Diana talks to the writing team of Gary Williams & Vicky Knerly

I am sure that you are tired of being asked the usual questions that would be interviewers ask authors, so hopefully this interview is an interview with a difference and I have come up with some unusual questions!

Hello! I am pleased to welcome you both to 'Diana Talks' ... I am sure there is a question that you have always longed to be asked. Now is the chance. Ask your own question and answer it!

We’ll pose a question that we get asked often. How do two people write as one? Contrary to what folks might think, we don’t divvy up chapters. Gary doesn’t take all the odd numbered chapters; Vicky all the even. Our process starts with an idea that we discuss turning into a story. Next, we create a chapter outline, which includes story timing, characters, mysteries revealed, mysteries solved, etc. We do initial research if needed. From there, we move to writing. Gary generally takes the first pass, then Vicky makes a second pass. Thus, our writing is layered. In this manner, we maintain a consistency of story flow and pace.

What is the genre you are best known for? Thrillers. To date, we haven’t strayed from this genre, although sometimes they border on mysteries and have been known to have a supernatural element to some of them.

If your upcoming book, provisionally titled Blood Legacy, was adapted into a TV show or a film, who would you like to play the lead role?

Blood Legacy, releasing early in 2018, marks our second full-length novel with American CIA Agent Samuel Tolen. We first introduced Tolen in the short story, Before the Proof, and he was subsequently featured in our best-selling novel, Indisputable Proof. We once had Denzel Washington pegged as our perfect actor to play Tolen, an African American in his mid-40s. Since a few years have slipped away, we feel either Shemar Moore, most recently of the American television series Criminal Minds, or Idris Elba, star of many popular movie thrillers, would be more age-appropriate choices.

What made you choose this genre? For Gary, it’s what he most enjoys reading. It’s the action, mysteries, deception, clues, and treasure hunts that appeal to him. Writers such as Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, Matthew Reilly, Steve Berry, James Rollins. For Vicky, who has a love of the English language and teaches business writing to sometimes unwilling students, it’s about the escape into realms where action, adventure, and plot lines take precedence over form, style, and function.

How do you get ideas for plots and characters? Mostly from uncovering or learning about a historic mystery or some nugget of historical information that we find fascinating and that’s not general knowledge. In this way, it gives us an opportunity to educate our readers. We always make sure to include Authors’ Notes at the end of each novel to specify what information in the story is factual and what comes from our imagination.

Favourite picture or work of art? Gary: I consider manmade structures a work of art. With that said, I’m going with the Great Pyramid on the Giza Plateau in Egypt. Vicky: One of my all-time favorite (I’m using the American spelling of this word!) paintings is by Salvador Dali.  It’s titled Lincoln in Dalivision, and it incorporates a number of themes into a single image. It’s a brilliant piece of work.

If, as a one off, (and you could guarantee publication!)  you could write anything you wanted, is there another genre you would love to work with and do you already have a budding plot line in mind?

Funny you should ask. As a side project, we’re working on a humorous book. We haven’t even mentioned it to our publisher, so we’re not sure when it will be finished or who might publish it, as our publisher specifically handles thrillers and mysteries. We have no timeline for completion, so we’ll have to see what happens.

Was becoming a writer a conscious decision or something that you drifted into (or even something so compelling that it could not be denied?) How old were you when you first started to write seriously?

For both of us, it was a later-in-life decision. Gary was in his mid-forties, still working full-time in the corporate business world, and had self-published some books, one of which Vicky read. While she liked the story, they needed rewrites and editorial work. This was how we met, when Vicky gave Gary feedback on a novel in late 2007. From there, Gary suggested that we team up. Even though we’ve never lived in the same city, by early next year we’ll have published our 8^th novel.

Marmite? Love it or hate it?

Gary: I had to look it up. Never heard of it. Based on the description, I think I’ll pass. Vicky: I tried Vegemite when I was in Australia, and it was ok.  I’ll try anything once!

Do you have any rituals and routines when writing? Your favourite cup for example or ‘that’ piece of music...??

Gary: Not really. I just need quiet, uninterrupted time. When figuring out the plot, especially if there’s a snag, I tend to do it while highway driving, or some other rote activity that frees my mind. I think more clearly.

Vicky: Since I work a full-time job at a university, teach as an adjunct professor, and am currently a doctoral student working on my dissertation, writing is my “me time,” so it happens in the evenings and on weekends, and like Gary, I prefer chunks of quiet, uninterrupted time.

I promise I won’t tell them the answer to this, but when you are writing, who is more important, your family or your characters?

Gary: I’m not answering this on the grounds it could incriminate me. Vicky:  Haha, I have to agree with Gary on this one, but just so you know, I’ve cried when we kill off a character in previous novels.

Other than writing full time, what would be your dream job?

Gary: I think I’d like to own a bar as long as I had enough capital not to worry about slowdowns in business.

Vicky: I’ve always wanted to grow grapes and make wine in Italy (when I retire).

Coffee or tea? Red or white?

Gary: Definitely coffee. Not a big wine drinker; I prefer craft beers. Vicky: Coffee in the morning, hot tea in the afternoon, and red wine at night.  They are the elixirs of life!

How much of your work is planned before you start? Do you have a full draft or let it find its way?

As mentioned before, once we have an idea and characters, we outline each chapter. Although, truthfully, it’s a loose outline that we continually adjust as we write. Sometimes, it’s because we think of a better way to accomplish a scene. Sometimes, it’s because we learn a fact (maybe historical?) that we realize we should integrate into the plot. Because of how we create mysteries and sometimes lead our characters to incorrect assumptions, an outline is critical to keeping us sane as we write.

If you had free choice over the font your book is printed in, what font/fonts would you choose?

It’s done in Times New Roman 12 pt. It works for us.

Imagine that you could get hold of any original source document. What would it be?

Gary: I would love to get my hands on the historical documents that were lost in the fire that consumed the Library of Alexandria nearly 2,000 years ago. The amount of historical records lost was staggering. Vicky: The original of the U.S. Constitution.

Have any of your characters ever shocked you and gone off on their own adventure leaving you scratching your head??? If so how did you cope with that!?

No, can’t say that’s happened to us. The outline prevents it, although they may occasionally make odd comments or do quirky things.

How much research do you do and do you ever go on research trips?

Research? Tons and tons. We ingrain history into every novel, so research is paramount. We have taken a few trips to scout out scene locations or attend academic lectures.

Fiction authors have to contend with real characters invading our stories. Are there any ‘real’ characters you have been tempted to prematurely kill off or ignore because you just don’t like them or they spoil the plot?

We tend to keep real characters at bay. Although, for mild comic relief, we have named fictional characters after real people. For example, in our trilogy (Death in the Beginning, Evil in the Beginning, and End in the Beginning), one of the star players is named Curt Lohan. On multiple occurrences, he is forced to deny any ancestry to an actress bearing this same last name.

Are you prepared to go away from the known facts for the sake of the story and if so how do you get around this?

Absolutely. In our eyes, the best fiction takes something real, something tangible (place, people, history) and then bends the events into an interesting story. We constantly take those tangibles and ask, “What if?” to extrapolate possible scenarios that might have been or might be. The trick is to do so in a way that makes the story believable, unless you’ve already identified the plot as “beyond the realm of possibility.” This is the reason we specify at the end of each story what is real and what is fiction.

Do you find that the lines between fact and fiction sometimes become blurred?

Yes, and that’s a good thing, since that’s how we make our living.

Have you ever totally hated or fallen in love with one of your characters?

All writers tend to fall in love with their protagonists and antagonists. You love them for their good and their evil. It’s like a parent will always love their children no matter what they do. The hardest part is killing off a protagonist that you’ve grown especially fond of. It’s like losing a family member.

What do you enjoy reading for pleasure?

Gary: Same as what we write: thrillers & mysteries. I do enjoy the occasional biography or non-fiction work based on some historical incident. Beyond that, I enjoy researching the Internet for articles on new historical finds.

Vicky: Reading for pleasure? What’s that?

What drink would you recommend drinking whilst reading your latest book?

Gary: I’m always partial to a good IPA beer. Or maybe a red ale. Vicky: Whatever one’s favorite beverage of choice might be.

Last but not least... favourite author?

Gary: I think I’d have to say Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child. Vicky: That’s a tough one, because I love so many.  Other than that dynamic duo, Williams and Knerly, I’d have to go with Stephen King for the sheer variety and deliciously bizarre plots that come out of that man’s brain.

Books by Williams and Knerly are available here

You can catch the duo at their Facebook page or Twitter @WilliamsKnerly

About the duo:

Gary Williams was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and resides in St. Augustine, Florida with his wife. He attended Florida State University and has a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing from University of North Florida. Once a corporate manager, he now writes full time. His hobbies and interests include reading, fishing, history, and football.

Vicky Knerly is a native of Syracuse, New York. She has two sons and currently resides in Melbourne, Florida. She has a bachelor's degree in English and two masters' degrees, and she has won awards for her research-based writing. She currently works as the Assistant Director of Student Services and is an adjunct professor for Florida Institute of Technology.

Gary Williams and Vicky Knerly partnered in 2008 and, in 2011, they signed with Suspense Publishing based in Los Angeles, California.

In August 2014, Amazon Publishing relaunched Williams and Knerly's digital titles: Death in the Beginning (The God Tools: Book 1), Evil in the Beginning (The God Tools: Book 2), Before the Proof, Three Keys to Murder, Manipulation, and their best-selling title, Indisputable Proof.

© Diana Milne January 2017 © Gary Williams & Vicky Knerly 2017

Diana talks to Jane Risdon

Hello Jane. I love reading your Facebook posts about  your life in the music industry. Thank you for sharing so much of that time with us. 

I am sure there is a question that you have always longed to be asked. Now is the chance. Ask your own question and answer it!

Is there life on other planets? I think there must be and they’ve sent a few of their eccentrics to earth.

What is the genre you are best known for?

Crime/mystery/thriller.

If your latest book (Only One Woman – to be published November 2017) was adapted into a TV show or a film, who would you like to play the lead role?

Having worked in Hollywood I would be concerned about who would play the parts. If the movie was to be International (made in the USA, distributed globally) they’d want to have an American lead. It is the way it works - I’ve been involved with movies there. Only One Woman is written from two POV (both female) and the object of their desire is a lead guitarist. It is set in 1968/69 and I cannot think of a present day actress or actor I’d like for the roles. Also, I am terrible in that I don’t have a clue who any of the present day actor/actresses are. And an author never gets any say in any choices, not even famous authors. Hollywood does not work like that.

What made you choose this genre?

I normally write Crime as mentioned earlier, but for some years Christina Jones and I have wanted to write together, about our experiences in the music business in the late sixties. Fashion, music and world events. When we found we both shared the same publisher, we decided to get on with it. Only One Woman was born. It is going to be marketed as Women’s Fiction.

How do you get ideas for plots and characters?

When I am writing (mostly but not limited to Crime) I often get my ideas from my experiences in the International Music Business which has been the greatest part of my life, and also from my time at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before then. Overheard conversations or a title will pop into my head, or as I mentioned, something which happened to me or others I know in Music, might set the little grey cells off.  If you know Hollywood (music and movies) you will know there is never a shortage of characters from which to draw upon.

Favourite picture or work of art?

I don’t have one. I am not a fan of modern art, preferring the old masters.

If, as a one off, (and you could guarantee publication!)  you could write anything you wanted, is there another genre you would love to work with and do you already have a budding plot line in mind?

Not really. I write pretty much what I want and I go where a story takes me. It may well end up as something other than crime as with Only One Woman. I have also written what I call observational humour based on overheard conversations at a bus stop…come to think of it I have dabbled in most genres apart from Sci-fi and Fantasy which leave me cold. At the time of writing I have four novels on the go and about 30 short stories most of which are crime, a couple are ghost stories and also humorous.

Was becoming a writer a conscious decision or something that you drifted into (or even something so compelling that it could not be denied?) How old were you when you first started to write seriously.

I have written since I was very young but upon leaving school I ended up in the Diplomatic service. Way back then writing would never have been practical – it was all about earning a living. I married a professional musician and we had a child young and so with his touring and our lifestyle it was all we could do to find five minutes to ourselves. Later we went into management of singers, songwriters, record producers, and musicians and we were constantly touring, recording, or working so time was an issue.  I kept telling myself ‘one day I would write…’ One day came when we both semi-retired, passed our artists and business on and I found the time at last.

Marmite? Love it or hate it?

Love it and especially in sandwiches with sliced bananas. Yummy.

Do you have any rituals and routines when writing? Your favourite cup for example or ‘that’ piece of music...??

Nope. Not one for that. I do like to nibble liquorice and drink tea sometimes if I can’t get on with a difficult section. I had enough of rituals with my artiste’s in the recording studio or before going on stage, to last a lifetime. Music – well having lived it 24/7 for almost 48 years it is nice to have some peace and quiet. I might (rarely) have the radio or TV on in the background whilst writing, and sometimes my husband is playing his guitars and song-writing, if that counts.

I promise I won’t tell them the answer to this, but when you are writing, who is more important, your family or your characters?

Our only son is grown up and long gone, and my husband spends his life writing and playing music so we are quite happy working alongside each other – often sitting beside each other - but completely absorbed in our tasks. It does not arise. Whoever is hungry makes food and whoever is not busy does the chores. Always been that way.

Other than writing full time, what would be your dream job?

I used to think it was being a War Correspondent on a Newspaper but seeing how reporting has gone downhill, I am glad I didn’t go that route. I wanted to be Doris Day as a child but there is only one. A writer is what I have always really wanted to do, though having studied Forensic Science and Archaeology of late, I could be tempted into either career. Had I known back then, or had there been opportunities, I might have taken a completely different life path – but…

Coffee or tea? Red or white?

Only Tea and Red wine – but only good stuff. If I drink anything else it has to be Crystal Champagne.

How much of your work is planned before you start? Do you have a full draft or let it find its way?

I write by the seat of my pants. I sit and it comes out, much like song-writing, as if from space. I don’t make notes and I have no idea how a story will end, let alone where it’s going. It flows eventually as if from somewhere else.

If you had free choice over the font your book is printed in, what font/fonts would you choose?

I never think about it. The publisher has to worry about this. I had enough worries years ago about production and promotion of records and artists, so I am pleased I don’t have to worry about such things. I would say that as I am short-sighted a really clear text suits me.

Imagine that you could get hold of any original source document. What would it be?

Having an interest in espionage and some experience of working in situations where spies were part of every- day life, I would like to get my hands on debriefing documentation relating to any of the big spying cases in the 20^th century – Burgess, McLean and so forth, from the Cold War.

Have any of your characters ever shocked you and gone off on their own adventure leaving you scratching your head??? If so how did you cope with that!?

All the time. I read back what they’ve said and done and wonder…where did that come from? I like it. I hate anything contrived - be it music, fashion or comedy, so love it when my story goes off in its own direction. I cope, it’s a blast!

How much research do you do and do you ever go on research trips?

I rely upon past experiences for a lot of my writing, but having said that I have never killed or trafficked anyone so I have to do research. I discovered early on that as a crime writer it is easy to come unstuck using old or inaccurate information or procedures (Police/Forensics etc) and I know that a writer loses all credibility if ‘found out.’ Yes, we write fiction and there is some poetic license allowed, but it is not good to be shown up for ignorance.

I’ve studied; taking (to date) seven courses in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice and Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology, so that I at least have some idea of what happens to the dead, how to identify someone from a skeleton, and the way the Justice system works from Police Investigations, Witness Interrogations to Miscarriages of Justice and also which Agencies are involved in Criminal Investigations. 

My series Ms Birdsong Investigates – in with my publisher – features a former MI5 Officer and so I have had to study the workings of our Intelligence Agencies and those overseas. I worked for the FCO and can use some of my experiences from my time there.

Only One Woman – both Christina Jones and I have backgrounds in music. She was a rock journalist and my husband’s (band) fan-club secretary in the late 1960s and so we both called upon our experiences back then. Music, fashion and world events and the way ‘teenage’ culture was emerging. We had to compare notes, research the Music Charts and so on…so much fun.

For my music themed stories I can fall back on life in the International Music Business, Hollywood and more…fact in my business was always stranger than fiction and a great pool of inspiration for my writing. The world of ‘wise guys’ and ‘family’ is never far away.

I do a lot of walking and photography and from day one I have taken photos as visual notes for my writing if I come across a location I think might work in a story. I put the photos aside until I am writing and need a location and a little ‘ping’ goes off in my head.

Fiction authors have to contend with real characters invading our stories. Are there any ‘real’ characters you have been tempted to prematurely kill off or ignore because you just don’t like them or they spoil the plot?

Not yet, but give me time. I do try to keep my characters to a minimum as I am told readers find it hard to keep track of a lot of characters. I never find it a problem when reading, but if we have to abide by rules as writers, I don’t mind this one.

Are you prepared to go away from the known facts for the sake of the story and if so how do you get around this?

Of course, I write fiction. I try to keep the basics ‘real’ and then embroider around them. I try to disguise anything factual with something fictional and blur the edges if I can.

Do you find that the lines between fact and fiction sometimes become blurred?

Our memories of events are very unreliable and after a period of time our brains fill in any gaps and tend to change our perception of the facts. I studied this in Witness Investigations (Police witnesses) and it is known that two witnesses to the same event see it and recall it in very different ways. The longer the time between an event and the telling of it can make the facts blur into what our subconscious thinks we saw/heard or experienced. That is why Police try to interview witnesses as fast as possible after an event and on their own, so two witnesses cannot influence each other by what they say.

Have you ever totally hated or fallen in love with one of your characters?

No I cannot say I have. I know authors do, but not me.

What do you enjoy reading for pleasure?

Crime, Thrillers, Mystery, Espionage and Political Thrillers.

What drink would you recommend drinking whilst reading your latest book?

For OOW I suggest a Babycham, Vodka and lime, Rye and Dry or a Snowball.

For Ms Birdsong Investigates (when she comes out – be prepared) I suggest Scotch, Crystal Champagne or a really decent Red wine.

Last but not least... favourite author?

Gosh, I have so many from Agatha Christie, Daphne Du Maurier and Robert Louis Stevenson to John Le Carre, Peter James, Michael Connolly, Kathy Reichs, Tess Gerritsen and Karin Slaughter. Oh and let’s not forget Stella Rimington (former Director General of MI5) – I cannot decide.

Diana, thanks so much for allowing me to be your guest and thanks for such interesting and thought-provoking questions. It has been a blast.

About Jane and her work

Jane Risdon began writing over six years ago having had a successful career in the International Music Industry which has taken her all over the world working with everything from Rock, Thrash Metal, and R&B/Pop to Chinese Opera. Her work has taken her to North America, Europe, and Singapore: even to Taiwan.
She's been involved in Music Production, Television, Radio, and the Movies around the world.

Travelling extensively and living overseas she draws upon her life experiences when writing Crime/Mystery novels, short stories in all genres - including humour, and she has dabbled in flash fiction.

Some of these experiences have found their way into her short stories about the Music Business, and she is presently working on a novel which will bring a lot of her more crazy 'rock 'n roll' experiences into one tome.

Her main focus remains crime however, and she is working on a series of novels called 'Ms Birdsong Investigates' centered around a glamorous ex MI5 Officer forced into early retirement, who is trying to keep a low profile in a rural village in Oxfordshire. Her past experiences come to the fore when she finds herself investigating murder. Soon she finds herself back on old territory with Russian Mafia, Ukrainian People Traffickers and an old flame to deal with.

Jane hopes that this series of novels will be ready for publication in 2018.

In 2014 Jane signed a publishing contract with Accent Press Ltd.

Jane's co-written novel with award-winning author Christina Jones is entitled 'Only One Woman' and is due for publication by Accent Press Ltd November 2017. One lead guitarist, two girls and a journey through the heady, mad rock 'n' roll 1960s.

Her short story 'The Haunting of Anne Chambers' is included in Accent Press Ltd Halloween collection published in October 2014 called Shiver: a collection of horror stories published by Accent Press Ltd 9th Oct 2014.

Wishing on a Star: a collection of Christmas themed stories by Accent Press Ltd. published Dec 2015 includes Jane's story - Merry Christmas Everybody - which is set in a recording studio and is based on actual events one Christmas not long ago.

Jane has a short story in Ghostly Writes Valentines Anthology 2017 - called Eternal Lovers and this is via may outlets including Amazon and in e-book and printed versions Feb 2017.

In A Word: Murder available in Paperback and for Kindle via amazon.co.uk and amazon.com - her stories are: 'Dreamer' and 'Hollywood Cover Up'. Published by Margot Kinberg

In addition to her books and short stories for publication by Accent, Jane has also published many short stories in paperbacks, e-books and online with other publishers.

Another short story which is included in the anthology, Madame Movara's Tales of Terror, and entitled 'Haunting Melody.' This anthology was published 20th Oct 2016 in Hardback and paperback. Available via Lulu.com for a limited period only.

Jane has contributed towards is Ghostly Writes Anthology 2016 for Plaisted Publishing House and is published in paperback and for Kindle 31st October 2016. Her story is called The Beneficiaries of Secret Cottage. Available via Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk and other sites.

She is also included in an anthology published May 2017: A Stab in the Dark: Cons, Dames and G-Men and her story is called Cue Murder. Available via Amazon.co.uk and other sites.

Previous publications with her stories are:

Telling Tales Anthology published by Moon Works Ltd in Hardback, Paperback, and for Kindle via Lulu.com. 'The Debt Collector' and 'The Ghost in the Privy' are her contributions.

I Am Woman Vol 1 published by FCN Publishing, available via amazon.com and amazon.co.uk for Kindle only. Her story is called 'The Look'.

Jane has published and had pod-cast many of her short stories and pieces of flash fiction and links to these are available via her blog, Jane Risdon Author at http://wp.me/2dg55. Voice Over actor, Elijah Lucien has recorded several of her short stories which are available on YouTube.

In addition to being a regular blogger, http://wp.me/2dg55, with a considerable following, she has an author page on Facebook with many dedicated followers there as well. You can find her at @Jane Risdon on Facebook and @Jane_Risdon on Twitter. She also has an amazon author page and an Accent Press Ltd page and on GoodReads too.

She continues to work on Ms Birdsong Investigates as well as several other novels including The White Haired Man set in Bollywood and based on true events.

Jane is a keen photographer and enjoys the countryside and visiting old buildings and historical locations and often uses photos as visual notes for her writing. She loves history and archaeology and is loves anything to do with science and astronomy.

With a background (early on in her career) in the Diplomatic Service in Whitehall, London, followed by a long career in International music, Jane has a wealth of experience and a huge pool from which to craft her stories.

Author Jane Risdon

http://wp.me/2dg55 http://www.facebook.com/JaneRisdon2 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00I3GJ2Y8

http://www.accentpress.co.uk/jane-risdon

https://twitter.com/Jane_Risdon

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5831801.Jane_Risdon

© Diana Milne January 2017 © Jane Risdon 2017

Diana talks to - Ruth Downie

Ruth has very kindly offered a hard back copy of her latest book Vita Brevis to one lucky reader of this interview. To be in with a chance to win, please answer this simple question about the interview on the blog itself or comment on The Review Facebook page. All correct answers will go into 'the hat' and the first drawn will be the winner.

The question: Which character in her series did Ruth begin by loathing?

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Ruth is the author of seven mysteries featuring Roman Army medic Gaius Petreius Ruso. The latest is VITA BREVIS.

She lives in Devon, England, and is married with two grown-up sons. A combination of nosiness and a childish fascination with mud means she is never happier than when wielding an archaeological trowel.

She is sometimes called R.S. Downie, but she isn't the person with the same name who writes medical textbooks, and recommends that readers should never, ever take health advice from a two thousand year old man who prescribes mouse droppings.

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If I had tried any harder to catch up with Ruth at HNS16, I fear I would have been accused of stalking. Sadly we never did manage to meet in person. Every time I glimpsed her, we were rushing in opposite directions - well, when I say rushing, Ruth was rushing, I was hobbling on my gammy leg! Ruth kindly agreed, however, to answer respond via email. Thank you Ruth.

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Ruth, I am sure that you are tired of being asked the usual questions that would-be interviewers ask authors, so hopefully this interview is an interview with a difference and I have come up with some unusual questions!

Thank you!

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If  VITA BREVIS was adapted into a TV show or a film, who would you like to play the lead role?

Ah, my fantasy world question! I’ve never come up with a satisfactory answer to this, although Dominic West’s been in the frame along with Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage) and Mark Strong. The problem is, despite featuring him in seven novels, I’ve never really described Ruso’s physical appearance, and people have developed their own ideas about what he looks like. So I’m going to stay firmly on the fence.

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If, as a one off, (and you could guarantee publication!)  you could write anything you wanted, is there another genre you would love to work with and do you already have a budding plot line in mind?

Ha! If you could guarantee me it would never, ever see the light of day, I’d go back to the western I wrote for fun before this all started getting serious. I’ve never lived in the west of the USA and I know nothing about cows—or guns—but since nobody would see it that wouldn’t matter.

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Do you have any rituals and routines when writing? Your favourite cup for example or ‘that’ piece of music...??

I start by making coffee in the most complicated manner possible, and then do a lot of pointless drifting around on the Internet.  I suppose you could call this a routine but it’s not one I’m proud of! As for music—the theme from ‘Gladiator’ is always good to get in the mood for the Romans, and for the Britons I’ve been known to use “The Storm” by Moving Hearts: a fantastic instrumental album by Irish musicians. Nothing with words, though. That would be like trying to ride two horses at once.

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What is the worst book you have ever read? What made it unreadable for you?

I find I’m strangely reluctant to answer that—probably because I know how much work goes into writing a book and I’d hate to tread on anybody’s dreams. However—there are very successful books that I’m assured are marvellous, but I just can’t get into them. “Cloud Atlas” was one, and I’ve never managed to get past page two of anything by Henry James.

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Other than writing full time, what would be your dream job?

I’d be an archaeologist. Some of my happiest moments have been spent on archaeological digs and I’m constantly amazed by how much the professionals know, and the way they can think on their feet even when mired in mud.  

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Coffee or tea? Red or white?

Coffee and red, please. I can’t function without them.

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If you had free choice over the font your book is printed in, what font/fonts would you choose?

Something easily read and not noticeable – fonts are something we aren’t usually aware of until something goes wrong. Just one stipulation, though—it has to be a decent size. I worked in a library for years and I know how frustrating it is for readers whose eyesight isn’t too great when they find the book they want, only to find they can’t read it.

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Imagine that you could get hold of any original source document. What would it be?

Absolutely anything that recorded faithfully what the British tribes thought of the Roman invasion. Or indeed what they thought about anything. But sadly theirs was an oral tradition, and whatever they said has been lost.

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Historical fiction authors have to contend with real characters invading our stories. Are there any ‘real’ characters you have been tempted to prematurely kill off or ignore because you just don’t like them or they spoil the plot?

That’s not usually a problem with Roman Britain! Outside the well-known stories we don’t know much about who was here anyway. There is one chap I’ve had to ignore, though. He was the Roman governor of Britannia during part of the time when my books are set.  His name was Falco, but he’s only ever referred to as “the governor”  lest readers of Lindsey Davis wonder why her leading man has wandered into my books.

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Are you prepared to go away from the known facts for the sake of the story and if so how do you get around this?

I try not to, because I have to convince myself that what I’m writing is possible. And if I’m not convinced myself, it’s really hard to be convincing. Of course I may have departed from the known facts by mistake, but since I don’t know that, it doesn’t bother me. Well, not until later.

*

Do you find that the lines between fact and fiction sometimes become blurred?

Yes, but I wasn’t really aware of it until I worked on “A Year of Ravens,” a joint novel with six other writers about the Boudican rebellion. I had the job of ‘fact-checker’ and there were times when I wondered why the other writers hadn’t mentioned X, Y or Z about Roman Britain – and then I remembered that these were things I’d invented to fill gaps in the evidence.

*

Have you ever totally hated or fallen in love with one of your characters?

I started out loathing the hospital administrator in the first book of the series, “Medicus”—but then I realised he could say all the things I had always longed to say to people when I worked in admin. He was still an awful man, but I loved writing his dialogue. 

*

What do you enjoy reading for pleasure?

Really geeky archaeology books, books written by people who have interesting skills – farmers, medics, “H is for Hawk” – and modern crime. Martin Cruz Smith’s Renko books are great, and I’m also going through a Phil Rickman phase.

*

What drink would you recommend drinking whilst reading your latest book?

My leading man, Ruso, comes from a farm in southern Gaul where they have a winery. The wine is made in true Roman fashion, with grapes trodden by the feet of slaves and the juice nicely diluted with sea-water before being stored in open vessels lined with pitch. Just the thing if you can get hold of it.

*

Last but not least... favourite historical author?

That’s really hard… who to leave out? I’m going to chicken out and name the best historical I’ve read lately.  It’s The North Water, by Ian McGuire. Richly descriptive, cleverly plotted, full of suspense and—since it’s about the 19^th century whaling industry—dreadfully gory. Splendid.

Wonderful, Ruth. Thank you very much.

About Vita Brevis:

Ruso and Tilla's excitement at arriving in Rome with their new baby daughter is soon dulled by their discovery that the grand facades of polished marble mask an underworld of corrupt landlords and vermin-infested tenements. There are also far too many doctors--some skilled--but others positively dangerous.

Ruso thinks he has been offered a reputable medical practice only to find that his predecessor Doctor Kleitos has fled, leaving a dead man in a barrel on the doorstep and the warning, “Be careful who you trust.” Distracted by the body and his efforts to help a friend win the hand of a rich young heiress, Ruso makes a grave mistake, causing him to question both his competence and his integrity.

With Ruso's reputation under threat, he and Tilla must protect their small family from Doctor Kleitos's debt collectors and find allies in their new home while they track down the vanished doctor and find out the truth about the heiress's dead father--Ruso's patient--and the unfortunate man in the barrel.

 © Diana Milne July 2016 © Ruth Downie, August 2016

Emma Reviews: _Gatekeeper_ a wonderful novel about the rehabilitation of wolves

The author of this book has kindly offered a signed copy for a lucky reader. To be in with a chance to win, just leave a copy below or on our Facebook page.
The draw will take place on December 1st.

  

Claire could see Liam was tense, his eyes pale against the black balaclava, his hand clenched around the bolt cutters he was holding.  The others avoided his gaze: Ansel patted down his balaclava where it jutted over his beard while Mick tapped his gloved fingers against the wall of the van, but Claire held it, staring him down as the vehicle lurched over the rutted farm road.

 The opening paragraph of Gatekeeper.  This hints at the action one is about to read but this book has much more; attempts at understanding the natural order of things, a struggle to realise one person’s vision and all that that entails, the sacrifices true dedication demands.

 This was a read with a difference - an attempt to reintroduce wolves into their natural habitat with no media, no public knowledge and just the hope they will thrive and be discovered (and left alone) by the public as and when.  An unusual subject, the story is told from the viewpoint of an animal activist, one whose passion for her cause is tangible.  Her beliefs and passions are well-meant but an altercation with a more violently disposed activist means she is kicked out of the group.  That, however, is just the start of her journey.

The story winds around Claire, the protagonist, both in her ambitions personally and professionally. The reader can feel every high and low, every spark of anger, every emotional high.  This is representative of the author’s ability to convey the moment in time, the present action by use of language that is neither flowery nor over-indulgent. What is more than apparent is the author’s knowledge of her subject; extremely well-detailed, this is truly dedicated research. 

 Claire is a strong, independent - and fiery! - woman but this is no feminist story.  She can deal with Liam but finds it difficult to cope with trust on those that enter her life on this strange pathway her life suddenly turns.  From living isolated in a desert to being placed in a metropolis with no one really knowing her cause, the reader warms to Claire despite her detached independence; there are flashes of the vulnerable girl inside but not for long.  This is a woman on a mission, caring for wolves and their environment with a focus that borders on the deadly.  She has to complete tasks that are not for the weak-hearted (if you’re looking for a gentle, environmentally-cosy, cuddly wolf teddy-bear tale, then this book is most definitely not for you); this is hardcore survival in our modern world.  For Claire as much as for the wolves. 

The story also makes you realise how humans have destroyed an eco-system that sees these characters working to put things right.  There were occasions when the reader feels not a lot is happening but the story then develops and opens up in areas that make you realise there is always something going on in the background - from Claire being harassed by Liam, her original antagonist, to supporting characters that have more depth than when they first appear in the storyline. Such as Blaine, the instigator of the plan.

Originally a project by the rich, methodical and enigmatic Blaine, cut-throat decisions have to be made.  He aims to release wolves back into their once-natural environment undercover but checked on by chosen Gatekeepers. However, Claire soon realises to be a chosen Gatekeeper, one has to be above dedicated, above sentimental and more than self-sufficient.  She crosses people she doesn’t know are her allies, people who are enemies, people she thinks she can trust but is never really sure and her love interest will never know her true mission; a life with him is even sacrificed to a certain degree.  Claire is not only physically strong (able to defend herself when needed) but mentally tough and passes tests she didn’t even realise she was being put through.  

Gatekeeper is a modern tale of animal welfare, environmental issues but is far from a fairytale with a happy ever after and more than relevant in our lifetime.  It is a gritty, harsh and oft-times depressing tale that throws the reader hope.  Does Claire succeed? Does she survive the harsh endurances for the wolves? Do the wolves make it?  And is this at all possible in reality?

You’ll have to read it to find out!

About The Author

Kay Sexton has been a finalist for several writing awards including the Sunday Times Short Story Award, the Willesden Herald Fiction Contest and a winner of the Fort William Festival Contest. She particularly enjoys collaborative projects. One of which, a words and pictures exhibition with Irish painter Fion Gunn, was shown at two London galleries, Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens and the Tsinghua University, Beijing. Gatekeeper was shortlisted for the Dundee International Book Prize.

Before turning to writing, her jobs included charity chief executive, tree-planter, glamour model, and mortician's receptionist. She has had several hundred short stories and articles published, as well as two non-fiction books.

Kay can be found on www.kaysexton.com

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Emma Powell has been reviewing for us since The Review's debut and is now one of our most valued admins. Emma has since branched out into the world of editing and proofreading for which she is currently undergoing a diploma. You can find more of Emma's scriblings on her blog here