Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

I have always loved ghost stories for the terror and excitement they inspire. Yet while they have been told throughout the ages, and continue to entertain, I believe there is a more serious side to paranormal fiction. Shadows in the Mist is the first paranormal mystery in my Porter Biggleswade series, which draws the reader into the world of paranormal investigation, and looks at how people react to phenomena in very different ways. Human nature is, apparently, as curious and unpredictable as paranormal activity!

What are some day jobs you have held?

I studied archaeology at university and was then lucky enough to work in Pompeii, for the Anglo-American Field School Project. Following this, I worked on various projects at the British Museum before studying for an MSc in Forensic Archaeological Sciences, at UCL.

What have you written so far?

I wrote my first book after finishing my undergraduate degree, really to prove to myself that I had the discipline to sit down and write. The book took me three months to complete because I treated the exercise like a full-time job. I had the idea for my Porter Biggleswade series after completing my Masters and moving to York. I have written two books in the series – Shadows in the Mist and The Haunting of Delavere Hall – and I am currently writing the third.

How do you feel about indie/alternative vs. conventional publishing?

I believe there’s room for both. I’m self-published, but I would love to have the support of a publishing house, although I’m aware that I would still have to be proactive when it comes to marketing and self-promotion. In an ideal world, I would continue to self-publish, but would employ someone to help with marketing and selling my books.

Can you share with readers a little bit about your latest book?

I’m currently writing the third book in my Porter Biggleswade series, which expands on many of the themes and characters from Shadows in the Mist, and The Haunting of Delavere Hall. Egypt features heavily in this book, as Porter finds herself investigating an individual who has had a ghostly experience while touring the Valley of the Kings. I’m really enjoying planning and researching this book, as it combines my interest in both archaeology and writing!

What role does research play in your writing?

Research is an instrumental part of my work, and one of the main reasons why I enjoy writing so much. I love to explore new topics and themes, and researching a book gives me an excuse to do this. I prefer to plan rather than write ‘freestyle’, as my work needs the structure to flow more easily. And, it definitely enables me to work more efficiently.

What do you like to read in your free time?

Anything and everything! I’m currently reading Women on the Nile by Joan Rees, a charming book about Harriet Martineau, Florence Nightingale, and Amelia Edwards experiences in Egypt.

What is one thing you hate about being a writer?

There isn’t anything I hate about being a writer – I wouldn’t do it if there was!

If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?

I would present archaeology programs, thus combining my love of history, travel and having an excuse to ask as many questions as I wanted!

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