About P.C. James:
I’ve always loved mysteries, especially those involving Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. Perhaps because Miss Marple reminded me of my aunts when I was growing up. But Christie never told us much about Miss Marple's earlier life. When writing my own elderly super-sleuth series, I will trace her career from the start. As you’ll see, if you follow the Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries over the coming years.
However, this is my Bio, not Miss Riddell’s, so here goes with all you need to know about me: After retiring, I became a writer and, as a writer, I spend much of my day staring at the computer screen hoping inspiration will strike. I’m pleased to say, it generally does — eventually. For the rest, you’ll find me running, cycling, walking, and taking wildlife photos wherever and whenever I can. My cozy mystery series begins in northern England because that was my home growing up and that’s also the home of so many great cozy mysteries. Stay with me though because Miss Riddell loves to travel as much as I do and the stories will take us to many different places around the world.
What inspires you to write?
I've always loved reading and imagining stories of all kinds. Now O have the time, I'm writing those stories down.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Nowadays, I read a lot of non-fiction, mainly history.
My favorite authors have stayed the same for many years now, Jane Austen, Bill Bryson, and Douglas Adams. And, of course, Agatha Christie when she writes about Miss Marple.
Tell us about your writing process.
I do a sketchy outline using a whiteboard and often the story does look something like my outline when it's finished. I don't do character sketches so much as imagine how the characters interact with each other, which gives me a solid foundation on which to build them.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
My characters are always talking in my mind and, yes, I listen to them, which is why the 'outline' and 'finished' story don't always match. I tend not to talk to them because, like my stories, I watch them living their lives rather than being part of their lives.
What advice would you give other writers?
First, write what you like. It will come out in the writing. Next, only get help from knowledgeable people who are involved in writing, editors etc. Study the market — Amazon is really helpful here because you can see the books in every genre quickly and easily.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I did send books to publishers at the start but none were interested. Then I learned about self-publishing and, after a period of learning, I'm now glad I wasn't picked up by a publisher. There are a number of people and companies on the internet who can help you get started.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Thanks to self-publishing, I think book publishing will continue to grow in volume. Amazon alone adds hundreds of thousands of new titles each year. Lately, I've produced a Large Print edition and will soon have an audiobook edition. Books today are more than just the paperback and I expect that to continue.
What genres do you write?: Cozy Mystery & YA Sci-fi
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print, Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Link To P.C. James Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
