Ngaire "Dragon's Star" Elder....Around The Cauldron!

Ngaire Elder, accomplished creator of the Cecilia Spark series, needs no introduction. 

Not only has she been interviewed around the Cauldron, back in August last year, she's been my co-interviewer and stand-in on many occasions. 

I've always been a big fan of her work and she's also a superb supporter of Independent Writers as well as animal-rights causes, particularly the Montana Wild Horses. 

 Last month, she released the third of her Cecilia Spark series - Dragon's Star - and it's not only your humble Green Wizard who believes it's her best work so far. It's a cracking story and well worth the derisory amount she charges for it. 

Ngaire lives in Spain and, it has to be said, it was with envious glances that I contacted her on the Wizphone while she wallowed in 23 degrees, as ye olde Green and Pleasant soaked underneath perpetual rain. Here's what she had to say. 

Ngaire's First Appearance Around The Cauldron

For the benefit of the many new readers we have on the Cauldron, tell us a little about yourself, Ngaire.
A little about me? Well, I devote my life to my children, love my garden (if the pesky dogs would leave it alone!!!), enjoy my relaxed lifestyle in southern Spain. Even if I have a super crappy (can I say crappy???) day the azure Spanish skies can put a smile on the glummest of faces. 

Sun drenched Spain

Once a week  I endeavour  to publish a blog post, spotlighting an awesome Indie read. 

Ngaire's Popular Spotlight Blog HERE

As I have said many times before great books should be shared!

I write when I can and practice Morris dancing and caber tossing if time allows.

Ngaire can be seen third from the left

You live in Spain. Is it true you live in a big castle in Cadiz like the gigantic one on “El Cid” 
Yes, Wiz, I live a gargantuan castle in the mountains of Granada 

Ngaire's Summer Palace

Takes an age to clean! 

BTW this is more like my home …. 

Tell us about Dragon’s Star, the third book in your Cecilia Spark series.
I am extremely excited about my 3rd book in my children’s series – The Adventures of Cecilia Spark, which I published earlier this month. As the title suggests I have gone on a mystical route with  this adventure. 

I’ll share the book blurb with you … 

"Cecilia Spark is in a race against time.  Her challenge is to save the last Millennium Dragon, captured by a hideous Knight of Darkness, and reunite him with the star that gives him his power. With Orson, Ractus and Pacha by her side, Cecilia must rescue Fuego and save the Land of Dragons from an endless, desperate gloom. Harassed by crooked imps, captured in the lair of a giant spider, lost in the darkest of dungeons and threatened by a hidden river monster, will Cecilia and her brave friends succeed in their quest?"

Dragon’s Star is illustrated by Peter Maddocks. Peter has interpreted all of Cecilia Spark’s stories magically through his beautiful illustrations and I feel privileged to call Peter a friend. 

The work of Peter Maddocks

All books in the series – The Adventures of Cecilia Spark – are suitable for boys and girls aged 4-9/10 years old, to read alone or together with an adult.

BUY Dragon's Star HERE UK

BUY Dragon's Star HERE US

An interesting snippet: The castle in Dragon’s Star, Nilloch Castle, was inspired by Chillon Castle in Switzerland where Lord Byron carved his name on a pillar. 

Poet Lord Byron - nineteenth century rock star
(He used to live near me - ED!)

I love Byron’s poem The Prisoner of Chillon which is based on a monk who was imprisoned there from 1530-1536. 

Is there an extract from Dragon's Star you can share with us?
There is indeed … here goes …

"Just as Pacha’s paw touched the ceramic handle, they heard a clashing noise coming from the entrance to the chamber. Panicking, Pacha scrambled to the back of the room with Ractus hot on her heels!“Ractus, I’m scared, what’ll we do?”Ractus didn’t answer; he was busy sniffing at the ground.“What are you doing?” whispered Pacha.“I feel air.”His shovel-shaped snout had discovered a secret.A hatch.“Come on, help me open this!” instructed Ractus.“But there’s no handle!” They tried with all their might to move the massive stone block, but it didn’t budge.Hearing heavy breathing from outside, Pacha trembled. “It knows we’re in here, think of something!” Ractus had found something; a knob on the floor. It was stiff and didn’t move a millimetre when he pushed it. Taking a step back from the knob, he turned round and did a backwards jump, landing firmly on it with his bottom!Pacha, bubbling with excitement, jumped about like a bouncy ball as she watched the block being swallowed by the wall.Their escape was now possible.It didn’t take long for the block to slide completely out of the way, thus revealing their escape route.  Before they disappeared down the chute, Ractus and Pacha glanced back and caught a glimpse of their pursuer; a giant with an armoured body like Ractus’, and eyes of the devil; lifeless!That was the Knight of Darkness".

What are the key things a children’s author should consider before picking up the pen?
In no particular order: 

A) I would consider research important in terms of suitability of subject matter to your target audience and what age group interests you as a writer (teens or tots!). 

B) Picture books or chapter books with or without illustrations and thought should be given to investing in a professional illustrator. 

Peter Maddocks again

C) Consider incorporating a message in your work of children’s fiction. 

D) Be creative and tap into feelings that are sincere. Don’t take writing skills for granted. Plot and plan.

E) Something to bear in mind, live appearances at libraries and schools and book festivals … can you do it and would you enjoy doing it?

Ngaire reading to school children

What are your plans for Cecilia Spark in the future?
I hope to continue with her series, not sure where the next adventure will take Cecilia and the gang. But it will certainly be filled with the usual spills and thrills that fans of Cecilia Spark expect.

My favourite characters are Ractus and Pacha, Cecilia’s rascally sidekicks. They always seem to be lying about and they are at their keenest with the smell of grub in their nostrils. Any plans for a spin off book/series?
Oh my goodness, no, I don’t think so. Cecilia, Ractus and Pacha (and Orson) are a team and splitting them up would be sacrilege. I try and emphasise the importance of teamwork in Cecilia Spark’s adventures and believe if Ractus and Pacha go it alone I would be undervaluing this concept. So no, no, no … no spin-offs. 

Hahahahahah,  I have just asked Pacha and Ractus if they would like to do that and they said NO, they think you are silly to even suggest such a thing! My characters are real btw, Wiz.

But of COURSE they are! Hahahahahahaha. On the last natter we had, you said you were writing an adult piece. How is that going?

Hhmmmmm, well you see Sir Wiz, I haven’t had the time to dedicate to it. I find it hard to write more than one novel at a time. Can anyone do that???? Multi-tasking is not one of my fortes! I wanted to publish Dragon’s Star,  before I did anything else with my adult short. Maybe over the summer months I will find the time and the motivation to complete it. Or maybe I will concentrate on my Morris dancing 

Ngaire is the one on the 

end with the ponytail

You are also working on an activity book for kids. What is happening there?
Yes I am. I’m due to publish a book in March called My Nature Friends which is an A-Z rhyming picture book. My daughter, Fearn, has illustrated the book, her talent is incredible. 

There are 2 sections in the book – the first is the fantastalistic rhymes and the second  is an interactive  ‘Field Note’  section where children can record their sightings of animals and plants whilst out and about; encouraging reading and writing without them even knowing it!


Excellent stuff! What was the last film you saw, the last book you read (apart from HS!! ED)  and the last CD you listened to?

Midnight in Paris – a Woody Allen film. Absolutely wonderful. 

Last book I read – Martin Amis’ Night Train.

(A brilliant book - one of the best ever - a
masterpiece - Ed!)

Ms Dynamite – A Little Deeper – still got the price tag on the cd box, it cost £16.99 many moons ago.

What did you and the gang snaffle last night in the castle?
Spit-roasted suckling pig and wild asparagus risotto followed by Mama Fernando’s homemade rice pudding. 

Tuesday lunch at the Citadel del Ngaire

Hahahahahahahahahhaha. Okay. Even more intrusive - Norah Jones or Lana Del Rey?
It has to be Lana Del Rey. Has Ms Del Rey brought out a new album --- UltraViolence???? Any connections Wiz? Her voice is sublime – delicate and sultry. 

(Lucky me! And I was
first - Ed!)

Have to agree with you there. So, finally: what do fans of Ngaire Elder have to look forward to in 2014
This year I am embarking on a massive tour of schools and libraries. I have been invited to celebrate  World Book Day (6th March) with a school in Mijas, Spain. 

World book day costume!

Also, I will be involved with library reading events in Nottinghamshire for Children’s Book Week in July this year and fingers crossed a Children’s Book Festival in autumn. In between, the gaps will be filled with plenty of other school and library appearances from Cecilia, Soldier and myself.
And, of course book 4 in The Adventures of Cecilia Spark. 

Ngaire, once again it is a pleasure to be with you around the Cauldron. I, along with all the Wizardwatchers, wish you all the best with your cracking book, Dragon's Star, and everything you have planned.

Thanks, Wiz. Loved it! xx

Contact

http://www.ceciliaspark.com/

http://adventuresofceciliaspark.blogspot.co.uk/

Ngaire Stirs The Cauldron - with Vickie McKeehan

Twitter: @ngaireinfo

Ngaire does not participate in the lugubrious time-swamp that is Facebook.

Gallery

Ngaire's route down to the shops from El Citadel 

(Or El Camino Del Rey, in other words)

Ngaire's School Work Experience Placement at the Glasgow chippy
that  invented Deep Fried Mars Bars - apparently

Cecilia herself, in fine form!

and....

Lord Byron's Town Residence, Southwell, Nottinghamshire
(Toldya! - Ed)

Ngaire Elder meets Mark Barry - around the Cauldron

Ngaire and friend Lu on her birthday this
year

Earlier this year, top children's author Ngaire Elder conducted a series of interviews with a variety of authors around the Cauldron.

Check for some of these on the right column as you look. They're good.

They were well received by wizardwatchers and by popular demand, Ngaire is going to be joining the Cauldron every month or so to demonstrate her pithy, humorous brand of interview.

Today, she meets, for the second time, writer Mark Barry, author of seven novels including this month's release "Violent Disorder".

From Nottingham, a father of one son and a passionate supporter of Notts County Football Club, the oldest football league club in the world, the two spoke on the phone as the dispute between Spain, (where Ngaire lives, in a fourteenth century castle in Jerez) and the UK (where Mark lives, in a flat), boiled over in the background.
__________________

Hi Mark,

Hi Ngaire. Lovely to be back on my show...

Mark Barry

Haha, lovely to have you. You have recently published a novel, Violent Disorder, the long awaited sequel to your bestselling novel, Ultra Violence, tell us about it.

It’s about two brothers, supporters and ex-hooligans at an East Midlands football club, Notts County, the oldest league club in the world, who tell more of their tales to the young Internet writer who wrote the first book. 

All the time, the spectre of the modern world overwhelms them and there is a big match coming up against a team with a massive gang of hooligans. Will they retire gracefully? Or will they join in the Saturday afternoon hi jinks and risk everything on one last fight.

Were there any aspects of the book that were difficult to write? And, what did you hope to achieve from writing Violent Disorder?

No, I’ve only ever written one difficult book and that’s Carla. That was a complex book in many ways. 

Simple on one level and multi-layered on another. Violent Disorder was a relatively easy book to write. 

What do I want to achieve? I want the readers to have fun and enjoy the books. My two football hooligan novels are based on real people, real stories and mythic events. Ultra Violence sold far more than I expected, and I hope the sequel, Violent Disorder, does the same. 

What was your favourite chapter (or part) to write and why?

I like the Peterborough chapter. Bonkers. You have to read it to believe it. I can scarcely believe it myself. 

Is anything in Violent Disorder based on real life experiences or is it all purely imagination?

This is a work of pure fiction. Honest, guv.

Your background of psychology, did it come in useful, did it help you research and understand the behavioural aspects associated with sports violence?

Not really. There is a chapter in there about zero-hours contracts, which I compare to Seligman’s experiments on dogs in 1974.  

Seligman meets the Dalai Lama
You won't take this seriously after you've read the Zero Hour
Contracts chapter.

All my books are couched in Psychology, particularly some of the wilder experiments and darker areas. In both books, my background in history was much more use to me. 

Some of the behaviour exhibited by the gangs in both of the books go back a thousand years, and I draw parallels all the way through.

Hastings

“High-profile outbreaks of violence involving fans are much rarer today than they were 20 or 30 years ago. The scale of trouble now compared to then doesn't bear comparison - either in terms of the number of people involved or the level of organisation. Football has moved on thanks to banning orders and better, more sophisticated policing”. (source http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22158585 David Bond) 

Would you agree with this statement?

I would. William has it tighter than a drum nowadays, guv, but it still goes off, mostly in the lower leagues where there isn’t so much policing and CCTV. 

The EPL is too high profile, and there’s too much money involved for the likes of hooligans to spoil everyone’s day out. No lower leagues. I hear that hundreds of Forest and Derby turn out at Alfreton Town in the Conference, for example. Here’s an extract…

I mean, he said, a bit drunk and earnest, Forest are down to a hundred now, if that. Probably less. You think we’re old c**s? They’re all even older. They’re past it. All dead or claiming pensions. They don’t bother going. Notts have more lads – more young lads any road. Anyway, forget them – if you want a scrap, you have to go lower division.  Conference…Alfreton Town versus Grimsby. Grimsby versus Mansfield. Any contest involving Lincoln. Look at Nuneaton. 80 arrests. 150 old LTE trapped on a Nuneaton Council Estate. Three hundred locals putting the windows through.  A thousand coppers keeping them apart. Planned for months. Look at Stockport vs Kiddy last week. Rioting in the Town Centre. There’s no trouble in the EPL. You’d be lucky to find a Chelsea hooligan nowadays. F**k the Football Factory…I mean, you may as well read historical fiction as that c**t. Nah, Forest has been over-policed for years and the young uns come down here. No coppers. 
Don’t they get on now? HobNob asked. Notts and Forest? 
Renfield wiped his nose on the back of his hand and nodded. Yep. Not like our day. 

Warning: Violent video - Cardiff versus Swansea at Newbury Races

A heartwarming vision of racial harmony
on the pitch at the Boleyn Stadium, during a West Ham
Millwall game

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? 

The first criticism of Hollywood Shakedown. I received before I started Green Wizard. It was two boots in the face stuff and luckily, seven books on, I have yet to have anything like that level of criticism. I've been lucky. The vast majority of my reviews have been positive.  
_________________

A lovely but dark tale of love with hints of Wuthering Heights. Deep, passionate, beautifully penned. A definite must read! (Carla, Chloe Fredericks, New York, 2012)

Best book I've ever read but crying at the moment. I have borderline personality disorder and could relate to this just wish there was a happy ever after for John and Carla  (Carla, Megan, Amazon, 2013)

__________________

I've just seen a seriously evil review of a book by one Richard Long, a horror novel called The Book of Paul. It's a horrific review and he's gone potty about it. I think the review, by one Linda Pepper, has gone all over the internet. Danged if I'd like that one on my Amazon.

What has been the best compliment?

My best is Mary Quallo’s review of The Ritual (on Amazon). Made me proud to read it. Also the moment when Brenda Perlin, in conversation with me about Carla, said I write like JD Salinger. That made me buzz.  

Also, If you check the interviews on the Cauldron, Jo (Lelani Black) recommended Carla has one of her three Desert Island Books and I was well chuffed with that.  

All of my friends have been kind to me and I've met so many through writing these books that I treasure all the good stuff. I read the negative stuff though and am glad people have taken the time to criticise the work. 

I also notice when people haven't finished one of my books. This has been noted, gang...hehehehehe...

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

Lots. You, Mary Ann, K-Trina, Jo, (AKA, Lelani Black, preferably in Hawaii haha), Brenda, Emma Edwards, Sarah Tipper, Wendy, Matt Posner, Gladys Quintal, Rae Gee and all these terrific writers I meet online every day of the week. 

We are blessed, aren't we. All these terrific people.

Right, Mark. Some lovely people out there. And wonderful writers.

Too right! Of the “name” writers, I’d like to meet Martin Amis, my literary hero, though he is supposed to be a bit arsy, so I might skip that.

Martin Amis

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

Like most Indie authors, I use Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. I have four blogs including this one. I also use other sites including Library Thing, Shelfari and Book Matchers. My books can be found in many different places on various profile sites. 

The chap who founded Proctor and Gamble, the washing powder company, once said that we know that 50% of advertising works – we just don’t know which 50%! I guess this sums up how I feel about which is the most successful avenue.

Proctor and Gamble

I recently read that your hobbies include beekeeping and spelunking, care to reveal more about these interests?

Hhahahahahahhaha…I love my beekeeping, and one day will have a hive of my own. I once won £2000 for beehive making equipment on the community farm where I used to work. I was more proud of that than much of the work I’ve done in the past. Spelunking? I shall leave that to your imagination!

What was the last book you read?

“Jacks Return Home” by Ted Lewis, the model for Get Carter. A great seventies book. 

Ted Lewis

Mark, you broke your banning order and were picked up by the cops at the final of Notts County Vs Forest game. Your incarceration officer has a big heart and lets you choose one board game, and a comic from the recreation room and a choice of one of the following: Jolly Ranchers, Spangles or Texan bar … tell us what you choose.

One board game? Hmmmmmmmmmm….Risk. Loved that game.

A comic? My favourite two comics (one story, would be the original death of Warlock and Thanos in Avengers Annual 7 and Marvel Two in One 2.)

Two magnificent comics

Written and drawn by Jim Starlin, these are commonly thought of as highwater marks in comic history. The battle scenes are incredible, the art is sublime, and you genuinely care what happens to everyone involved. Spider Man, watching the battle unfurl involving Thor, Iron Man, Thanos et al, hides in a ventilation duct and say “whoooops, time to get my spider self out of here. I’m way out of my power league!” Which was ground breaking reality for comics at the time and a direct link into today’s realistic approach to superheroes. Unfortunately, these go for about sixty quid a piece in decent nick otherwise, I would recommend them. 

Sweeties? Spangles. Jolly Ranchers bring me out in boils and Texan bars have an er, unfortunate look as every school kid at the time will tell you. Along with Nutty bars. 

Finally, where can fans of Mark Barry find out more and purchase Violent Disorder?

Amazon US
Amazon US

Amazon UK
Amazon UK

Mark, I have to go and feed the horses!

Oh that's a shame!?

It's been a pleasure being on your show and I wish you all the best with Violent Disorder and other books...

Ngaire, the pleasure as always is all mine. 

The man of many (black) shirts cooks up a storm at Sherwood
Towers Beer Garden (renovated) for Roy and Helen Sherwood,  Jordan Sherwood,
Polly Sherwood, Callum, Freya,  Green Wizard reader and
chief Wizardwatcher Kelly Sherwood ,and
urbane birthday boy Seth Wainwright

Carla - a parallel world.perfect score....

The Maine Chance - Ngaire meets author Kim Scott

The weather in Spain has turned very warm, and the heat has reminded me of something I must do before the summer is upon us. Last year, towards the end of the summer, I was at the beach with family and friends. The water was extremely choppy; the biggest waves I had seen at that time of year. I joined in with my kids bouncing over the waves and having the best of fun. Then it all went horribly wrong. 

I spotted a swell, an enormous wave fast approaching the shore about 100 yards out. Determined not to be taken out by the wave I started making my way out of the sea, helping my kids as well.

I nearly made it! But the wave caught me and took me out. I felt like one of those plastic balls  rattling around in the bingo basket. I landed at the water’s edge like a beached whale; half drowned and eyes nipping from the salt.

Glancing over my shoulder I saw another humongous wave heading towards shore. Struggling up and trying to gain composure I took a couple of steps towards the dry sand and stopped dead.

My swimsuit was weighted down by a ton of sand that had sneakily washed into the lining and I looked like I had … well, I will leave you to think about that! But that wasn’t the worst part. My swimsuit was not where it should have been; not covering the right bits! Embarrassed and reddening fast I sorted out the recalcitrant swimsuit and scurried under the parasol.

No doubt you are asking yourself, what the heck is she going on about …? Well, I will be buying myself a new swimsuit with super, double-sided sticky straps and Velcro ties.  I laugh now, but I didn’t then. Everyone else did … hahahahahahaah....anyway, today's guest is well known Indie author Kim Scott and a big friend of the Wizard's Cauldron.  

http://greenwizard62.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/an-interview-with-kim-scott.html

Here's her original interview for those that missed it...let's hear a big Wizardwatcher welcome for...

Indie's Kim Scott!!!!

Kim, welcome back! Can you update Wizardwatchers on what you have been doing since September 2012? 

It's fantastic to be back and thanks for inviting me. It's been hectic this year. After the release of On Grace’s Shoulders, book 3 in my Ruth Chernock Series, I moved on to complete the saga. In early November 2012 book 4, Pink Sky and Mourning launched. While working on plans for a new book I worked with my Mother, Georgia Jones to compile a family cookbook. We scrambled to have it ready to distribute before the holidays. Presently I am working on a new book, What Happened to Alex Manning?. This book should be out the end of May.

Am I right in saying that Book 4 in the Ruth Chernock series was going to be called ‘Fallen Acorns’ … why the title change to ‘Pink Sky and Mourning’? 

I had only begun to write the book when I chose the title Fallen Acorns. It came from the old quote “mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” 

But the title did not feel right from the beginning and as I wrote the book I just could not reconcile myself to it. When I had finished writing it I talked with friends and family and pleaded for suggestions. 

Only days before the book was released I thought of the phrase “pink sky in morning, sailors take warning” and equated it to that book. With a little word play it became Pink Sky and Mourning.

What is your fascination with 18^th century Maine? 

The 18^th century was an incredible transition period in New England. The colonies were more settled, yet the wars with the local tribes persisted and a society unique to this region was established. 

Maine State

Maine has a blended history that traces primarily to Britain and France with a strong influence from the local Native American tribes here. From the food and speech patterns to the architecture and peculiar traditions, Maine is an exceptional place.

A Pequot Tribal Warrior

Who is the first person you would allow to read one of your completed novels? 

My sister-in-law was my first choice. I come from a family of blunt speakers. We speak our minds and apologize if need be, when all is done with. My sister-in-law has a quieter nature and I knew she would sugar coat it a bit if the finished work was dreadful. 

When she seemed to be sincerely pleased with it, I felt more confident and shared with several others. Before moving on to have it published I turned to my younger sister. I knew she would be brutally honest. When she gave me a virtual thumbs up I was incredibly relieved.

What keeps you motivated to write? 

I have always needed creative outlets to vent my energy into. Without them I am so restless it is absurd. I sew, knit, do needlepoint, quilt, and write. 

When not writing, and in need of a relax,
Kim often sits down and makes traditional knitted
tablecloths (See Wiz's World of Tablecloths on Pinterest)

At any given time I might have six or eight projects in the works. But writing provides a creative outlet with an escape. Mentally I travel to the locations in my books and listen to the stories my characters tell. The feeling I get from that keeps me motivated and continually draws me back again after each story is done.

Do you suffer writer's block? 

I have been so fortunate I have never struggled with serious writers block. When I start a new book I have to push harder for the first 35 pages and worry it might not click. But after I pass that hurdle it begins to flow and quickly the characters are shouting over each other to tell their tales.

Describe a typical day in the life of author, Kim Scott.

My days vary based on how my lungs are functioning. I have sarcoidosis of the lungs and it can be extremely limiting. The weather, balance of my meds and a thousand other factors determine how I feel physically. Writing allows me to escape mentally when I can’t leave the house physically for days on end. Most days I begin with iced mocha coffee made with espresso and a variety of prescriptions. 

Kim! For a refreshing change, try Chai tea - known to salve over a hundred human
ailments. The Royals swear by it, and other teas.
Available at a speciality tea shop near you - Ed

If all goes well I am on the computer early. I check my FB page, Twitter and other social media sites. I then move on to tackling emails. My Outlook calendar is checked frequently for appointments and commitments. Throughout the day I do housework, writing, reading and watching an occasional old movie. 

Classic old film - Citizen Kane: ideal armchair viewing for all

Everything is dependent on feel and what my body will allow. On average I am out of the house only one to two days a week. Really it is not as bad as it sounds.  

What do you do to relax, to get away from work and writing? 

I seldom get away from writing and marketing. To relax find a comfortable chair and read or watch movies. In general writing allows me to get away so completely I don’t mind not being able to do it physically.

Kim, you have a new book coming out soon,  please tell us a little about it. 

I am very excited about my next book, ‘What Happened to Alex Manning?’ and I am looking forward to the reviews. This story has evolved so far beyond the original tale now but I love it.

Alex Manning cover and Atlantic swell

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating ‘What Happened to Alex Manning?’ 

This book is written more from the male point of view than the female as it had been in the Ruth Chernock Series. I listened to my teen nephews talking and picked up a lot from them to use in determining the point of view of Alex Manning. In the beginning I thought I would dislike him immensely but I do love this character.

Are the names of your characters in your novels important? 

They are important to me. I factor in the time period, the surname and likely country of origin before choosing a name. The time period used in my books makes this information essential. I research common names of the period and earlier generations too. Making the names fit the time and place is more important to me than assigning any hidden meanings to them.

Do you work with an outline, or just write? 

I begin with a six to eight page outline. I also work out a timeline of births, marriages, deaths, etc., to minimize errors as the story progresses. The outline changes as I work through it but the beginning and ending generally remain the same straight through.

Popular modern pastime - treemaking

What do your family and friends think of your writing? 

My family and friends are incredibly supportive of my writing. Some have expressed concerns about the dark threads that run through my books. I don’t mind, that observation amuses me. It keeps my story unpredictable and entertaining. I am careful to keep the intimate scenes PG-13 because my Mom, Aunts and Niece all read my books.

Traditionally famous for crayfish, lobster, REM, old things, lions, lush green environments,
giant trees, massive jacket potatoes, men in big hats, vultures, garden peas, Gingham, Stephen King and lighthouses, Maine has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons lately. Sumptuous Zumba instructor Alexis Wright is in a Kennebunk courthouse accused of running a brothel alongside her popular dance-yourself-slim activities. Kim's iconic creation Ruth Charnock would be most unamused!

What’s on your desk? 

My “desk” is an antique dining room table with extensions on each end that snap up and lock to make it longer. It provides plenty of space so it is reasonably organized. I use a laptop and an ergonomically designed keyboard.  The table/desk is in front of two large windows. It is a good space for writing.

If you could spend a day as someone else, who would it be and why? 

Honestly I would like to be a man for just one day. I can only imagine how much information I could pick up to use in future books from that. The opportunity to think and react like a man for one day would be priceless.

Al Bundy for a day!!

Kim, you get a once in a lifetime chance to join some members of your family for a trip to New Zealand. Whilst on a guided tour to experience the diverse Maori culture you participate in the traditional dance the haka. Unfortunately, you sustained an injury to your ankle during the dance and had to rest for the duration of the tour. What 4 books and 2 CDs did you bring along with you on the trip?

The Alienist by Caleb Carr

Cabinet of Curiosities by Lincoln & Child – I would love to read both of these great books again.

Cold Vengeance by Lincoln & Child

Ghost Train to the Eastern Star by Paul Theroux 

The Traveling Wilburys Collection

The Grand Tour – Aaron Neville

And finally, where can fans of Kim Scott keep-up-to-date and find out more?

My FB author page is always brimming with news. https://www.facebook.com/RegardingRuth

‘What Happened to Alex Manning?’ has an FB page all its own https://www.facebook.com/pages/What-Happened-to-Alex-Manning/416970635055640

My website also has the current info on all of my books and where they can be found http://www.kimscottbooks.com/

Kim, it's been an absolute pleasure to have you on the show. Hopefully, we'll see you next year!

Ngaire, its been a pleasure and I'll be delighted to see you all again!

(Ed: And I'd like to thank Ngaire Elder for covering for me while on my holidays. She's been a massive help and I love her dearly for all she's done. Ngaire promises me that she will be back, as I know, from the contents of the Cauldron mailbag, that's what you want to see. 

Ngaire, from the frozen wastes of Middle England, to the sun-dripped, bougainvillae scented orange groves of your seventeenth century hacienda in Cadiz, thank you. You will be missed.)

http://adventuresofceciliaspark.blogspot.co.uk/