You have written books for children and mysteries for adults. Do you have a preference?
Not really, I enjoy writing both. The children’s stories are great fun to write, and you can let your imagination soar … the murder mysteries are also fun to write, but slightly more challenging for me.
Who are your favorite Authors? What is your favorite book?
My favorite author is probably W. Somerset Maugham (I know I’m dating myself here!) he was a master story teller, and his English was so beautiful. I always loved ‘The Painted Veil’, and also love ‘Jane Eyre.’
Do you have a writing routine? If so, what is it?
I am a morning person, so after a cup of offee a visit with my three dogs, away I go. I shut my mind down at night, and it comes on duty again the following morning. This takes a certain disc ipline, necessary if one is to sleep at night! I will often write for three or four hours, and if I’ve re ached my goal, then I stop.
Did you always want to be an Author? If not, what led you into writing?
I loved essays and compositions as a child, and did think about writing a book one day. In my life, I have been a translator, I speak three languages fluently, an actress, a PR woman, and a dressage instructor … at 65 I wrote my first book, so, it is never too late.
Do you plan on writing in other genres besides children books and mystery novels?
I have toyed with the idea of writing a Y/A novel, and also have a great idea for a horror story, and No! I am not telling Stephen King about it!
What inspires you to write what you write? How do you come up with your story lines?
I don’t know the answer to that truthfully … I think I write because I just have to do it, and when an idea hits, it’s usually accompanied by some interesting characters, and the book begins . Sometimes the story lines are veru sketchy, really rough, and I allow my characters to tell me what is going to happen.
Are your characters ever based on people in your life? If so, how do people react to that?
Sometimes, but most of them are memories from childhood and teenage years so they are not around to complain! Growing up in England, and with a famous father, Clive Richardson, we were surrounded by fascinating people, so I borrowed a little from them.
You write in a particular genre, what draws you to this genre?
I don’t think I know the answer to that question … I am drawn to this genre perhaps be cause it is a genre that I find attractive, drawn to, if you will. It is part of who I am, if that makes any sort of sense.
Do you have more book ideas in mind?
Oh, yes! Definitely.
How long did it take you to write Jorie and the Magic Stones?
Once I got started, it was about three months.
Reading is an escape for me. I love to relax and read. What do you do to relax?
I paint, watercolours and acrylics, have sold a few, but it’s hard to let go of them!
Who did your book cover and how much input did you have on its creation?
Jeff Preston did my front cover, he is fabulous. I told him exactly what I wanted, detail by detail and he did not disappoint.
When you begin writing a book, do you have the end of the book in mind or do you let the story lead you?
I am never quite sure how a book will end, the characters usually tell me, and more often than not they are right. With children’s stories the endings must be positive, and with a murder mystery, the ungodly must be caught and led away!