Today marks the debut of author Simone Francis, the newest addition to the Black Velvet Seductions family!
I have yet to read her work (her debut novel ‘The Bookshop’ just opened for pre-sale) but I’m told it’s a well-researched piece of historical fiction. Welcoming a new author to the family is SUPER exciting! The BVS crew is a jolly band of literary pirates, and we’re always excited to expand our crew.
So with any further ado…
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you SIMONE FRANCIS!!!
(All opinions and statements contained in this interview are solely those of the author providing them, and may not necessarily reflect my own. – Virginia)
When did you start writing? What made you first decide to try your hand at it?
I seem to have been writing since I was old enough to hold a pen. I’m not revealing my age but let’s just say computers filled a room at that time so a pen and paper or a typewriter was all we had. I used to be a photographer and wrote some articles and extended captions for my pictures but my writing really took off when I completed and Open University degree in creative writing.
What was your first published work?
The Bookshop is my first full length novel. I have had a few short stories and articles published previously.
Do you have stories you want to write that you haven’t yet?
Yes, so many.
My next book is a tale of supernatural romance, a naughty fairy story and I‘d like to explore the darker side of the romance genre by mixing it with horror and some dark humour.
Are you a ‘normal’ person who likes to write, or do you consider yourself more of the tormented/driven ‘artist’ type?
Definitely normal. I try and get up early write for a couple of hours or more and then return to normality.
Some of the scenes in your book are quite kinky. Is that you?
Let’s just say I do a lot of research. The internet is a wonderful place, even if it’s downright weird at times. I dread to think what my search history looks like. The Bookshop is set in 1908 so I had to research everything from transport to women’s underwear and sexual mores.
Do you write when you take a vacation, or do you prefer to simply relax?
I try to relax but I’ve always got a camera and a notebook with me. I love it when I meet someone who is interesting or just plain odd or go to a fascinating place. I file them away and they sometimes pop up as a complete character or location or aspects of them get mixed into a character.
Thank you, Simone!
SIMONE’S BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE ON BOTH AMAZON AND BARNES AND NOBLE. (Sorry there’s no link. Amazon’s links hijack your entire web page.)
CONNECT WITH SIMONE: https://www.facebook.com/simone.francis.73550
Great interview! Congratulations on your new book Simone!
I love meeting new authors and enjoyed reading the interview with Simone Francis – congratulations on your book 🙂
Wonderful interview.
This story sounds so unique. Looks like I’ll be diving into the dark world from the past. I can’t wait.
Callie
Glad to meet you Simone. Nice interview.
Congrats on your new book Simone. It sounds like a good read. I will put it on my tbr list.
Great interview! It sounds fascinating and good luck with the new novel!!!
I am really looking forward to reading this book and have already pre-ordered it. Your comment about search histories made me laugh. Can you imagine researching a book before the internet? Goodness. Anyhoo…welcome to the BVS family Simone, and great interview.