Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
An octagenerarian writer of children's fantasy stories I have written nine books including a memoir. After a rest from writing I have devoted my whole budget to promotion and painting a few more fairy scenes on china plates. Then a young reader, twelve years old, told his mother he was waiting for the next Jimmy Crikey adventure, so I found myself writing the sixth in series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book I am writing is ,as yet, untitled. My latest book in the series was The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, the youngest Ever Witch
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don't plot me stories in advance. they develop as I write and sometimes, half way through the story, I may decide I missed a chance somewhere earlier to further enhance the development of the plot. So, I go back and insert perhaps a new chapter or two. .
What authors, or books have influenced you?
JK Rowling, JR Tolkien, CS Lewis and the Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. My two sons loved being read stories by Enid Blytoon but the Faraway Tree was their favourite.
What are you working on now?
My next in series of the adventures of Jimmy Crikey and Annison, the love of his life who happens to be a mermaid, or Aquamite.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Latterly I have reduce my scattergun approach and am sticking to All Authors, BookGlow, BookShelf, Book Viral, Self Publishing Review. Ocassional FAceBook and Twitter posts
Which Websites you like most to promote your book
FaceBook and twitter
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Dig in for a long haul and don't expect too much at first. But most of all keep writing. Promotion is vital but don't let it detract from your primary purpose: write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Develop a thick skin, don't expect instant success, but most of all keep writing even when you don't feel like it.
What are you reading now?
Wilbur Smith - Titans of War
What’s next for you as a writer?
To pick up and complete a half started YA fantasy in the Dungeon and Dragons type of story
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?
The Bible, Lord of the Rings, The Rise and FAll of the Roman Empire - Gibbons, When the Lion Feeds - Wilbur Smith