1. Where are you from originally?

Stirling, Scotland

2. Do you have a history of writers or authors in your family?

My late mother Josephine Johanson wrote a book of nursery rhymes and a children’s story book, which I hope to publish posthumously in her memory one day. And my mum’s late brother John MacDonald, a former World War II R.A.F. fighter pilot, wrote and published a novel set in the era he grew up in and based on his war experiences.

3. Did you excel in writing while in school?

Yes! English Language was my best subject. I had a wonderful English teacher, whose lessons still stick in my mind. I won a school essay competition when I was fifteen years’ old.

4. How important is reading to you? Does it affect your writing?

I cannot be without a book to read. My favourite genres are Mystery and Romance. I enjoy non-fiction as well. They always say write what you like and I do just that.

5. What works have you written?

Numerous Short Stories published in “The Lady” magazine, London, England, and “The Broadkill Review”, Delaware, U.S.A. ● Poetry published in “Evergreen” magazine, U.K. ● “Sunbeams from the Heart – A Collection of Twelve Romantic Short Stories”; “Dangerous Devotion" (Book One in my Buchanan Mystery Romance Series); "Deadly Deceit In Paradise" (Book Two in my Buchanan Mystery Romance Series); “The Scottish Connection: A Journey Back – Mini-memoir”;  "How to Be the Best Writer Ever" (a writer's guide); "Moonbeams from The Soul: A Collection of Fourteen Provocative Short Stories"; and "Funnels" (a short story) - all published on Amazon as e-books and in paperback ● Articles and Feature Stories published in local and British newspapers ● Articles and Feature Stories in “Westward News” (a former in house publication of British Telecom); the “Kennel Gazette” (the official journal of the British Kennel Club); “Christian Herald”; and “Sports Magazine Bahamas” ● Feature stories about outstanding local women published in The Punch “Woman In Action” column, Nassau ● Travel features for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ● Press Releases for Bahamas Information Services and other clients.

6. Are you currently writing another book now?

I am working on Book Three in my Buchanan Mystery Romance Series. Also, another collection of short stories is in the works. Later I hope to bring back to life two of my children’s books.

7. How long have you been writing books?

I started writing at age nine and wrote my first book when I was eleven (unfortunately most of it got lost in my travels!). My first book as an adult (“Sunbeams from the Heart: A Collection of Twelve Romantic Short Stories”) was published December 2015.

8. What are your ambitions for your writing career?

For one of my books to make the New York Times or similar bestseller list! Also, for my novel “Dangerous Devotion” to attract the attention of a movie director and be made into a movie or a series, which several of my readers have suggested could happen!

9. Why do you write?

I love writing! Writing is my very being. It lifts me up when I am down; it keeps me company when I am alone; it makes me laugh; it stirs my inner emotions; it rewards me when readers enjoy what I write; it takes me away from the hatred and violence in the world; and it gives me hope for the future.

10. What is your process for writing books; do you create an outline before writing?

I don’t usually write an outline before I start working on a book, but with my first novel “Dangerous Devotion”, which has a variety of characters and subplots, I had to stop and write a brief outline about a third of the way through, to keep track of what was happening and to whom! I did the same with my second novel "Deadly Deceit In Paradise" and am doing so with my third.

11. Do you have a daily writing regimen?

No. I just fit my writing in whenever I can.

12. Do you consider yourself a full-time or part-time writer?

Part-time, but often with full-time hours!

13. For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hardback books?

I am happy with either.

14. How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?

I started writing at the age of nine when I read a poem that inspired me. I dreamed of becoming an author from that day on. A few years’ ago an author friend encouraged me to publish a collection of my romantic short stories on Amazon. This is how “Sunbeams from the Heart” came into being. After that, I was spurred on to publish my novel “Dangerous Devotion” and then the rest of my books followed.

15. How many hours daily do you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper, at a keyboard or from an audio recording of yourself?

Sometimes I spend hours on my writing; other times I can only fit it in for short periods here and there. I write directly onto my computer, but I often scribble in a notebook as well and type my notes up later. I also carry a tiny notebook wherever I go, to jot ideas down as they come to me.

16. Do you write every single day?

Yes, in some form or another.

17. Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Writing definitely energizes me! However, I try not to push myself to the limit, as I don’t want it to become a chore.

18. How long on average does it take you to write a book?

“Dangerous Devotion” (formerly "Love at Sunset"), which is around 80,000 words, took two months to write the first draft and a further two months to edit and tweak it. My second novel took a little longer.

19. What genre are your books?

Mystery, Romance, and Literary, as well as non-fiction.

20. What draws you to this/these genre(s)?

With fiction, I love to create exciting new stories, unusual settings and memorable characters, linking everything together and creating the “ahh factor” at the end. And with non-fiction, I enjoy finding that great hook for the beginning of the story, laying out the facts in an entertaining, attention-grabbing manner.

21. How much research do you do when you’re about to write a book?

Quite a bit. I like to ensure, even if the work is fiction, that the background facts are correct.

22. Have you written any books in collaboration with other writers?

No, I haven’t.

23. If your book were to make it to the big screen, which actor/actress would you like to have as your main character?

For my novel “Dangerous Devotion” - actors like Helen Mirren (as Violet) and Harrison Ford (as Gordon)!

24. How important is it for you to receive book reviews?

I didn’t realize how important book reviews are to an author until I became an author myself! Reviews help prospective customers decide whether to buy your book.

25. What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Not continually studying their craft; not making sure their work is grammatically correct; writing for themselves instead of their readers; not ensuring their facts are accurate - to name a few.

26. How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?

 I haven’t actually been on a quest for reviews, but I have received quite a decent number of them.

27. Do you have a strategy for finding people to review your books?

If a customer says how much they enjoyed one of my books, I invite them to leave a little review on the book’s Amazon product page. Some think it’s more difficult to do than it really is or often they just can’t find the time. I do understand and don’t press them.

28. Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?

I believe my press releases have produced quite good results.

29. Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?

Not that I can think of.

30. Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

Keep researching, to see what’s out there that can assist with their marketing. They should be careful and selective though, as some marketing companies might be a waste of time and money.

31. Why do you think that other well-written books just don’t sell?

Maybe because the authors are not doing any marketing.

32. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

I am always thrilled with a good review, of course. And if I were to receive a bad review, I would take note in case there was anything I needed to improve on with future books, and then I would move on. There's no point in worrying about bad reviews. The reviewer might just be having a bad day!

33. Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

No, I haven’t.

34. Do you try to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Both!

35. What is your take on the importance of a good cover and title?

I always search long and hard to come up with just the right title and the perfect cover. This is what readers see first and attracts them to the book. Also, the cover and title should truthfully reflect the content of the story.

36. Have you ever designed your own book cover?

No, I haven’t.

37. Do you believe a book cover plays an important role in the selling process?

It most certainly does.

38. What is the secret to becoming a successful author?

Be true to yourself and to your readers.

39. How do you feel when people recognize you in public and appreciate your work?

It is very encouraging and motivates me to keep on writing.

40. Have you received any awards for your literary works?

Not yet!

41. If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

I wish I had completed the GCE “A” Level English Literature course that I started at night school in my teens.

42. Where can we buy or see your books?

On Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/author/fayknowles or order through your local bookstore.

43. How easy/difficult has it been getting your books on local store shelves?

I believe local bookstores are quite supportive to authors wishing to place their books on their shelves. However, with shipping costs, import fees and taxes it is often difficult for authors selling their books in local bookstores to make a profit if any.

44. What advice would you give aspiring authors on publishing and marketing their books?

It’s a wonderful, rewarding experience in so many ways, but you must work hard and have stickability. Never give up!

45. What is something most people don’t know about you?

When I was sixteen years old I climbed Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales!

Thank you, Fay! Let’s continue to celebrate our authors here at Booksbybethel.com.  Be sure to show Fay Knowles your support. Click here to go to her author’s page.