Karen Brooks
Author Interview - Karen Brooks
Author I draw inspiration from: All of them. There are so many fine writers telling gripping tales, I cannot single one out.
Favorite place to read a book: Tucked up in bed with the quilt around my ears and the lamp shining.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Matthew Shardlake from C.J. Sansom’s incredible historical novels… or Inspector Thomas Lynley, from Elizabeth George’s fantastic crime series.
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: Upon reading Sara Douglass’s first book, Battleaxe (she was one of my closest friends). It was so inspirational. I’d always written but never thought writing a book was something I could actually do until Sara did and encouraged me to do the same.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: All of them! Though I love the feel and look of a hardback and paperback.
The last book I read: Chaucer: A European Life – wonderful read.
Pen & paper or computer: I know this is becoming predictable and boring (!) but all of them. I note-take, record research and write down ideas in journals, back of books, on toilet paper, serviettes in restaurants, cardboard coasters in bars, and then write the novel on computer, referring to my notes along the way.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: The academic and archaeologist Ruth Galloway from Elly Griffiths marvellous series.
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: University professor. I lectured in the academy for 20 years and still miss my students.
Favorite decade in fashion history: 1930s
Place I’d most like to travel: Scotland (been there twice and want to go back)
My signature drink: Gin and Tonic
Favorite artist:
Classical: Botticelli
Contemporary: Davy Macdonald
Number one on my bucket list: The Orkneys in Scotland. I really want to go to the island where Victor Frankenstein made his monster’s bride, but I’d also happily settle for the Shetlands (they’re not too far north-east of the Orkneys). Ann Cleeves’ series set in these islands is captivating. Or, the isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and which is so beautifully captured in a few of Peter May’s novels.
Anything else you'd like to add: These questions are harder to answer than I thought. I love them though. Thank you!
Find more from Karen Brooks:
Would love to be joined on KarenBrooksAU (Twitter), or
Karen Brooks Author (FaceBook)