Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
As a child I lived opposite the local library. I read a book a day until I ran out of books. While I waited for the shelves to be replenished I began scribbling my own little tales. But that’s all they were scribbled stories in notebooks. When I grew up, the tales became a little longer, fuelled by all the marvellous books I’d read. So, really I suppose the answer is that I was inspired to write, by a life-long love of reading.
How long did it take you to write Wildewood- Revenge?
Wildewood- Revenge took about twelve months to write. I laid it aside for six months during which time I penned my crime novel Mrs Jones. Another six months of tweaking saw it ready for publication
While writing how many times do you go back and rewrite a plot?
I tend to make it up as I go along, so the plot pretty much evolves as I write, but I do edit continually. In a kind of two steps forward one step back method. I write one day, then revisit what I’ve written the next day, before moving on.
You run into a bookstore, where do you go first?
Special offers…no just kidding. Crime fiction or Historical fiction.
How many books in a month do you tend to read?
When I’m writing I don’t have time to read, but I still buy and download, just can’t resist it. When I’m not writing I can read a couple of books per week. It really depends on the book. I sneaked a book last week (shouldn’t have, because I’m on a deadline) but it was so compelling I had to read it in one go.
In all the books you've read. Who is your most favorite character and why?
That’s a hard question. I enjoy so many genres and characters within the books appeal for different reasons. If I had to pick one I’d say John Connelly’s Charlie Parker. I just love a tortured hero.
State 5 random facts about yourself.
Love chocolate.
Have a serious phobia of heights.
Love all things Medieval.
Live in a haunted cottage.
Have a blue belt in Judo.
Your favorite Genre?
Arghh…another difficult question! I read almost anything. I write tales that span genres too. But a quick look at my bookshelf confirms that I own slightly more crime fiction than anything else.
What are you currently reading?
Song at Dawn by Jean Gill. A superb medieval romance/adventure story, set in 1150 Provence, which follows the fortunes of Estelle a young woman with a wonderful voice and troubadour/commander of the guard Dragonetz. I’m sneaking pages in between writing.
What is the best book you've read?
I don’t think I have a best. I’ve read so many wonderful books it would be difficult to choose. However, if pushed, and within genre’s I’d say. Best children’s, The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S Lewis. Best Historical, Pillars of the Earth – Ken Follett. Best Crime, Every Dead Thing – John Connelly. Best Classic, Jamaica Inn – Daphne du Maurier.
Any new projects coming up?
Wildewood- Revenge is my latest novel. The first of a medieval trilogy it was published by Taylor Street Publishing at the beginning of October 2012. It’s based very loosely on the history of the Northumberland valley where I live, circa 1275, and the facts uncovered when researching our cottage. Built with stone from the ancient castle, it lies on the foundations of a medieval chapel and crypt and has had more than a few ghostly encounters. The book is a time travel adventure with an unlikely heroine, an unchivalrous knight and a supporting cast of loyal supporters who join forces to thwart accusations of witchcraft and treason. The story evolved from walks in the deep woods around my home, a tale of adventure, Templar treasure, romance and revenge.
I also have the sequel to my first crime novel Mrs Jones, due for a Christmas release. In, Molly Brown, a child with a strange obsession with the Wizard of Oz goes missing and it’s up to Connell to find her, before it’s too late. Serial killers, crooked cops and organized crime all conspire against him.
About the Author:
B.A Morton lives and writes in rural Northumberland near the Scottish Border and is working on Redemption Book two, in the Wildewood Chronicles. She also writes romantic crime fiction.
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what a nice interview! is it fun living in a haunted cottage?
ReplyDeleteThanks, LunaMoth.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is fun and not in the least scary. We have had some very odd happenings though, the strangest of all was the little wet footprints in the hall. Freshly made, yet there are no children in the house. We sometimes hear a mother calling to her child and I've tripped over a little dog...who wasn't actually there! and no...I hadn't been at the mulled wine. Our old inglenook was built with remnants of the spiral staircase from the castle that features in the story, and with a medieval crypt beneath our floor, I figure we have more than our fair share of spooks...all friendly of course.
I hope you find the time to catch up with the book.
Babs
That's so cool. I live in Florida, so very few of the buildings are old enough to have that sort of history. Saint Augustine is said to have it's share of spooks, but that's the only place that really comes to mind...
DeleteI think it would be fun to live in a haunted house.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. I don't think I would want to live in a haunted house but I would like to visit one.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. At least you have a blue belt in judo to keep the ghosts at bay. LOL
ReplyDeleteA Blue belt in Judo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd how come I'm not mentioned amongst your favourite authors????????????
A great interview Babs Wish you well with your tour