Tell us when and where your journey as an author began.
I have always loved to read, with books taking me out of everyday life, which as a child could be quite tough. I liked the idea of being an author, but it didn’t seem to be for people like me. It wasn’t until I was in my 30s that I finally realised that if I wanted to write, I could. I didn’t need permission from anyone. I could just do it. I wrote for many years before I was willing to share my writing with anyone other than my husband and daughter.
What would you consider to be your biggest achievement as a writer, so far?
Actually finishing a full novel to the point that it was publishable (and people seem to like it!). I, like most writers, have drafts of completed novels, but I never knew what to do with them to make them better. Being able to pick up a real book, that people have bought and read, and know I was the one who wrote it and made it real is an amazing feeling.
Who or what is your greatest inspiration?
I love P D James and Agatha Christie. The former for her wonderful writing style, the latter for her plots and easy to read style.
What’s next for you
Finishing my next crime novel and getting it out into the world.
Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?
Join a writing group, or two. It was meeting with like-minded people that finally pushed me towards completing the first draft of my crime novel and from there moving on to the process of editing (many times). Finding support from other writers really makes all the difference. If you can afford it, once you have edited your work as much as you can, with the help of your supportive writer friends, pay for a professional edit. It really helps.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know!
When I was 5 years old a lawnmower propelled a rusty nail into my chest! I survived fortunately but I still have the scars – physical and mental (I really don’t like lawnmowers and refuse to mow our lawn ever!).
Thanks Denise, crikey – beware the lawnmower!
Connect with Denise
Twitter: @denisewriter1
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