I'll add to this over time, but for now, here's a few FAQs. Don't hesitate to contact me for anything else.
On books:
How many books are in the Stella Mayweather series?
The series is now complete with six books.
How many books are in the Lexi Graves Mysteries?
There are currently eleven books available (plus two boxsets). I am writing the twelth currently and have several more planned.
Is the Deadlines Mysteries a spin-off from Lexi Graves?
Yes! This series features reporter Shayne Winter who also appears in the Lexi Graves books. There are two books so far, and I estimate this to be a three or four book series.
Will you write anything else?
2018 saw the release of the first four Calendar Mysteries. Although this is technically a series, the books can be read in any order as each contains a self-contained mystery and set of characters. Characters will pop up in different books in the series so look out for them. The series will be completed in 2019.
Do Stella, Lexi, and Shayne exist in the same world?
No. Stella's world is an urban fantasy layered in real world settings (London, New York, etc). Lexi's is a contemporary mystery in the fictional town of Montgomery on the east coast. Shayne (Deadlines Mysteries) lives in LA. Shayne and Lexi exist in the same universe and their timelines cross.
Where can I buy your books?
All my series are available worldwide across Amazon, Nook, iBookstore, Kobo and Smashwords (where books are available in several formats). The Calendar Mysteries are currently only available via Amazon.
Paperbacks are available from Createspace.com, B&N and Amazon. Paperbacks typically come out a few months after the ebook release. At Amazon I participate in the Matchbook program; simply, buy my paperback and you get the ebook for free.
Are your books available as audiobooks?
The rights to the first four Lexi Graves Mysteries have been sold. I welcome contact from publishers regarding which of my other books have rights available.
Are your books available in any other language?
Not yet but I'd like to make this happen too. If you're a publisher that is interested in purchasing rights, please contact me.
On being an author:
Are you an independent author?
Yes and no. My non-fiction titles were written under contract. My fiction titles are independent, but to say I do this alone would be misleading. I work with a team of editors, formatters, and cover designers. I've been in the writing industry a long time as a journalist, editor, non-fiction author and copywriter, among other things, and being independent works well for me.
Should I become an independent author?
That's entirely up to you. For me, it has been very rewarding. If you're prepared to do a lot of work on top of being an author (think: hiring cover designers, editors, proofreaders, formatters if you can't do those things, along with blurb writing, uploading ebooks, creating paperbacks, marketing... and the list goes on) then do your research first. (The Writers' Cafe at www.kboards.com has lots of information to get you thinking and I recommend browsing.) If you're on the fence, don't close yourself off to this option.
Do you collaborate with any other authors?
Yes, I do. Are you interested in working together or conversing? Get in touch!
Are you English or American?
Ah, this causes some confusion because my character Stella is English (with a transatlantic urban fantasy setting) and Lexi is American (in the fictional town of Montgomery). Yes, I am English and I live in London (my adopted city). I've visited the US numerous times (California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, and more) and my US editor beats any stray English-isms out of my writing.
So, why write American characters who live in the US?
For the same reason that men write as women, women write as men, adults write child characters, and fantasy lands are created in living rooms... because I want to, because I can. I also *love* America. It's a wonderfully diverse country. Most of my team are American. I also have a very, very large American readership and I *heart* you guys.
What are you working on now/ next?
As of July 2018, I'm finishing up work on the twelth Lexi Graves mystery. After that it'll be more Lexi, another Deadlines and more Calendar Mysteries. I'm very busy thinking about a certain hero who needs his own book. I update readers on what I'm currently doing via my blog and also via my Facebook page.
Get in touch:
Do you have a mailing list?
Why yes, I do! Add your name and email to the newsletter signup form below and you'll be added to the list. I don't like to spam you so you'll only be emailed when a new book goes on sale or if something really special happens. You can unsubscribe any time and your email will never be passed on.
Do you have a Street Team?
Not yet, but I'm thinking about it and what I can do to make it attractive. They look like fun. I do have an advanced reviewer team that get my books pre-publication and write the first reviews.
How do I get in touch with you?
Get in touch via the messaging option on my Facebook page, or DM me on Twitter. I answer all messages though I'll admit to sometimes being a little slow depending on what I'm working on. The contact form on this website is currently disabled.
Can I get a review copy?
Probably! Send me a message via my Facebook page and let me know where you write/blog and your contact details. Don't forget to let me know which book(s) you'd like to review. I try to accommodate all requests, though I have a limited number of paperbacks and swag for giveaways.