Interview of British Author Margaret Blake, Author of 'A Fatal Flaw'

Scribal Love Welcomes Margaret Blake!

Margaret Blake is an author of historical, contemporary and romantic suspense.  Her newest work 'A Fatal Flaw' is available from Whiskey Creek Press.

So where do you hail?  Where are you from?

I was born in Manchester, England but now live at the coast in the North West of England. I lived in New York for a time and have lived in France, as well as Cornwall in England.

What inspired you to write this book?

A visit to Florida, I wanted to write a romantic suspense with an American cop and as I know Florida (Tampa Bay area) I wanted to set it there. I love the sultry heat and the countryside of Florida, as well as the beaches. I like to think I get to know the “real” Florida as staying there with my family; I do ordinary every day things.  Going to my grandkids sports and collecting them at school.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I can’t judge that. I just write.

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?

A Fatal Flaw – I thought a long time about the title and this one came like a bolt of lightening. No one knows until very late in the book what the flaw is!

What is A Fatal Flaw about?

A Fatal Flaw is about Kerensa, a Cornish girl and reporter on a local newspaper.  Her mother, to whom she was very close, has just died.  Finding a diary Kerensa discovers that her mother shot a man in Florida.  Kerensa decides to go and find out more about this mystery.  Once in Tampa she meets Ned Rochester, a cop on sick leave.  He wants to help her but she is worried about how much she can reveal to him.

What books have influenced your life most?

Mostly the Bronte’s, I grew up with the Bronte’s and Bronte country was not that far away. As a kid I used to visit Yorkshire to stay with my Aunt, I used to wander the moors with the dog and dream of being a writer like them.  You wouldn’t dare let a kid have that much freedom nowadays!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I have never had a mentor.  I don’t like anyone to influence what I do.  I like to paddle my own canoe and see where it takes me.

What books are you reading now?

I am currently reading James Patterson’s “Cross Country” which is scaring the heck out of me.

What are your current projects?

I haven’t been able to write much, I lost my husband in January.  I had two books on the go just before he died.  Just this week I have gone and looked at one and am tentatively writing, but John was my inspiration and my encouragement, so it’s hard to write without him there standing behind me.

Do you find that international audiences are different from your home or native country's audience? 

Not really.  I read a lot of American and British authors and I believe others do too.  I am curious about the different States and I am sure its vice-versa.  My son and his wife and their kids are Americans and they read literature from all over the world.  I don’t think they are unique in doing that.

Do you see writing as a career?

Of course, but it has had to be my second career because unless you are very, very successful, you have to have another string to your bow.  I’ve done all kinds of different jobs but I think that is food to the writer.

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

No, I am sure I wouldn’t, not this one.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I was an only child and spent a lot of time on my own; I started writing stories to amuse myself.

My dad thought that was so cool and always encouraged me.  My English teacher too, who always said she loved my essays.  I did not write “professionally” until I was in my thirties, although I had tons of stories.  It was John who made me do something about it, which is why he always was and will be the “wind beneath my wing.”

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I just love to write.  I find it stimulating rather than challenging.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned that I could write humour too, something I’ve been reluctant to do.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

If you want to write, write and never let rejections get you down.  You have to keep at it.

Thank you for dropping by!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to chat with you.

You can find Margaret on the web at:  

Margaret Blake – www.margaretblake.co.uk 

A Fatal Flaw is available from www.whiskeycreekpress.com