A. J. holds a prominent place in my list of special people. During the months I was caregiving my ill roommate and for a few months following his demise, A.J. promoted my books – daily – and she also made promotion images to accompany the book covers to keep the promotional pictures interesting. She did this for months without ever accepting favors in return. I owe her a debt of gratitude. Prior to my sabbatical from work, I had read many of her books. She’s an exciting writer. In addition to all that, her experiences around the world are truly amazing. In turn, I promote her here and will do so any other way I can. What a heart of gold she has! Check out her website. She is one multi-faceted personality.
Please, introduce yourself. Tell us about your personal life, family, education.
I am A.J., a full-time author from Shropshire, U.K. I’m 54 years-old and live with my husband David, who is an analytical engineer. I began my career teaching English as a second language, and recently spent ten years working in China as a Language Training Manager for an international bank.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
My hobbies include cooking, especially fusion experimentation with cuisines from around the globe, which marries with my second passion of travelling. I’m not a particular sporty person but I do swim as often as possible & used to race for my county.
Other Activities
If you are active in career fields other than writing, what do you hope for the future of that business? Describe your work or business activities in which you are presently active.
When I’m not writing, I research genealogy and crime, lecturing in the fields of Victorian Murder & Society. I have uncovered many family secrets and mysteries for clients and have also had the fortune to be a part of several publications for crime publications, including a recent book for Scotland Yard.
If you are a writer, are you an avid reader?
I am a complete bookaholic! I read on average 2-3 books per week and would rather be reading than watching television. I try my best to discover new authors every month, including Indie authors who may not have as much exposure as some of the more well-known names. My favourite genres are crime fiction and historical fiction.
What is your ultimate writing goal as you see it today?
My ultimate writing goal is to balance my career between fiction and non-fiction. I love research, but also have a knack for creating characters so, ultimately, I would like to see my books covering many different topics and genres.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was inspired by the notorious Jack the Ripper suspect Doctor Thomas Neill Cream. I had read many different accounts of his life but none of the facts published seemed to ring true. It wasn’t until 2014, when I managed to gain possession of his prison file from Joliet State Penitentiary that I was able to build a clear picture of the man behind the crimes. It’s a subject that I had researched for over thirty years, but I only began writing full-time after a stroke.
How do you decide on the title of a book?
Most of my work is titled by the main character, e.g. Isobel, Noel, Sabine, etc. My first publication, Prisoner 4374, is the number assigned to Doctor Cream when he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
About a Writing Style
Have you developed a specific writing style and why?
I’m quite unusual in that I write across different genres, from non-fiction to mysteries, thrillers, horror, crime fiction and historical fiction. I never intended to become a multi-genre author, but my brain seems to enjoy changing it up and switching perspectives.
How much of your books is realistic and experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?
Some of my books are based upon pure fact and others on imaginary characters and scenarios. I suppose I do pick up on habits and traits of people around me, and then those quirks get translated into the characters in my books. I just hope that not too many people recognise themselves!
Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
My favourite writer is Japanese novelist Kazuo Ishiguro. Some of his books a truly surreal and you have to read them twice to really appreciate the message behind the story. I also admire how he sometimes doesn’t publish anything for a decade but then, when a new book comes out, it’s a true masterpiece. Ishiguro’s books are powerful and deep, but not overly large, so you can easily absorb the story in a few nights.
Do you remember the first book you read?
The first books I remember reading were the Beatrix Potter tales, as I had an obsession with animals. I also recall loving Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and The Hobbit by Tolkien.
Is there an author, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
I would love to meet Charles Dickens. His characters are so memorable and I often wonder whether they were based upon real people that he met on his travels. Dickens was also a very talented artist and I often wonder where his career would have taken him if he hadn’t become a novelist.
If you could not write, how would you express what you wish to convey through any stories?
If I couldn’t write, I would paint, bringing my stories to life through colour and surrealism. I used chalk on sugar paper as my medium when I was in my teens and used to create some pretty unusual artwork.
When you see new authors struggling, what single piece of advice could you give them on a moment’s notice?
When I see new authors struggling, I tell them to listen to constructive criticism. It’s easy to believe that what you’ve written is the best thing since sliced bread but, in reality, we can all improve and need to listen to the voice of the consumer.
How do you want others to see you or remember you? Is it important to you?
I want others to remember me by my research. I’ve spent years helping people to discover their ancestors and would like to be recognised for the hours that go into my work. I love bringing history to life and believe we should all do our part to remember those who are no longer with us, whether hero or housewife, everyone deserves a place in history.
Do you have a blog or website viewers can visit for updates, events and special offers? Include links to any and all of your sites.
I have a website that covers a wide range of topics, from book reviews to travel, and recipes to health. You can find it at http://www.ajwriter.simplesite.com
More of Her Books
