A Very British Blog Tour

Fellow Brit and author, Paula Martin, has invited me to take part in 'A Very British Blog Tour'. The aim is to support, and promote, British Authors. At the end of my questions and answers post, there will be a name/names of authors for you to visit, and read their answers to the same questions. I am also going to add links to the places I mention, this will help those Important Ones who do not know Britain. 

So here are the questions from Paula, together with my answers:

Q. Where were you born and where do you live at the moment?

A. I was born in Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, and now live in Cyprus.

Q. Have you always lived and worked in Britain or are you based elsewhere at the moment?

A. Until 2005, I was British based. One day, I may return, and look forward to writing conferences, and meeting other British authors. Who knows what the future holds.

Q. Which is your favourite part of Britain?

A. I am an Essex girl, and lived in Constable country for many years. A combination of rural/coastal living brings me joy. Norfolk is also a favourite, and we spent many years holidaying along the broads.

Q. Have you ‘highlighted’ or ‘showcased’ any particular part of Britain in your books? For example, a town or city; a county, a monument or some well-known place or event?

A. In Ripper, My Love, I based my story around central London, namely, Whitechapel. Maggie's Child is based in Redgrave, a rural Suffolk village. One novel on the back-burner at the moment, will be based in Constable country.

Q. There is an illusion - or myth if you wish - about British people that I would like you to discuss. Many see the ‘Brits’ as ‘stiff upper lip’. Is that correct?

A. There is a bit of me that tries to 'keep a stiff upper lip' in the face of any life drama. However, living in another country, and mixing with new nationalities, be it Cypriots, or other expats from around the world, I have learned to share emotions a little more. Even DH now gives a 'man hug' to male relatives on occasion. Reading posts by American friends has opened my eyes to how it is OK to express one's self. I enjoy their relaxed manner.

Q. Do any of the characters in your books carry the ‘stiff upper lip’? Or are they all ‘British Bulldog’ and unique in their own way?

A. Maggie marches on in the British Bulldog manner, and Kitty has a stiff upper lip. My characters are based in the Victorian era, and it is expected of them. I do try to 'modernise' my ladies a little by allowing them emotion, and freedom to choose for themselves.

Q. Tell us about one of your recent books?

A. To save the reader time, information about my books can be found, HERE.

Q. What are you currently working on?

A. Thanks to my readers and their requests to find out more about characters 
in, Ripper, My Love, I am working on a sequel, Ripped Genes.

Q. How do you spend your leisure time?

A. I read, make cards for charity, and cross stitch. Walking in the vineyards with our dogs is a good way to clear my head when it gets cluttered. 

Q. Do you write for a local audience or a global audience?

A. I write for anyone who wishes to read my work. Living in Cyprus I tend to target other countries. The local audience might not understand my British style of writing, unless they read English.

Q. Can you provide links to your work?

A. Here is where I keep the information.

Below are three Brit authors I would like to share with you. Keep checking their blog for their 'Very British' answers.

Suzan Collins
Gina Dickerson
Faith Mortimer

Feel free to use this post and set up your own British Author tour.