About RM Howe:
My whole family wrote books for a living from the 1940's onwards so I have caught the bug. I started writing during covid with the hope of being published. I also work as a tour guide which provides inspiration for characters as does just going to a cafe and observing people.
I was brought up in the English Lake District which is a very beautiful area with mountains and lakes which means its also touristy but I can forgive it. London was and still is my second home. The contrast is wonderful. Best of both worlds. The countryside to busy bustling theatres, clubs, museums, art galleries. I thrive on different ways of life.
What inspires you to write?
Inspiration comes in various forms. Ideas are always floating around and take shape as I go about my daily business observing people and situations. Just sitting in a cafe gives me ideas for characters then I can't wait to get home and start writing them up. Travel has been one of my biggest nudges into writing as the lifstyles of other countries is fascinating and gives rise as to why people do what they do. It's all about observation.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Jonas Jonasson – so funny yet such adventures. The Hundred Year Old Man Who Stepped Out of the Window and Never Returned. Ian Fleming – adventure with James Bond. CM Beaton with her Agatha Raisin series after my own heart. Murder, humour in bucket loads, suspense. I like mostly detective novels for relaxation including historic sleuthing like the Railway Detective series by Keith Miles.
Tell us about your writing process.
I started at school writing essays that were always too long. I then went in for minor competitions but it was my family that gave me the bug as both my mother and aunt wrote books for a living and I grew up reading them. The fun they had creating characters and situations then solving problems. I love manipulating my characters any way I want. Covid was the catalyst to get writing, remembering my many trips abroad with glamorous backgrounds.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I know my characters – so I know what they will do in any situation but sometimes I make them do something unexpected. I watch them grow and as they grow, so do I, making them more rounded according to my core values. Villains must get their punishment. Hero's are awarded. This is my pleasure.
What advice would you give other writers?
Write about what interests you otherwise it will have no depth. Write for yourself without expecting anything in return. If you can get published it's a bonus. It interests you, it should interest someone else. Be patient.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
Knowing little of current publishers in my generation I decided to self publish. It was OK but when the marketing falls on you too, it can be daunting. Then paying to be published is the next learning curve. Expensive and no guarantee of success as the publishers only do minimal marketing and initial interest from friends dies out. Finding a publisher is best but a lengthy process as there are thousands of debut/unknown authors. Trial, error, persistence, patience and more patience. Join every author event and society possible to make contacts. Without being already famous the journey is not for the faint hearted so you need to love what you are doing.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
It's absolutely essential in all its forms. Without books of all kinds the world would be a sad place. TV is not the be all and end all.
What genres do you write?: Adventure, mystery, murder, humour, clean reads,
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print, Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
RM Howe Home Page Link
Your Social Media Links
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Twitter
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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.
