1. Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I live in a small village in Lancashire, England. In the 1990s, I had twenty-one articles published, both nationally and internationally. I have an honours degree in Geosciences, a post-graduate certificate in Occupational Health and Fitness, and a masters degree in Science Communication. My interests are varied and include; fine art, museum exhibition display, biology, geology, poetry, and the mystical. The story of Peter: A Darkened Fairytale is my first book.
2. Could you give a brief summary about Peter: A Darkened Fairy Tale?
Peter: A Darkened Fairytale is a children’s surreal tale. Although, older readers that like fantasy and magic should enjoy the story.
A secret place is revealed to a young boy called Peter, which leads into many hidden and magical worlds. The book has an unusual collection of characters mixed with the traditional - Hally the lifelongian, Arnica the maiden, Wind Sail the white witch and a beautiful elf called Slip. Searching through the Purple Forest, Peter makes haste to rescue a friend but soon discovers the evil Cirinian, ghosts, spirits and vampirism. The gentle tale finds its way into some very dark places.
3. How did you get the idea of Peter: A Darkened Fairy Tale?
The book was initially developed from an idea about five or six years ago, which came from a variety of interests. I have a bit of a wild imagination and tend to overlap thoughts and interests. My first degree was mainly focussed on environmental sciences and the second degree on museum exhibition display. Combining previous knowledge with my love of anything paranormal gave the idea for Peter: A Darkened Fairytale.
4. What were the challenges (literary, research, etc) in writing the book?
The challenges were trying to come up with new ideas, connecting disassociated ideas and make them flow as a story. Also, the website content selection was difficult. The website has been created with a twofold purpose in mind. It can work almost as a ‘stand alone’ unit: (i) to be visited prior to reading without revealing/diluting the story (ii) to be visited during or after reading the book, to enhance the reading experience of the story.
5. Who is your favorite character and why?
I am fond of all the characters in some way, even the evil ones. If I was forced to choose… hmmm… the elf ‘Slip’ – she is sweet!
6. Tell us a little bit about the villain in your book if there is one?
The evil ones in the book are found in many shapes and forms. So, there is not only one villain as such – although, the evil Cirinian is a powerful dark witch.
7. Would there be a sequel to Peter: A Darkened Fairy Tale or is it a part of a series?
Ideas have been tossed around for a sequel/series but nothing is definite as yet. Most people that have had at peek at Peter: A Darkened Fairytale have asked if there will be a follow up, so I guess they like the idea.
8. What is your favorite book and Author?
Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
9. Where can those interested in the book go in order to find out the release date?
Peter: A Darkened Fairytale - for sample and snippets
http://www.peteradarkenedfairytale.co.uk
AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW!!! Direct from the publisher http://www.authorhouse.co.uk/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000372319
Also, available to order from all good book stores - over 25,000-30,000 outlets: Amazon Books, Google Books, Barns & Noble, Waterstones, W H Smiths, etc....
10. Do you have any upcoming novels you’d like to talk about and in what genre?
Future novels are likely to be children’s/YA (young adult) and of a paranormal nature: vampires, ghosts, witches and all the others. It is possible any future books may be fairly dark.
11. What advice do you have for beginning writers?
In life, if you believe in something - always persevere!