Today my guest is John Ford author of yesterday’s book “The Royal Descendant”. John is a local author and lives in Fleet, this is his first book. If you missed the book review catch up by following this link http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-4Ph
Lets find out more about John and his book.
1) Where is your home town?
Fleet, Hampshire
2) How long have you been writing?
On and off for fourteen years
3) From which key element did your idea for The Royal Descendant spring from?
The premise that the Queen may have had a child. What would happen if the present day descendant decided that they should be on the throne?
4) It took 13 years to write this book, did the plot change much over that time?
The basic idea remained unchanged but as I wrote, particularly after the ten year break, lots of ways to improve the story and the readers experience came to me. For example the letter was a fairly late addition which spawned a whole new method for me to join the past and present.
5) The book travels far and wide across Great Britain, did you travel to all of the places too during your research?
I have visited most of the places mentioned, but not all. Imagination and Google Earth came to my rescue!
6) There is a lot of computer technology in the book, did that come easy to you?
I am fairly IT literate plus I had the help of my son who is an expert.
7) I liked Andrew’s feisty mother-in-law, which was your favourite character to write?
That’s a difficult question to answer. I saw all the characters as parts of the whole and used them to realise my goals as regards telling the story. But it was fun to show Lambert emerging from being an emotional recluse.
8) Professor Lambert plays a big part, can you tell the readers a bit about him?
The character developed as I wrote it. I wanted someone who seemed ordinary and fairly geeky to start with, but had the potential to break out of his boring lifestyle. Making him physically attractive and intellectually brilliant, allowed me to explore elements of both. He hates new technology which gave me scope for some humorous moments. His relationship was also enjoyable to write. It gave me an opportunity to highlight how many normal people are out there who are lonely and find it difficult to find someone special, even though that’s not my own experience.
9) Can you tell us more about the coat of arms calling card used by the killer?
The Bear & Ragged Staff exists and was adopted by Robert Dudley and his brother who were fascinated by an ancestor who fought in the hundred years war. I thought it was a perfect symbol for the killer to use as it gave a clue that would show who had committed the crime, but was obscure enough not to give too much away initially. It also proved visually appealing on the cover and throughout the book.
10) Do you think Andrew Larkin would really resign and take up an easy life after living in the fast lane of National security? Or is there a sequel waiting to be written?
Who said he was taking up an easy life? He had just had enough of the manipulation and politics. I have two projects in the pipeline, neither of which involve any of the characters. But its possible we will revisit them as some point. Perhaps the readers have a view?
John will be having a promotional event at Costa Coffee in Fleet on Saturday 22nd March from 10.00-2.00, if you are local and free that day, please try and support him. Thanks.
Thank you John for a fascinating insight in to your book, good luck with the new ideas for your next piece.
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Rosie Amber 