Are you on Goodreads.com? If so, did you join in with the 2017 challenge?

I was 10 books off meeting my optimistic goal of 70 books for 2017, but I can tell you that I have thoroughly enjoyed the 60 I have read!

So many cracking reads…..

Have you read any of the above?

Do you have a goal for 2018?

Feel free to add me on Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9215732-kerry

Kerry x

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Ammar Habib to Chat About Books 🙂

Author bio:

Ammar Habib is a bestselling and award winning author who was born in Lake Jackson, Texas in 1993. Ammar enjoys crafting stories that are not only entertaining, but will also stay with the reader for a long time. Ammar presently resides in his hometown with his family, all of whom are his biggest fans. He draws his inspiration from his family, imagination, and the world around him. Ammar is currently continuing to further his writing career.

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

Sure! First of all, thank you for the invitation to interview with your blog, Kerry. My writing background is that I have several different works published and upcoming, many of which fall under different genres. But as of right now, my main flagship work is my Dark Guardian Series. This is a three part darker vigilante/superhero series. It follows Ethan Daniels as he dons the mask of The Guardian, a vigilante who will soon be feared by the criminals and the corrupt. Reborn through fire, Ethan is armed with advanced skills, an arsenal of weaponry, and vast resources. His sights are focused on one thing, and nothing will stop him. Soon, he will rise from vigilante to hero. And from hero to legend.

My other major work is a historical novel, Memories Of My Future. This piece actually won a national award in May 2017 and has been met with a really warm reception!

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

As far as inspiration goes, I honestly draw inspiration from everywhere. I’ve possessed a huge imagination since I was a child, so that is usually my biggest source. I have a hard time switching my imagination off, which can be a problem when somebody is trying to talk to you and you’re imagining a battle scene in your head! The other place I really draw inspiration is from the world around me. I try to stay observant because sometimes the best inspiration passes by right in front of you!

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

Just like Ethan, I’m a vigilante and spend my time beating villains to a pulp (just a little joke there). Honestly, I have found more of myself in Ethan than I originally thought. One of his traits that I personally do possess to a fault is his trait of always being his biggest critic. I find myself often overly-criticizing myself when it comes to several areas of my life, especially my spirituality and writing. I am definitely more of a loner like Ethan is as well, and I think I unconsciously showed that side of myself when writing his character.

There are other parts of Ethan which are nearly the opposite of what I am, such as him being tall, dark, and handsome!

However, there are some supporting characters, especially in Memories Of My Future, that are named after or based off of relatives, such as my grandparents and some of their siblings. One of the nice things about being an author is that you can give characters some traits or names of people you know as a nod of respect to the person.

How do you pick your characters names?

9 out of 10 times, I pick names which have meanings that fit the characters. For example, the name Ethan means “strong” both in a physical and mental sense. Since my protagonist for my Dark Guardian Series is very strong physically and mentally, that was the perfect name for him.

Other times, I’ll either name a character after somebody I know in real life, normally somebody I respect or I’ll pick a name that has a nice ring to it for the story.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

My writing process always begins with a theme. I ask myself, “why should readers read this? What do I hope they get out of it?” As entertaining as I hope my stories are, I want them to hold some sort of moral lesson or theme for the audience as well. At the same time, I don’t want to slap readers in the face with this ‘theme’. Instead, I want to show it in the characters and story arc. So I take a lot of time in figuring out who my character are. As far as pre-writing goes, I probably spend more time fleshing out the characters than I spend on anything else. Many times, putting in the effort to create three dimensional characters is the separator between good and great work.

However, with that said, my writing process is very fluid. I like to try and create an outline before I go into the actual writing. But many times I find myself starting the first draft before I’ve even finished my outline. The inspiration comes in bursts so I try to capitalize on those bursts as much as I can. I find that being too stringent on my writing process can actually become a hindrance.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

Honestly, I’m more of a fan of the classics and some of my favourites include Og Mandino, J. R. R. Tolkien, George Orwell, Harper Lee, & Mark Twain.

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

This’ll be more of an attempt at humor, but I’d choose William Shakespeare. What I really want to ask him is if he really put all that symbolism and metaphors into his plays that all my English teachers made me write essays about, or if my teachers were just making something out of nothing. And he’s definitely going to have to pick up the tab because I already did my fair share with having to spend hours writing analysis of his plays!
On a more serious note, I’d like to meet Bob Kane, the creator of Batman. I’d like to ask him if all this analysis and interpretation of the character was something he intended. It’d be an interesting conversation for sure!
Were you a big reader as a child?

Yes! I read anything I could get my hands on.

When did you start to write?

I actually started in 2nd grade! The main catalyst for my writing was my 2nd Grade Teacher at AP Beutel, Mrs. Scott. When I was in her class years ago, she gave me a homework assignment to write a one-page story. This was the first time I ever wrote anything. That experience breathed the love of writing into me and I’ve never stopped since!

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

There are honestly too many to mention! But if I had to pick one, I’d say 1984. If memory serves me correct, it ends with the main character, Winston, being brainwashed and breaking down mentally, which leads to him conforming to society. I know George Orwell wrote this ending to wake up readers. However, every time I’ve read the book, I can’t help but wish that Winston had not broken and had instead chosen to die with his freedom.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

If I had to pick one, I’d say The Martian. I think that book is absolutely fascinating from concept to execution and it would have been neat to be a part of that project!

If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?

When the Dream is Big Enough, The Facts Don’t Count!

What are you working on right now?

I’m not working on anything new at the moment. My agent is working on selling a couple of projects and I have two more in the process of being published during the first half of 2018, so doing the final editing and PR for those is taking up all my time!

Do you have a new release due?

I have a police novel releasing March 2nd, 2018! I also have a children’s picture book releasing late Spring 2018, but I don’t have a hard date for that one yet.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

There’s honestly not much celebrating on publication day because the to-do list won’t allow it!
The day usually involves me sending out emails all day or making phone calls. But normally my family and I will try to go out to a nice dinner to celebrate!

How can readers keep in touch with you?

I’m very active on social media and respond to all messages and emails. Here are my platforms:

Email: ahabibwr@yahoo.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ammarahsenhabib

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmmarAHabib1

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ammar.a.habib/

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

For any aspiring authors out there, I would like them to know that I went through over 300 rejections for my first novel before it was ever even fully read by a publisher. So please never let rejection discourage you. If you believe in your story, then own it and stick with it!

I’d like to end by saying thank you again for the interview! I hope your readers enjoy it as much as I enjoyed answering your questions!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Ammar 🙂

You will find all of Ammar Habib’s books on his AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Enjoy!

I am absolutely delighted to be kicking off Anita Cassidy’s #APPETITE blog tour, with RedDoor Publishing.

Many thanks to Anna, at RedDoor publishing, for the opportunity to join in.

My review…..

#APPETITE is one of the most entertaining and thought provoking books I have ever read. Tackling some difficult, and often controversial, subjects it is quite an eye opener. I’m sure everyone will relate to one of the characters or another.

My favourite character is David. I warmed to him immediately. As an overweight person myself I can relate, although my weight isn’t as extreme as David’s is portrayed to be, I can understand his relationship with food to a certain degree. My mood totally dictates what I want to eat and other people can also influence what we consume. I don’t keep chocolate, sweets, crisps etc in the house though (generally! Christmas is different when people have bought them for us as gifts). I don’t do ready meals as I love to cook and I love nice food. I love all the good stuff, but who doesn’t like a pudding every now and then. I do bake sometimes, but nowhere near as often as I once did. I love my food, but I couldn’t imagine packing away chocolate, sweets and crisps the way David and his family do. However, the way they use these ‘treats’ almost as a way to bring them together as a family (especially since his father left home) is understandable and it’s easy to see how we can fall into such habits. I really felt for his mother, Kerrie.

It’s also typical of the society we live in to judge overweight people. It’s often assumed that we just sit on the sofa all day stuffing our faces, but this isn’t always the case. Some slim people have awful diets and can be much more unhealthy and unfit than overweight people, but no-one bats an eyelid at them. People who have never struggled with their weight have no idea how difficult it can be. The amount of times I’ve heard slim people say ‘just eat less and move more, simple!’ If it was that simple there would be no overweight people!

I’ve come across more than one Naomi. I have often been looked up and down in disgust by others who think they’re perfect. Noami’s character proves that these people are generally far from perfect themselves. Looking slim and pretty doesn’t make anyone perfect. We can all have our own cravings and some are much worse than craving a mars bar! Naomi isn’t a character I particularly warmed to. I don’t understand unfaithful people. I understand people can be unhappy and I totally agree that life is too short to be miserable, but if you’re miserable in a relationship just end it and move on. Easier said than done I’m sure, but surely a clean slate is easier than lies and deceit. The people who are being lied to and deceived don’t deserve to believe everything is rosy whilst you’re having your cake and eating it. Having said that I am very happily married and can’t even imagine feeling like I need something more, so it’s easy for me to judge. Needless to say I didn’t relate to Naomi. However, she proves again how powerful addiction and want can be, whether it’s addiction to sex, drink or food, and how circumstances can lead to unhealthy habits.

I liked Matthew, other than when he is being walked all over by Polly. Wow, she is a character! I’m all for people having passion in what they do, but wow!

I liked the positive influence Matthew has on David. As much as I think it’s a parents responsibility to ensure their child’s health and well being, I do think teachers can be a great influence. After all, our children spend nearly 6 hours a day with them during term time.

The issue of advertising junk foods etc. is a tricky one. Business is business and companies need to make money. The whole point of advertising is to influence. Every food advert I see makes me want what they’re offering (a standing joke in our house!) However, this doesn’t mean I rush out to buy it. We always have a choice.

Would we all eat less if food advertising was banned?

I do think supermarkets should put more offers on fruits, vegetables, lean meats and chicken though. It’s always the naughty stuff that’s on offer which is not at all helpful when trying to eat better, especially on a budget.

I also think ingredients should be clearer on some packaging, although this seems to be much better these days with so many food allergies to contend with, if for no other reason.

I could go on for days…..

APPETITE has really made me think and it’s a book that I’m sure will stay with me for a long time to come.

I’m also sure it will provoke many differing opinions and I look forward to reading other people’s reviews.

Many thanks to the author and Anna, at RedDoor Publishing, for my ARC. I am more than happy to recommend.

Because everyone hungers for something…

Food and Sex: two appetites the modern world stimulates, but also the ones we are expected to keep under control. But what happens when we don’t?

Embarking on an affair, lonely wife and mother Naomi blossoms sexually in a false spring while David, the fattest boy at the local comprehensive and best friend of her son, struggles to overcome bullying and the apathy of his divorced mother.

David finally starts to learn about the mechanisms of appetite through a science project set by his intelligent but jaded teacher, Matthew. David’s brave efforts to change himself open Matthew’s eyes to his activist girlfriend’s dangerous plans to blow up VitSip, a local energy-drink company where Naomi works.

At the mercy of their appetites, this exciting debut novel shows that some hungers can never be satisfied…

Out on 11th January, you can pre-order HERE

About the author…..

I am a writer, a relationship radical, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a friend. I am also a lover of old books, new music and (mostly) clean food. Whilst I understand the limitations of labels, I do identify as bi-sexual, polyamorous, kinky. Above all else, I am curious about everything: about life, about learning and about love.

I have been writing fiction and non-fiction since discovering National Novel Writing Month in 2012. Before that I was a sales manager and trainer in the world of regional press and recruitment advertising. I have two wonderful children and divide my time between London and Kent.

THE EXPLOSIVE SEQUEL TO THE UK #1 BESTSELLER HOLY ISLAND

The past never stays buried for long…

Detective Chief Inspector Ryan believes he has put his turbulent history behind him. Then, in the early hours of the summer solstice, the skeleton of a young woman is found inside the Roman Wall at Sycamore Gap. She has lain undiscovered for ten years and it is Ryan’s job to piece together her past.

Enquiry lines cross and merge as Ryan is forced to face his own demons and enter into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who seems unstoppable.

Murder and mystery are peppered with a sprinkling of romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular scenery of Hadrian’s Wall country in Northumberland.

My review…..

I finished this late last night (23^rd December) and now I can’t wait to start Heavenfield (The DCI Ryan mysteries Book 3).

Having read and loved Holy Island (The DCI Ryan mysteries Book 1) I was very much looking forward to reading Sycamore Gap.

DCI Ryan is the most intriguing character and I have thoroughly enjoyed catching up with him and his team again.

When the 10 year old remains of a young woman are found at Sycamore Gap DCI Ryan and his team are faced with the challenge of finding out who her killer is and how she remained undetected for so long. The fact that the discovery is made in the early hours of the summer solstice is unnerving considering their previous case on Holy Island. Is there a link or is it just paranoia?

This is a compelling, fast-paced murder mystery with excellent characters. It’s brilliantly written with a plot full of suspense. The twists and turns make you suspect almost everyone at some point in the story. It becomes quite tense at times, especially when certain team members put themselves in danger in an attempt to catch the killer.

I love that we see a more personal side to DCI Ryan, as well as his professional side. His relationship with Anna is particularly lovely, even though it’s not always rosy. The professional relationships he shares with his colleagues as well as the friendships they naturally develop give the characters depth and I really feel like I’m getting to know them. This is why I like to read a series in order, even if each book does work as a standalone.

If you haven’t read this series as yet, then I highly recommend that you do.

I have decided to have a DCI Ryan-a-thon, so I will be starting Heavenfield tonight (Christmas Eve)! Can’t wait!

You will find all of L J Ross’s books on her Amazon author page HERE

Enjoy!

Previous posts featuring L J Ross…..

Holy Island (The DCI Ryan Mysteries Book 1)

With very best wishes, Kerry

x

I am delighted to welcome Rachel Sargeant to Chat About Books today! 🙂

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

Thank you, Kerry, for hosting me at your blog and for asking me these fun questions. (My pleasure!)

I was born in Lincolnshire and studied German and Librarianship at Aberystwyth University. I worked in libraries management in the south east and later as an English teacher at a university in Germany. I now live in Gloucestershire and work as a school librarian, promoting books and reading to young children. I’ve had two previous novels published (a police procedural and a world war one novel) and I’m thrilled to be joining the HarperCollins Killer Reads list with my new psychological thriller, The Perfect Neighbours.

Main character Helen has left her life in England to join her husband Gary who teaches at an international school in Germany. At first everyone seems friendly but she senses something menacing beneath their polite veneer. Is she paranoid or are the neighbours as dangerous as she fears?

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

This novel came from two different ideas. I used to live in a small expat community in Germany and always intended to feature this type of setting in one of my books. When I read about a major crime committed in plain sight in a British city, I wondered if a similar crime could happen in a much smaller place where everyone knows each other’s business. The new novel places a similar crime in an expat setting.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

I don’t think real people could be moulded into book characters. The only way I’m inspired by real people is if I overhear someone talking in a shop or on the bus. Just one line of their conversation can set me off creating a story or a character. The end result will be nothing like the real person, and their words will have been used in a different context.

How do you pick your characters’ names?

Their names usually occur to me as I’m writing. Sometimes I look on the internet at lists of popular baby names for particular years to ensure names are appropriate to the age of the character and the era of the story. I change names if I notice I’ve chosen some that look too similar on the page and might confuse readers.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

Because I work in a school, I am able to write my first drafts in the long holidays. If the weather’s nice, I’ll write longhand in the garden even though it takes longer to type everything up afterwards. The rest of the year I edit the draft and share it with my trusted writing buddies. We give feedback on each other’s work.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

Whenever I look at what I’ve written here, I know I’m going to regret leaving someone out. So these are the favourite five just for today: Agatha Christie – I haven’t liked all her books but there are plenty I do like, and I’ve got several still to read. I admire her output and how she pioneered the genre. Kate Atkinson – for her superb Jackson Brodie detective novels, not so keen on her literary titles. Friedrich Dürrenmatt – Post-war Swiss playwright. I like his plays and his unusual crime stories. Maeve Binchy – I love her charming, gently humorous Irish settings. Mark Haysom – I’m eagerly awaiting the third part of his nostalgic, heart-warming trilogy.

Were you a big reader as a child?

No, I hated reading. I wasn’t able to read until I was eight because my infants school taught us something called I.T.A. which was based on a phonics alphabet instead of normal English letters and words. Apart from the reading scheme books, there was nothing else available for me to read. I still blame I.T.A. for my poor spelling today. It wasn’t until I was eleven that I really enjoyed a book. My parents bought me a Jackie pony story by Judith M. Beresford. I was horse mad and read several in the series.

When did you start to write?

In the year 2001, eighteen months after a palm reader at a party told me I should. I’m sure it was only said as a bit of fun, but it’s led to a great hobby.

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I would like to meet crime writer Priscilla Masters again. Before I’d started writing but after meeting the palm reader, I went to a talk by her in Shrewsbury. She gave the audience one piece of advice: “If you want to write a book, write a book.” And that’s it really. Just do it. I’d like to thank her.

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

I wouldn’t change the ending of anyone else’s book. Advice on technique can be welcome, but plot is personal.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

There are lots of writers I admire for their use of language and ingenuity of plot, but I’ve just got to be me when I write and hope for the best.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?

Thankfully I’m too ordinary to warrant an autobiography.

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

Probably Captain Hastings (Poirot’s famous chum). We’d go to a cosy coffee shop. He’d make charming company, and as he’s a gentleman, I’m sure he’d insist on paying.

What are you working on right now?

Another psychological thriller, this time set in a university during Freshers’ Week.

Do you have a new release due?

The Perfect Neighbours is out this week. My police procedural Long Time Waiting has been updated and will be released as an eBook in March.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

I’m too nervous to celebrate.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

Website: http://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelSargeant3

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelsargeantauthor/

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

The Perfect Neighbours is out now in eBook, and the paperback follows in January. Available from Amazon:

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Rachel 🙂

Thank you, Kerry.

About the book

Published: 15th December 2017 (HarperCollins Killer Reads)

‘Builds from a creeping sense of unease to a jaw-dropping climax and a denouement I defy anyone to see coming.’ Chris Curran, author of Her Deadly Secret

The perfect neighbours tell the perfect lies… When Helen moves to Germany with her loving husband Gary, she can’t wait to join the ex-pat community of teachers from the local International School. But her new start is about to become her worst nightmare. Behind the shutters lies a devastating secret… As soon as the charming family across the way welcome Helen into their home, she begins to suspect that all is not as it seems. Then Gary starts to behave strangely and a child goes missing, vanished without a trace. When violence and tragedy strike, cracks appear in the neighbourhood, and Helen realises her perfect neighbours are capable of almost anything.

About the author

Rachel Sargeant grew up in Lincolnshire. The Perfect Neighbours is her third novel. She is a previous winner of Writing Magazine’s Crime Short Story competition and has been placed or shortlisted in various competitions, including the Bristol Short Story Prize. Her stories have appeared in My Weekly and the Accent Press Saucy Shorts series. Rachel has a degree in German and Librarianship from Aberystwyth University and a Masters in Creative Writing from Lancaster University. She spent several years living in Germany where she taught English and she now lives in Gloucestershire with her husband and children.

In this book that you hold, a true story unfolds,
Of a Christmas not too long ago.
Where I’m lead to believe, on a cold Christmas eve,
Three Siblings played out in the snow.

As all children do, when the snow bustles through,
They built an acquaintance to scale.
But not a snow man, as suggested by Dan,
They built a snow queen, Elaine Gale

And they started to tell, how she’d cast an old spell,
For every child to be cruel.
For if no names exist, on Santa’s nice list,
There would be no Christmas at all.

But little did they know, as they played in the snow,
Before the night was through.
That story they told, would find life in the cold.
And every word would come true.

My review…..

Well, I have been thoroughly entertained by this wonderfully clever rhyming Christmas story.

Daniel, Claire and Ben decide to build a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. There’s nothing unusual about that, I hear you say, but this is no ordinary snowman. She is to be an evil snow queen called Elaine Gale, which I think is the most fabulous name by the way! Little did they know that the story they make up for her was to come true and they must race against time to save Christmas.

This book is so original and so beautifully written I can’t imagine anyone, young or old, not enjoying it. It made me smile, a lot!

(My friend read it whilst she was here on Monday night and loved it to. She’s 40 like me!)

The illustrations are just brilliant also. I will be looking after my 6 year old niece tomorrow and will read it to her. I know she will love it!

Why not treat the children in your life to this captivating book. It will make an excellent last minute gift. They will enjoy it this Christmastime or at any time of the year really.

Many thanks to Daniel Thompson for sending me my beautiful copy. I’ll happily recommend to anyone!

Purchase on Kindle or paperback here…..

Enjoy!

Thrilled to be joining in with BK Duncan’s Foul Trade blog tour today 🙂

Many thanks to Sarah Hardy, at Bloodhound Books, for the opportunity to take part.

My review…..

Foul Trade is a very well written mystery which kept me intrigued all the way through. Having read and enjoyed The Last Post, which is a short, but punchy, introduction to this series, I was looking forward to catching up with the feisty May Keaps again and I have thoroughly enjoyed doing so. She is a very straight talking character who I can’t help but like. She’s seen her fair share of trauma and she’s one tough cookie.

We meet May again in 1920. She is no longer an ambulance driver, but the Poplar Coroner’s Officer and a very efficient one at that. She is very used to sourcing information relevant to their inquests, but finds herself in significant danger whilst trying to get to the bottom of one particular death. She is sure there is more to it than first appears and she’s determined to prove it. She doesn’t have only herself to worry about though. She has her sister, Alice, to think of too since they only have each other now. Will her determination prove fatal?

May’s investigation makes for interesting reading set in a time without forensics and mobile communications etc. A simpler time maybe, but not necessarily safer.

A great read for mystery/historical crime fans and one I am more than happy to recommend.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC.

It is March 1920. May Keaps, the Poplar Coroner’s Officer, has never failed to provide a jury with sufficient evidence to arrive at a just verdict.

The poverty, drunken fights between visiting sailors, drug trafficking, and criminal gangs, haunting the shadows of the busiest docks in the world, mean that the Coroner sees more than its fair share of sudden and unnatural deaths.

May relishes the responsibility placed upon her but there are many who believe it’s an unsuitable job for a woman. Even May begins to wonder if that is the case when the discovery of a young man’s body, in a Limehouse alley, plunges her into an underworld of opium dens, gambling, turf wars, protection rackets and murder.

As her investigations draw her into danger, it becomes increasingly clear that whoever is responsible intends to avoid the hangman’s noose by arranging to have May laid out on one of her own mortuary slabs.

Author Bio…..

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Patricia Asedegbega to Chat About Books 🙂

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

I live in sunny Spain and have been writing for about six years now. I started with a collection of cat stories to raise funds for a shelter and then moved on to my first suspense novel. I write both in Spanish and English and have series in both languages. I am currently working on my 13th book.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

I get my ideas from everyday occurrences. Sometimes I get a light bulb moment and I develop the plot from that single thought.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

I write fiction so I create my characters and try to make them as real as possible (but they are still fictitious). Most of the mothers in my books are strong, opinionated hard working women…just like my mother.

How do you pick your characters names?

I don´t really have a system for that. I just try not to repeat them (especially as I’ve used all the ones I like).

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

I start off with an idea; normally the main theme of the book and work towards developing a storyline that I hope will captivate my readers.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

Agatha Christie, Elizabeth George, Alexander McCall Smith, Marian Keys, Enid Blyton (the child in me still rereads Mallory Towers).

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Agatha Christie…I´d ask for another book.

Were you a big reader as a child?

I loved reading as a child; it was and still is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

When did you start to write?

In earnest…about six years ago.

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

If I could re-write an ending it would be that of a non-fiction novel. I would love to give a few of them a happy ending.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

Not really, I actually enjoy writing mine with my particular style as I enjoy reading those of others.

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

Bertie Wooster…I would take him to Spanish Flamenco bar and dare him to get up and dance.

What are you working on right now?

I recently finished the sequel of “I stand corrected” and I´m working on part two of “…to the moon and back”.

Do you have a new release due?

I don´t have a date yet but I hope to have a few releases next year.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

I do try to treat myself to something. Although just knowing a new book is out there, makes me walk around all day with a smile on my face.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

I can be reached through my social media:

https://www.facebook.com/PatriciasUniverse/

https://pasedegbega.wordpress.com/

https://www.instagram.com/patriciaspen/

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

I am a proud cat lover and am owned by a very grumpy British Shorthair.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Patricia 🙂

You will find all of Patricia’s books HERE

Enjoy!