About YVONNE CROWE:
I am a slightly off the wall author and my novel The Magdalene Conspiracy, a religious mystery/thriller in the style of Dan Brown, was pretty successful. The second book in the Nicolina Fabiani Series THE IMMORTAL MADONNA is now published and doing well. I am currently working on the third book in the series,H ITLER’s DARK SHADOW. Watch my website www.yvonnecrowe.com for updates.
I refuse to be constrained by genres and have five other published novels which can be seen on my website. AN OBSESSIVE LOVE, HER SOUL IN PERIL, FROM SERBIA WITH LOVE and DIAMONDS THAT KILL.
Readers have commented that my writing is controversial, compelling, descriptive and evocative, and they become involved with the characters. What more could a writer ask for?
I am unable to restrain myself from becoming emotionally involved in humanitarian issues, as well as with my clients, readers and it comes through in my stories.
I currently live in my hometown in Auckland, New Zealand and love to travel to other countries and have been to Europe many times, as my very talented partner Harald,who designs my covers,is from Germany. This has given me the opportunity to fall in love with historical landscapes and their cultures, and also indulge in three of my passions, good food, wine and great conversation.
I have gleaned many ideas and settings for my stories by traveling to well known cities in Europe, and also through the small villages, each with their own special story, which have enabled me to create believable and sympathetic characters.
Currently I teach English to Muslim immigrants from Iraq. Both of these experiences were so enlightening, giving me an insight into the spirit and courage these people, whom I admire tremendously and respect, portray in their everyday lives and their story is so compelling I will be writing a novel about their lives.
What inspires you to write?
i aspire to being a great storyteller.
When I travel in different countries, ideas present themselves and become books.
I am also inspired by other authors that I admire and respect
Tell us about your writing process.
I am a seat of the pants writer. An idea presents itself and I will write it down and save for the future, or even begin writing a book immediately. The idea tends to morph over time as the characters began to take on a life of their own and the story takes turns and twists.
Thank goodness for the Internet as a research tool. It is invaluable. I often get lost in the research and this also changes the stories and characters.
Eventually it all comes together. Sometimes the ending presents itself at the beginning of the process or further down the track.
So there you go. Nothing orderly or tidy about my process, but I have a great time and have built up a readership base who seem to enjoy my writing style.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Yes I do. They tend to insinuate themselves into my daily life and demand to be heard. They are great company.
What advice would you give other writers?
Write, write, write. Do not be put off my well meaning critics. Take on board what is valid, but stick to your own style. Don’t try to be a literary genius who is writing the next great novel. Tell stories. Breathe life into your characters. Write, write, write. Proof and edit. There are great tools online to help you with this process.
If you attract a negative review don’t let it get you down. Don’t let the Internet trolls who will pick on the most ridiculous things to destroy your reputation, get you down. Ignore them. NEVER answer negative reviews. Get over them and get on with it.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
My first book was published by a UK Digital Publisher. However I decided to self publish after that experience.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
There will always be books. Maybe not in the form we have been used to, but I believe traditionally published books will always be with us and I for one would be very sad to see them disappear from the marketplace.
The new generations relate to electronics which have become their tools. Many books will be digitally published for ease of storage and reading.
What do you use?: Professional Cover Designer
What genres do you write?: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense; Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Satirical Crime
What formats are your books in?: eBook
Website(s)
YVONNE CROWE Home Page Link
