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 Fiona, my author name is Scarlett Flame and let’s just say that I am “way” over 21!

Fiona: Where are you from?

I am from Manchester in the UK but was born in Salford.

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

I always thought that I had three older brothers but recently discovered last year that I have a fourth, a younger one! We are now all one big happy family, although it was a bit of a shock at first. DNA testing is providing a lot of people with additional family members.

I was what we call here a “Grammar Bug”, so although I was raised in a council house until I was five, I went to Grammar School and left with some GCE’s (the equivalent of today’s GCSE’s in the UK) and CSE’s. I didn’t go to High School. At sixteen years of age I worked for the Probation Department in Manchester then left after two years to work as a dental nurse and various other jobs having my six children (all boys) in between.

Just after the birth of my second son my kidneys collapsed, and I almost died, and this gave me the inspiration to one day become a nurse myself. I gathered other qualifications along the way in Arts & Crafts then other academic subjects.

Finally, I thought that it was the perfect time to return to study as my youngest was just about to start High School. So, I undertook study to provide me with the qualifications (A levels) to go to University and finally fulfil my dreams. Unfortunately, or I should say fortunately life took a little twist along the way. On the day we were studying conception and contraception I discovered I was pregnant with my sixth son. Undeterred I went on to gain a degree in Children’s Nursing, two further degree modules and two master’s qualifications. Finally becoming a Health Visitor.

Meanwhile I began my career as a writer and continue to have success at this. I will always write as long as I have stories to tell. In addition I organise book signings in the North West of England.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

This September I will be going back to University for the sixth time to do a further degree in teaching and will be teaching Health & social care next year. Also, I have two, possibly three books in the pipeline.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have always written either in my journal or poetry as long as I can remember and always had a love of books and reading. My writing became more serious in 2012 and my first book was published in December 2013.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think it wasn’t after I published my first book but after my second book was published and I won awards with it.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was actually the third to be published and I wrote in secret for a long time. Hiding my writing in the bottom of my chest of drawers. I dreamed some of the story and used to write it down on waking. My love of paranormal inspired the book.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The first book was a collection of stories and it was called “Bound for Passion”. A play on words as a number or the stories were about BDSM and the Lifestyle.

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

At first I struggled to use the words expected of an erotic writer but then I got feedback from three writer friends and they told me that they could tell that a woman had written the stories. They each gave me a few filthy words to use and I used them. Voila! An erotic writer was born.

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

Some of the events in my stories reflect real life. Just not always my life but stories that people love to tell me. I also base some of my characters on people that I know and have met through the years.

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

Part of my most recently published book about the paranormal and vampires was based in Whitby. A lot of the inspiration for the scenes came from a holiday I had there about four years ago. The cover of the book is from one of the many photos I took of Whitby Abbey and a most spectacular sunset.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

For the most part I design my own covers used a website called Canva. I try and portray what is happening in the books as best I can.

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

I think possibly the fact that you should never give up and accept what others believe your future should hold. With six children I still managed to gain a number of high qualifications. If you truly want something you just need the will to succeed.

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?

Oooh this is a hard one as I have so many peers our there. So many new authors. Let me think ono that. I have a few favourite writers that include Anne Rice, Dean Koontz and JRR Tolkien. I love a dark mysterious tale that takes me to another world.

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

Friends on Twitter supported and advised me. Especially the author John Dolan who continues to support me and I love his writing.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I am going to be submitting a book to a traditional publishers very soon and will continue to pursue a career but I think it is also a hard career to make any significant money in.

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

In the latest book, no. I, and others believe this is the best I have written so far. As in everything practice is important, and most writers improve as they continue to use their craft.

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

I always research my books. Particularly the areas the books are set in. I firmly believe that we continue to learn all our lives.

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

I would love Eleanor Tomlinson to play the main female role. She played Demelza in Poldark on the BBC.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Listen to others and network. Get a good editor and use beta readers. Listen to constructive criticism. Get your social networks set up first as if people have no clue you have written a book, then how can they buy it?

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Maybe they could try one of my books? I have one available free if they signup to my newsletter on my website.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I am currently reading a book by Lavinia Urban. A friend and fellow author that lost her fight with cancer this week. A fellow Indie author and a lovely, funny, and inspirational individual. The book is “It’s Complicated: Owen (The Dating Game Book 2)

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Not the first but I remember the first book my big brother and his girlfriend bought me as a present and still have it today. It is Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Slapstick comedy the likes of Bridgit Jones and Lucille Ball makes me laugh and the likes of the Notebook makes me cry.

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

I would love to meet Charles Dickens, as I love his books and would love to meet the person behind those amazing books.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I love going to the gym as I was an amateur bodybuilder many moons ago. Horses are a particular love of mine and I used to compete in something called “Working Hunter”. Although due to problems with my knees I don’t ride often anymore. My big love is music and I love to sing and go to live gigs.

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

Just watched the final episode of Poldark last night. I love a variety of genre but especially scifi and fantasy . Lord of the Rings, Stargate, Star Wars, Life on Marsm Ashes to Ashes, DC and Marvel films

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Food is awkward for me due to my many allergies and intolerance but I love steak and asparagus. Chicken fajitas and salmon.

My favourite colours are purple, red (scarlet!) and black.

I love a variety of genre but a particular fave is rock music particularly Rival Sons, The Eagles, Led Zep, Bowie, The Stones and Freddy Mercury

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

I will always manage to write. Be it by the use of help in the form of Dictate on Microsoft where I can say what I want to type. If Stephen Hawkins could continue to write I will find a way.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

With my family and friends. I have six fantastic sons, six grandchildren and their partners and ex partners too. So many good friends in both the writing world and elsewhere.

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

That I never gave up. That I always fought for what I felt was right and true. That I made a difference.

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

I have a blog and a website, and you can receive a free book through Bookfunnel if you sign up for my newsletter. I also have a reader group I would love some new members.

This is my blog – https://missscarlettflame.blogspot.com

My website where you can sign up for my newsletter too – http://www.scarlettflame.com/

This is my readers group on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScarlettFlameRedHotReaders/

Amazon Authors page  UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlett-Flame/e/B00HA4TFDM/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

USA  https://www.amazon.com/Scarlett-Flame/e/B00HA4TFDM?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1566934037&sr=1-1

Thank you Fiona 😊

 

Advertisement