Hi Wendy

Before we get into the interview let me introduce you my readers.

Wendy H Jones lives in Dundee, Scotland and is the author of four series -

DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries – police procedurals series.

Cass Claymore Investigates – a humorous crime series.

Fergus and Flora Mysteries – a Young Adult Mystery series.

Bertie the Buffalo – a children’s picture book based on the true story of a young buffalo that ran away in Fife, Scotland.

A wonderful variety to choose from.

Thanks for agreeing to answer my questions. I know how busy you are with your writing life.

Me – My first question is - Which aspect of the writing process do you enjoy the most? And why?

Wendy - I love the feeling of starting a new book as it is full of endless possibilities. I’m excited to see where the characters will take me next. Trust me, there are a lot of surprises when I’m writing my books.

Me -I love starting new stories too.

What distracts you when you are in writing flow? Is there anything you do to counter this?

Wendy -Social media is the biggest time suck, so many notifications popping up all the time. I’ve switched off notifications, especially on Whats App as that’s one that can go nuts if you’re in a group chat.

Me -Social media seems to be a blessing and a curse for many people. Turning off notifications is a good idea.

Does it take longer to refine the idea for a children’s story or a novel?

Wendy -I would say the novels, even the children’s ones, as they are more complex. Saying that, ideas for novels pop into my head at any given day or time. The children’s books are tricky in their own right as they should also contain some element of learning and moral compass. So my first picture book dealt with themes of family, belonging and looking out for those who are different. My second is about working together and supporting each other. However, these are woven throughout a fun story.

Me – I love the supposed simplicity of picture books but know how much work has to be done to create the right balance. I also love the cuddly toy Bertie which accompanies the stories. He is very cute.

How many books are waiting in the wings of your mind?

Wendy - A heck of a lot. I will have four new ones out by Christmas, but I have ideas for about ten more. My mind whirls day and night.

Me – Four more before Christmas, I knew you were busy.

How do you decide which story to write next?

Wendy - Publishers deadlines play a large part as does pressure from fans. For the sake of my brain I try to alternate gritty crime with humorous crime so I’m not dwelling on the dark side all the time.

Me – That sounds like a good way of working, especially in our troubled world.

What has been the most satisfying moment in your writing career?

Wendy -There have been so many it is difficult to choose. However, as I have to, I would say when ‘Killers Crew’ won the Books Go Social and Dublin Writers Conference Book of the Year in 2017.

Me- wow, you must have been so thrilled. What an honour.

What is the strangest observation from the real world that has made it into one of your books?

Wendy -A story someone was chatting about in a café. That made it in to one book, albeit in a much-changed form. The moral of this story is be careful what you say, there may be a writer listening.

Me – I love the ideas writers collect from overheard conversations.

What aspect of your personality have you explored through writing?

Wendy -My creative side. Having been in the services as a nurse, I am quite analytical. However, writing gives free rein to my creativity.

Me- I imagine have an analytical aspect to your creativity helps with organising your writing.

Of all the stories you have written, which have you learnt the most from?

Wendy -I learn something from all of them as I do have to research. I learned a lot about writing craft from my first book. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the way I work from all the books.

Me – Yes, I think each story brings its own research and eye-opening moments.

This last question is purely because I’m curious as to how author’s kickstart their brains and fuel their writing.

What do you like to eat for breakfast?

Wendy - I eat a variety of things – toast, full cooked, cereal, depending on my mood. However, it’s all gluten free as I have coeliac disease.

Me – I believe it is easier to purchase gluten free food now, but it is still a hard disease to manage.