Sycorax.

and finally, what inspired you to write the genre you do?

Because I’m not really driven by genre this is tricky to answer. I think, more than anything, what inspires me to write is my love of words, making them work, making them dance and sing. I love the escapism of writing and the places it takes me to.

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Scott Berndt – Author Q&A

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Scott Berndt

Scott Berndt

Scott is a proud resident of Saint Paul, MN. It is here where he indulges his passion for history as a public school teacher, drinks an obscene amount of coffee, succumbs to crippling bouts of nostalgia-induced daydreams, and raises two kids with his amazing wife.

Sometimes he does all of this at the same time.

He’s just published his first book, John Cleese Saved My Life! …And Other True Tales Of Pop, Politics, And Prayer. It’s a Gen X mash-up where memoir meets history book. Set in Ronald Reagan’s America, he unravels his adolescence and the political and pop culture forces that shaped his character and transformed his religious faith.

Scott can be found at:
Website: scottberndt.com
Bluesky: @scottberndtauthor.bsky.social

Tell me what inspired you to write your (debut) book?

I’ve wanted to be a writer/author since I was 9 years old. I have always been obsessed with and inspired by music and history. About 15 years ago, I came to the realization that I wanted to tell a story that I could leave behind for my kids and I could do it by leaning on my love of music and history. Write what you know, you know? So, in the end it became what I like to call, “A Gen X mash-up where memoir meets history book.”

How long did it take to write?

Ten years of research and writing and an eight month publishing process. There were times when I was really productive, writing several pages a week, and stretches of time – months – where I didn’t even open my laptop.

Do you have a writing playlist? If so, do you want to share it?

Since my book is firmly situated in the 1980s, I listened to a lot of 80s music to place me in the mindset of my younger self. Here is a playlist of the songs I explore the cultural significance of in my book:
Under Pressure – Queen & David Bowie
Ship of Fools – World Party
Land of Confusion – Genesis
The Boy in the Bubble – Paul Simon
Jammin’ Me – Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
Sign ‘o the Times – Prince
Undercover (Of The Night) – The Rolling Stones
All She Wants To Do Is Dance – Don Henley
19 – Paul Hardcastle
99 Red Balloons – Nena
Russians – Sting She Works Hard For The Money – Donna Summer
Allentown – Billy Joel
Pink Houses – John Cougar Mellencamp
Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
The Way It Is – Bruce Hornsby and The Range
Pride (In The Name Of Love) – U2
Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
Sun City – Artists United Against Apartheid

What’s the favourite reaction you’ve had to your book?

Aside from the kind words that appear on the front and back cover, one reviewer put my book in the same realm as Chuck Klosterman, which is a huge compliment. Other reviews have appreciated the depth of research, layered storytelling, and humor in my book.

What did you do before (or still do) you became a writer?

I have been a public school teacher since 2003. Teaching, reading, and writing about history as a career definitely helped me formulate ideas for my book over the years. Because I am so immersed in it, it felt very natural to write a book.

Do you have any rituals when writing?

I drink a lot of coffee when I write. I don’t think one word of my book made it to the page uncaffeinated. Music is good in the background until I get too distracted. I’ll hear a song and then want to watch the video on Youtube…and then a live version of the song….and then a rare television appearance by the artist. Then it spirals out of control and I need to either turn it off or admit that I’m not in the writing zone anymore.

Any plans or projects in the near future you can tell us about?

I’m just trying to self-promote the best I can – reaching out to people who I think would dig my book. I plan to try to do public readings at local bookstores if they’ll have me! I’m an introvert by nature, so the hustle won’t be easy! So, I really appreciate this opportunity to connect with the Big Bearded Bookseller! Thanks!!!

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Brian Pinkerton – Author Q&A

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Brian Pinkerton

Brian Pinkerton

Brian Pinkerton is the author of novels and short stories in the thriller, science fiction, horror and mystery genres. His books include Abducted (a USA Today bestseller), Vengeance, The Intruders, The Nirvana Effect, The Gemini Experiment, Anatomy of Evil, Killer’s Diary, Rough Cut, Time Warp and How I Started the Apocalypse. Select titles have also been released as audio books and in foreign languages. His short stories have appeared in PULP!, Chicago Blues, Zombie Zoology, and The Horror Zine. Brian lives in the Chicago area with his family and a cunning pet poodle.

Brian can be found at:
Website: www.brianpinkerton.com
Facebook: facebook.com/people/Brian-Pinkerton-Books/100063675901891/
Bluesky: @brianpinkerton1.bsky.social
Instagram: @brianpinkerton1
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/288505.Brian_Pinkerton
TikTok: @brianpinkerton97

Were you a big reader as a child?

Definitely. My mother was a high school English teacher, and we made many trips to the local library to stock up on books. Then I wanted to create my own stories. At a very young age, I would enact dramas with the Fisher Price Little People and then write down the stories on notebook paper.

What can you tell us about your next book?

The Perfect Stranger is a tech thriller based on contemporary headlines about artificial intelligence, cyberattacks and deepfakes. The story is focused on Linda, a lonely remote worker for a company operating in a virtual workplace. She suspects something is not right with one of her coworkers and becomes convinced they are an A.I. persona with a destructive agenda. No one believes her. Before long, she faces digital gaslighting, online torment and identity theft from an unknown enemy. She must uncover the truth on her own. The Perfect Stranger will be released in February 2025 through Flame Tree Press/Simon & Schuster.

What inspired you to write this book?

Working at a company where they hired remote workers without ever meeting them in person. I began to think… what if one of these new hires wasn’t even human?

The Perfect Stranger

The Perfect Stranger

How hard was it to get your first book published?

It took a lot of perseverance. A ton of query letters. But I lucked out – there was a mainstream New York publisher of mass market paperbacks starting up a new thriller line. I had a thriller manuscript. There wasn’t yet a huge slush pile of submissions to get lost in, so I got noticed. They liked it, bought it and published it. Sometimes timing is everything. That was many years ago – now the mass market paperback format has mostly been replaced with eBooks and trade paperbacks.

How long does it take to write a novel?

About nine months – like giving birth. I have to stay super focused and committed during that time. From conception to delivery.

Do you take notice of online reviews?

I do. When someone is thrilled by something I wrote, it makes my day. Writing is such a solitary pursuit. It’s not like performing in front of a live audience with an instant reaction. The silence can be deafening. I really appreciate it when people take the time to share their response to one of my books.

Do you have any rituals when writing?

I handwrite my first drafts. I’m much more creative with a pen and paper than typing into the computer. I’m less distracted, more freed up to go on vacation in my imagination. I make edits on the handwritten pages and then eventually read them into a computer with dictation software. It’s a good exercise to read the prose out loud to make sure the dialogue sounds true and the sentences aren’t too clunky and overlong. Plus I’m a terrible typist.

How many books are in your own physical TBR pile?

Way too many. And it’s not just one pile. It’s many piles around the house. Many come from author friends, and I want to support them and read them. Time is my biggest enemy. There’s never enough time.

Would you ever consider writing outside your current genre?

Actually, I do this already. It must drive my readers crazy, because they have to follow me from genre to genre. I’ve done mystery, thriller, horror, science fiction. In general, I like to write anything that involves suspense with everyday people confronting something extraordinary. It’s fun for me to see how the characters respond. And how they deal with seemingly impossible odds.

What is your current or latest read?

Collecting Laurel and Hardy by Danny Bacher and Bernie Hogya; and Hate Revisited #4 by Peter Bagge. Sorry, but you asked.

Any plans or projects in the near future you can tell us about?

I’m super excited about the new book, The Perfect Stranger, so I’m lining up events to get out of the house and meet readers and sign books. I’ve also been working with publishers to bring some of my older works back into print, like How I Started the Apocalypse through Dark Arts Books.

What is your biggest motivator?

Readers. I wish more people read books in this era of endless online distractions. I am deeply appreciative of those people who still enjoy a good book.

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Jodi Taylor – Author Q&A

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Jodi Taylor

Jodi Taylor

Jodi Taylor accidentally became a bestselling author when, after much rejection, she self-published her first book and mistakenly made it free. It soared up the free Kindle charts and, with over 400 glowing reviews, was spotted by a publisher. Fast-paced, witty and delightfully unconventional, her Chronicles of St Mary’s series had lead to two spinoff series plus a paranormal thriller series. Jodi only started writing at the age of 60.

Jodi can be found at:
Website: www.joditaylorbooks.com
Bluesky: @www.joditaylorbooks.com
Facebook: facebook.com/JodiTaylorBooks

Tell me what inspired you to write your (debut) novel?

I was supposed to be retired. Three weeks later I was bored so I thought I’d see if I had the mental discipline to write a book. I never intended it to be published – I just did it for fun.

What came first the characters or the world?

Oh, the world, definitely. Even when I was at school I used to dream of actually visiting famous historical events and what that would be like. It was only after I stopped working that I actually had the time to sit down and think about how that could be accomplished. Years as a facilities manager helped with sorting out the nitty-gritty.

How hard was it to get your first (debut) book published?

Very – no one seemed interested. Most of the publishers to whom I submitted my manuscript didn’t even bother to reply. I’m afraid alcohol played a large part in my publication. I was plied with wine and persuaded to self-publish.

How long did it take to write?

My first book took around twelve months. Now that I’m supposed to know what I’m doing it takes me between six and nine months to write a book.

How many publishers turned you down?

All of them! I stuck all my rejection letters on the bathroom wall to give me something to read when I was waiting for something to happen!

What kind of reactions have you had to your book?

Mostly the reactions have all been good. People seem to like my books.

What’s the favourite reaction you’ve had to your book?

People sometimes write to say my books have helped them through difficult times in their lives. I’ve had some tough times myself – I think we all have – and I turned to books for comfort. I never dreamed that one day I’d be able to pay all that back. It’s actually quite humbling to find that something I’ve done has made a difference to peoples’ lives.

What can you tell us about your next book?

I have two books out next year – a supernatural thriller, Bad Moon is out in May. The next Time Police novel – Out of Time – comes out in September. I’m currently writing the next Smallhope and Pennyroyal story – working title When Things Are Bad – Make Them Worse. The story of two time-travelling bounty hunters continues.

Do you take notice of online reviews?

Yes. I tell people I don’t, but I do. I advise other authors not to take any notice and then don’t practice what I preach.

Would you ever consider writing outside your current genre?

I already have. I’ve written an historical novel – A Bachelor Establishment. I really enjoyed venturing into another genre. Doing something different is a bit like a holiday.

What did you do before (or still do) you became a writer?

Lots of things because I’m very old. I owned and ran a hotel in Turkey. I was in local government for far too many years. I’ve worked for the MOD, been in the RAF and worked for the private sector.

Which author(s) inspire you?

Ooh – tricky. J R R Tolkien, C S Lewis, Terry Pratchett, Jane Austen, T Kingfisher, Georgette Heyer, Agatha Christie, Caimh McDonnell, Lindsay Davis, Ben Aaronovitch … someone stop me, please.

Which genres do you read yourself?

Everything, really, except time travel books. I worry about inadvertently using someone else’s plot. Or finding – just as I finish a book – that someone published something identical but better only last week. Otherwise I read anything that appeals to me.

What is your biggest motivator?

I don’t really think I need motivation. Writing is a kind of compulsion for me and I just can’t stop. Which is a little concerning because, as I said, I’m very old and I worry about the quality of my books as I tread my inevitable path to the grave. I can’t imagine doing anything else now.

What will always distract you?

Good question. Chocolate. Tea. Matt Damon. Wine. A good book. Cheese. The urge to go to the loo. Henry Cavill. Sausages. Again – someone stop me.

How much (if any) say do you have in your book covers?

Quite a lot, actually. It’s understood that the final decision is my publisher’s but I make suggestions relating to design, colours and font and most of them are acted upon.

Were you a big reader as a child?

Yes – I was always being told to put down my book and go and play outside. Good job I didn’t listen.

What were your favourite childhood books?

This sounds silly now, but when I was young there were books for girls and books for boys. Girls’ stories involved ballet dancers and ponies and boarding schools. Boys stories were about explorers and astronauts and dinosaurs. Mariners of Space by Erroll Collins was a great favourite of mine. There were no women in it at all but, surprisingly, she was female. Great book – sadly out of date now we know Mars and Venus are uninhabited but I loved it.

Do you have a favourite bookshop? If so, which?

Sadly, other than Waterstones, there are no bookshops in my town, but The Wallingford Bookshop – in Wallingford, not surprisingly – is great, as is The White Rose Bookshop and Cafe in Thirsk.

What books can you not resist buying?

Any of them. I believe I can get treatment for it …

How many books are in your own physical TBR pile?

I can’t see print so well these days, but my kindle TBR pile is heroic.

What is your current or latest read?

I am reading Conclave by Robert Harris which has been a favourite of mine ever since it was released.
Any books that you’re looking forward to in the next 12 months?
Ring the Bell – C K McDonnell
Stone and Sky – Ben Aaranovitch
The Evenhanded Booksellers of Edinburgh – Garth Nix
A Case of Life and Limb – Sally Smith

Any plans or projects in the near future you can tell us about?

Writing more books. Last summer I spent some time working on a story outline for A Bachelor Establishment which is a possible TV series.

Any events in the near future?

Jodiworld in May, a gathering of readers and fans at Coventry.

and finally, what inspired you to write the genre you do?

I wanted to write the sort of books I wanted to read.

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