1.Tell
us about your current book.
"Swords, Sandals & Sirens" - a
collection of murder mysteries featuring everyone from Cleopatra
to superbitch Claudia Seferius via the Delphic Oracle. Even little
Echo saves the day on Mount Olympus. (Published by Crippen & Landru).
2. Can you give a sense of what you're working on now?
My 17th novel, a stand-alone set in the world of
champagne during the Belle Epoque. A baby is kidnapped. Eight years later, his
father is murdered. The crimes are connected, but can anyone prove it?
3.
What is the greatest pleasure of a writing career?
Freedom!
4.
What is the greatest DISpleasure?
Researching locations in hot Mediterranean
climates. Drinking champagne to be able to write authoritatively on the
subject. Visiting ghost towns in America that win me awards for my writing.
This life is hell.
5. If you have one piece of advice for the publishing world, what
is it?
Take me, I'm yours..........
6. Are there two or three
forgotten mystery writers you'd like to see in print again?
Damon Runyon. Damon Runyon. Damon Runyon.
7.
Tell us about selling your first novel. Most writers never forget that
moment.
I'd sent an agent a novel about … pirates in the
Caribbean on a ship called the Black Pearl. She was very complimentary about my
writing style, but said it wasn’t what she was looking for. So I rang her,
asked ‘What are you looking for, then?’ She said "Ancient Rome, murder,
pro-active female protagonist.’ Six months later, Macmillan gave me a contract
for "I, Claudia" and eighty publishing contracts later, I've never
looked back.
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