Today’s blog post is an interview with author and good friend, Mel Sherratt. Mel has recently seen her first released crime novel, Taunting The Dead, soar up the UK Amazon kindle charts and I’m thrilled to have her visit and chat about what she loves, and that’s writing.
And how did your current crime fiction novel Taunting The Dead come into being?
I did think for a while that I became bogged down by research as a type of procrastination so finally I sat down and began to write. Gulp.
My ideal writing environment can be anywhere as long as I am alone and in silence – my dog, Dexter not included in that sentence! I find when I am drafting that I have to be silent. When I am editing, I can listen to music but it’s only the radio rather than a particular music album. I know other writers that say the music helps them to write but for me it doesn’t work. My ideal accompaniment is always coffee…
I have two places where I work, well, actually three if you count my settee! In the winter months, I hole myself up in my office, which is really the box room upstairs. It gets cozy in there when it’s cold. But in summer, I sit at the kitchen table facing the garden. I had French doors fitted last year so now when the sun is shining, I can sit indoors with those open and it feels like I’m in the garden. Or when it’s really lovely, I go out into the garden. Portable working at its best!
Thank you for spending some time talking to me Mel. I know just how busy you are, so I appreciate the time. So, on the theme of interviews, the last question is – If you could interview anyone living or dead, who would it be?
Talli Roland says
Great interview, ladies! I so enjoyed 'Taunting the Dead' and I'm so pleased it's doing well.
SJIHolliday says
Really enjoyed this interview – it's good to hear that Mel had a fear of procedurals but then went ahead and managed it – inspiration to me as so far I am trying to keep my police on the sidelines as I am scared of getting them wrong! I have actually bought a couple of books about writing police procedurals but like Mel, it comes down to taking the plunge! Thanks for sharing this info, Mel and best of luck with getting a traditional book deal, you deserve it š
Sarah Pearson says
I really enjoyed this. Like the above comment, the thing that really stood out and impressed me was the fact that despite having no background in policing, Mel managed to research enough to write about it. This gives me hope š
Patricia Stoltey says
Excellent interview, Rebecca! I've now added Taunting the Dead to my TBR list too. Mel, it looks like you've managed to master the old procrastination devil.
Susan Gourley/Kelley says
Even though I write fantasy, I love thrillers and mysteries. I'll add Taunting the Dead to my TBR. Nice to meet you.
Misha Gericke says
Taunting the Dead sounds so good. :-)I love reading about how a story evolved into its current form. Good luck with future projects, Mel.