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ClaireTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Cheshire England. As an adult i travelled to New Zealand, fell in love and ended up moving here to marry. I live with my husband, three children and two cats.
I am a family history researcher of the Plaisted line; world wide. I put together family history books and reunions books for others. In 2012, during one lot of research I started to write a novel. It became a Regency Mystery Romance which is yet to be published. It was a good story, though badly written. With help and time I believe it will be published next year.
Since that time I have written two short stories and four books to an adult series. “Garrett Investigation Bureau” revolved around an agency and it’s new agents. With plenty of twists and turn. These are all published and for sale online worldwide, along with my first children’s story called “Zoe’s Journey,” which is aimed at 10yrs and up. I have eight books published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
At present I am concentrating on a new series for young children based in the insect world. This was inspired by a friend who was looking for a book for to read to her young grandson. She suggested a Ladybug at the adventurer.
Girlie is a blue ladybug who journeys on adventures and quests to help save her friends. The first book is called “Girlies and the War of the Wasps.” This story is about finding the correct diet for a wasp hive so they stop kidnapping insects from the local villages.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Apparently I sometimes laugh when I write and I also talk, well whisper as I type. Other than that I let my fingers do the talking. Is this unusual enough….lol
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have no real idea. I have read so many different kinds of books over the years, some for research, others for enjoyment. I do have some favourite authors though. C S Lewis, A A Milne, Elizabeth Goudge. In the adult world i have enjoyed; J D Robb, Nora Roberts, Colin Forbes, Clive Cussler, Lee Child, to name a few.
What are you working on now?
I tend to work on several drafts at once. I have a lot of editing to do and I am trying to concentrate of “Girlie and the War of the Wasps,” and my adult book “Mascosta’s Dreamgirl,” which is book five in my “Garrett Investigation Bureau Series (GIB)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use as much social media as I can, though I am still learning where I can submit books to share with readers.
I do have a website, blog, pinterest, linkedin, twitter and facebook. I also try and promote locally where I live. I have one book in a local bookstore and I will be having my first book launch at our local library next year
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Dont give up, stay strong and keep writing. There is nothing wrong with self-publishing and there is plenty of advice out there where you can get help.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Grab your dreams and hold on.
What are you reading now?
I am looking at a draft from another author at present. I format draft manuscripts to eBook and Print standard so they can be uploaded online and or printed off and bought. It is a good story so far, by no means finished, so I can’t really tell you what it’s about.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Updating my website and learn better marketing skills. I would also like to see my first novel out there in the public eye.
“The Mystery at Crosswick Manor,” is set in the late Regency and early Victorian times. It tell the story of a young destitute widow and her first love. Showing how they reconnect and try to make each other fall in love, while around them a mystery deepens and a scandal brews.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A notebook so I could write. A survivor’s handbook to help me create a place i’d need to live. A children’s book though I can’t decide which one. Lastly i’d find the largest most entertaining book I could find to keep me company.