Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

Hi I’m Mistress Kaz and I’m 35. I’m a writer and blogger who spends much of my waking life in a fantasy world. I love to transform those fantasies into words to share with others.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born in Swindon, have lived all around the UK and now reside in the lovely town of Reading, Berkshire. Rock n roll!

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

As a child I was an avid book reader and loved to immerse myself in a world of fantasy. I was bullied as a child and in a way this has helped me to become a writer as I would escape into books and began writing at a young age. It was a way of understanding and processing my emotions.

This inspired me to study for a media writing degree.  I wrote articles for student magazines whilst at university as well as many short stories just for fun.

I’ve worked in student radio, been a holiday rep, acted in films and worked at the BBC, but writing has always been my biggest passion.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

Currently I write for The Daily Sport which is a free online newspaper and my book Sordid Secrets will be published before 2018. I’m very excited about the release and have already begun writing book 2 in the series which spirals into absolute madness!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

Writing was a release of emotion for me that I had no idea how to cope with otherwise. It would vary from describing my internal thoughts through to distant lands and unusual characters. What started off as a coping mechanism became an absolute joy. When I am writing, I am in that moment and feel the most excited I can be! Anything is possible and the world is a sparkling sea of wonder to be explored.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

It wasn’t after I got my degree or had my work published online. It was after I wrote a film script that I was particularly proud of. It still needs a little work but it gave me a new found confidence in myself. For me, writing or being a writer is a state of mind, not just when you see your work published. So if anywhere out there doesn’t consider themselves a writer because they have yet to publish anything, have faith in yourself, see yourself as a writer and the rest will follow.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I have started many books over the years, but early this year I was approached by a publishing company called Steel Roses who were seeking new writers for a romantic erotic series. I work very well under pressure and the deadline meant I could justify spending time on my book. The inspiration is always there, it’s listening to it that makes the difference.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title is ‘Sordid Secrets.” because the book explores the secret life of Lady Athena and some might call it a little sordid! I run a poll in twitter with 4 different titles and my followers voted Sordid Secrets the highest so that won! Thank you twitter!

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

It depends what I am writing for. Some articles may be upbeat, some more corporate and others more emotive. When I am writing fictions I let my mind wander and visualise what I am describing. I would say when writing fiction I tend to write in an emotive style as I like to pull at people’s emotions, as I would have my pulled at when reading a good book.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

A little of it is inspired by my career as a Mistress, but a great deal is just fantasy and my mind playing ‘what ifs’. Lady Athena my main protagonistic could be my more twisted, more spontaneous alter ego! The other characters are all figments of my bizarre imagination.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

No I work from home, everything is internal. Although I do find travel and holidays often bring new inspirations. Nature and the elements inspire me, even the coldest bleakest day. The seasons are a cycle which bring new feelings, thoughts and ideas.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publisher and I had a discussion about what would work best and we wanted to find something sexy but also something that one could read on the tube without feeling embarrassed. We are working with a wonderful illustrator right now to bring those creations to life!

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

The message in my novel is to be open to new experiences but be upfront about your needs and be prepared to compromise with those you care about. Also, having a fetish is not something to be ashamed of. To explore your inner psyche is to know yourself.

Also, not everything is black and white. Good people do bad things, it doesn’t make them evil.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

I’m a big Anne Rice fan and at the moment George RR Martin (Game Of Thrones Author) is by far the best I have read. In all of their books the characterisation is superb and you can see, hear and feel the characters come to life in your mind. I love the descriptive verse used and I feel joyful, angry, sad and distraught as I read through the chapters. I feel their characters emotions. THAT is a talent! If I ever possess a mere modicum of that creative genius I will be content.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

Sometimes the universe sends you signs and I see these often.

When I was a child in secondary school, I had no confidence and one day my teacher Mr Burke pulled me up in front of class and read out my story that I wrote for homework. As I stood there red faced with my shoulders slumped and my hair hiding my flushed face, Mr Burke reached the final passage and everyone stood up and clapped. I was mortified at the time but also extremely moved as I wasn’t used to praise and encouragement. Mr Burke told me “You must never stop writing! One day you will be a published writer!”

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. It’s also a life path and a way of healing. It’s not one I’d advise to someone intent on earning millions, but it’s a rewarding and satisfying career.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

At the moment I am very happy with my book. I’m very interested to hear the readers feedback and perhaps that will shape how I concentrate on different characters and themes in the next book. I still have a great deal to learn.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I learnt to think like my characters and would imagine conversations that might have with various people. I also learnt to start saying no to things that weren’t crucial so I could dedicate time to my book. Previously I would always drop everything and always put myself second.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Most definitely Margot Robbie, she has sass style and attitude! She would make a great Lady Athena!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Don’t try to emulate anyone else, develop your own style and be true to yourself.  In the early days write about what you know and seek inspiration from what is around and inside of you. Other people’s negativity is not yours to own so do not allow it to cloud your dreams. You can achieve anything if you are dedicated. Just keep writing!

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Please follow Sordid Secrets here: www.twitter.com/mysordidsecrets and https://www.instagram.com/mysordidsecrets/ I’ll keep you updated on the release date and I would love your feedback and comments.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

A Storm of Swords Blood and Gold from the Game Of Thrones Series. I love the way that in the books  – one moment you can be in the searing heat of the desert with Daenary’s as she gives orders and grows from being a scared child to a powerful woman, then the next moment you are travelling through the forest in the body of a dire wolf.

I love to see strong female protagonists in literature as well as on the screen.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton. I read all her books and loved the Famous Five too books! I then moved on to Colin Dan, Virgina Andrews, Terry Prachett Dean Koontz and Anne Rice among others.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I love good comedy  – Ricky Gervais, James Corden, Michael Mcintyre  and Rhod Gilbert are my amongst my favourites.  I enjoy witty, satirical or dry humour and have zero appreciation for slapstick.

Everything makes me cry – sad movies or newspaper articles, charity adverts with a sad looking puppy – you name it! I cried over a youtube video earlier entitled “Animals saving other animals from danger.”

 Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

I’d love to meet Anne Rice  – she has an inspired imagination! I would love to know what inspired her Vampire Chronicles. Oscar Wilde has always fascinated me too. It’s heartbreaking that he suffered such prejudice for his orientation. If he was alive today he would be celebrated for it. He was a beautiful writer and a beautiful soul who suffered unnecessarily.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Reading sci-fi, fantasy and autobiographies, spending time with my two tabby cats and travelling to new countries to absorb the culture. I love being around nature and I love the ocean.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

Fantasy. Sci-fi, drama, horror. I also love gangster movies like Goodfellas and Legend.

My favourite TV shows are True Blood, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul & The Walking Dead.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

I love fragrant flavours, vegetables and fish. Thai and Japanese are my favourite foods, whether it be a nutty lemon grass infused pad thai or a plate of delicious sashimi with wasabi on the side.

The colours purple, turquoise and azure blue resonate with me the most and make me feel inspired and calm.

Musically I am quite eclectic and love everything from the 50’s, 60’s and 80’s through to dance and classical. I love music that moves your emotions and my favourite instrument is the violin as it has such a beautiful range of harmonious sounds.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Go crazy! Seriously though, I would always write in some capacity. I can also see myself studying healing herbs and taking care of animals. Or on the flipside – directing some heavy action on a film set!

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

See you soon chaps! I’ll have the champagne on ice waiting!

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

There will be a website soon for the book. In the meantime readers with an interest in fetish can see articles about these topics on my slave training site www.uk-fetish.co.uk

Sordid Secrets which is 28th February and copies can be purchased here: https://steel-roses.com/sordid-secrets-mistress-kaz/ and on Amazon Kindle and Kobo. The link should be fully live by 14th Feb – Valentines day!