|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
|
When did you start writing? | I've always remembered reading, and writing seemed a natural progression from that. I was writing pony stories when I was 12; I wanted a pony and we couldn't afford one, so I invented my own. She was a palomino, called Tara. |
Have you always wanted to be an author? |
I never thought I was good enough to be actually published!
I went to a girl's Secondary Modern, where, back then in the
late 60's, it was normally assumed we would become nothing more
ambitious than housewives, secretaries or shop assistants. My
careers talk was not very helpful. I knew I wanted to write,
so I said I wanted to be a journalist. I was told, very
condescendingly, "Don't be silly Helen, you can't type."
Nothing at all about my ability in English.
|
Did you enjoy school? |
No. Apart from English, which I loved, the rest of
it was a total waste of time, especially Maths.
|
Which is your favourite out of the novels you have written? |
My favourite has to be
The Kingmaking
, as it
was my first, and I wrote that out of love, never expecting
to have it published.
|
Do you write to a set routine? |
No. Any author who says they do, cannot also have a family
to look after, dogs and cats to feed, horses to exercise
or a daughter who doesn't drive and needs to get to places.
|
Who chooses the titles? | I do, but there is usually discussion. I had intended to call Shadow of the King "The Remnant", but my publishers said it sounded too much like Remainder - which is a publishing term for books that have not sold. They are frequently pulped! |
Do you design the jacket covers? |
No, although I do sometimes have a say in them.
|
Which are your favourite fiction authors? |
I tend only to read for relaxation.
Using words all day when writing leaves you mentally drained, so I rarely
read anything that I would have to concentrate on. |
Do your husband and daughter enjoy your books? | Sadly, both of them are severely dyslexic, and find reading such huge tomes very daunting. However, they are very supportive when helping with the research I do, and Kathy is particularly helpful with anything involving the horses. She has three of her own, and is a semi-professional showjumper. |