The Darkleich Files: The Raptarian AUTHOR INTERVIEW

The Darkleich Files: The Raptarian is your first published book. How long did it take you to write it and do you plan a follow up?
I actually had the idea whilst working if Iraq, I needed a distraction from the intense environment I was living in, so I started to come up with the idea for the book. It was sometime before I actually began to write the book, it took me several years to complete the first book due to ill health.
I have actually neatly completed the second book of the Darkleich Files series called Troubles Within. This book is much darker and delves into the characters a little more.


What do you think makes a good story?
I think a good story draws on some life experiences and if you can manipulate those experiences such as the emotions of losing a friend etc people will feel more part of it.

I try to convey the conflicts of my main character Darkleich, I try to make him as real as a can within the book.

Which writers/books inspired you when writing The Darkleich Files: The Raptarian?
Growing up I never really read many books, if I did it was the Sharp Series written by Bernard Cornwell. Bernard Cornwell has a knack of enticing his readers in and making you feel like you’re part of the book, I like my historic/drama books especially when history is used.

What are your ambitions for your writing career? Full time? Part time?
My ambition is to get my books into full print and work full time as a writer, who knows, the Darkleich Files would make a fabulous new TV Show.

When did you decide to become a writer?
As a young child, I had an abusive upbringing from my parents, writing was my escape, I used to write new Indiana Jones adventures and spend hours drawing scenes for the book.

When writing The Darkleich Files: The Raptarian did anything stand out as particularly challenging?
The most challenging thing for me was to stay on track, I have a habit of writing one chapter and the jumping three chapters ahead as an idea has popped into my head, I think that’s my brains process of doing things.


How did you come up with the story of The Darkleich Files: The Raptarian?
The story just came to me whilst working in Iraq, I jumped back to my childhood and remembered all the cool sci-fi books and tv shows, I was very much influenced by Buck Rogers and Blakes 7.

The Darkleich Files was easy to come up with, the protagonist the Raptarian had to be a character that people would love and hate.
I think I got it right and most people have liked the book and like the easy read of it.

What do you like to do when not writing?
I am pretty much a homebody, I love to cook, listen to some classic music and hang out with my dog and husband.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?
I am in the process of redesigning my website and facebook page, but people can find the book here: