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Discover the magic that unfolds when setting takes center stage in a novel, transforming lifeless backdrops into dynamic entities with a soul of their own. This week, best-selling author Danny Petrie joins me, Wendy H Jones, to unravel the secrets behind crafting settings that captivate and characters who resonate with readers like old friends. Amidst the rugged Alaskan wilderness and the vibrant streets of Santa Fe, we delve into the art of choosing the perfect locale to reflect the essence of our stories, and how these choices impact every twist and turn of the narrative.As an author who loves to sketch out the bones of dialogue and action, I share my unique process of dressing these bare frameworks with the flesh of immersive settings. Danny and I discuss the balance required to maintain narrative momentum without sacrificing the rich tapestry of descriptive detail that brings a world to life—especially crucial in genres where the stakes are high, and the suspense is thicker than fog. Our talk is a celebration of storytelling, marked by the release of "One Wrong Move," a novel that epitomizes the harmony of setting and plot in a thrilling dance of intrigue.To all fellow writers and fervent readers, our conversation is a tribute to the craft that unites us. I offer gratitude for your unwavering support and invite you to join the community that fosters these insightful dialogues. Your patronage on Patreon ensures the continuity of this creative exchange, and for that, I thank you. Remember, the journey continues next week with another inspiring guest, and I eagerly anticipate sharing more wisdom that lights the path for your literary adventures.
Have you ever faced a character in a book so flat they seem to fall off the page? Fear not, fellow wordsmiths, for I, Wendy H Jones, am here to share the secret sauce to spicing up your characters! This episode of the Writing and Marketing Show is a treasure trove of insights into the subtle art of characterisation. From the lush setting of Wester Wootatelle and Spa to the vibrant aisles of the London Book Fair, I take you on a whirlwind tour of a writer's life, replete with the unexpected twists that demand a nimble mind and a flexible pen.Characterisation isn't just about crafting a biography; it's about breathing life into your protagonists and antagonists with a finesse that makes them leap off the page and into readers' hearts. I delve into the nuances of showing emotions, why a tapping finger can speak volumes more than an exclaimed "I'm frustrated!", and how varying word choices can transform a mere description into an experience. Danny Petrie may not join us this time around, but the conversation doesn't lack for depth, exploring everything from evocative verbs to avoiding the pitfalls of emotional repetition.Finally, I pull back the curtain on what's ahead and where you can join this literary journey with me. Humor mingles with earnest advice as I navigate the everyday chaos of a husky's treat-time amidst musings on character flaws and dialogue pauses. The promise of next week's special guest lingers enticingly as I bid you adieu, inviting you to stay connected and continue fostering your love for the written word. Remember, the stories we craft are as alive as we make them, so let's keep the pages turning and the ink flowing.
Life has a way of tossing curveballs that can either strike us out or propel us to new heights. When my home was devastated by a flood, it felt like a heart-wrenching setback, but that experience became a catalyst for growth and new opportunities in my writing and work. Embrace change with me, Wendy H Jones, as I recount the resilience it took to rebuild and how this unexpected twist led to inspiring roles like managing a crime anthology and pioneering the Sisters in Crime presence on TikTok.This episode isn't just about overcoming personal adversity; it's a testament to the power of venturing into uncharted territories. I take you along on my journey into historical fiction, sharing the trepidation and anticipation of awaiting feedback from my agent. Discover the joys of fostering creative spirits through a writing retreat in Scotland and leading a vibrant Facebook group for women writers. Together, we'll explore the importance of extending beyond familiar confines, whether it's trying your hand at flash fiction or supporting fellow authors to flourish in their craft. Join me as I reveal how embracing the unknown can unlock a world of exhilarating possibilities for any writer willing to step out and seize them.
When COVID-19 left me, Wendy H Jones, wiped out, it was a wake-up call to the importance of self-care. Fellow authors, this episode is an intimate reflection on that experience and a stark reminder of how crucial looking after ourselves is. We're diving deep into the strategies that have seen me through - quality sleep, avoiding late-night exposure to blue screens, and staying well hydrated. We're not stopping at simple self-care though. The latter half of our discussion is all about embracing habits that foster a robust lifestyle as a writer. From stretch exercises to social connections, I'll share my personal tips and tricks for physical and mental health. Let's stimulate our brains, get out in the sun, and even explore different cultures to enrich our creativity. So, are you ready to join me on this journey to improved self-care and productivity as an author? Just grab your earbuds and let's get started!
In this episode, Rich Bennett and cohost Dani Pettrey speak with Wendy H. Jones. Wendy H. Jones is a renowned Scottish author, international public speaker, and writing coach with a dynamic life that mirrors the excitement of her novels. A native of Dundee, she developed an early love for reading, devouring her local library by age ten. Her adventurous spirit led her to a 23-year military career in the Royal Navy and Army, traveling to exotic places. Her writing career began in academia, then shifted to novel-writing, producing four series, such as the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries and Cass Claymore Investigates. As President of the Scottish Association of Writers and host of the Writing and Marketing Show Podcast, she actively mentors new authors. Wendy's rich blend of military background, academic achievements, and literary creativity makes her an influential figure in the literary world and a sought-after public speaker.Here are links for you to bookmark, save, follow, memorize, write down, and to share with others:https://www.wendyhjones.comHttps://auscotpublishing.comHttps://facebook.com/wendyhjoneshttps://www.facebook.com/wendyhjonesauthorhttps://www.instagram.com/wendyhjones/Here's a podcast that I recommended – The Writing and Marketing ShowFour Seasons Landscape & Construction Se While we perform the traditional lawn and landscape bed services, our passion is providing drainage Get your story told and book written. Schedule a call with Mike Ulmer at Select a Date & Time - CalendlySupport the showFollow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett & Harford County LivingFacebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett & Harford County LivingInstagram – Harford County LivingTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Recorded at the Freedom Federal Credit Union StudiosHosted on BuzzsproutRocketbookSquadCast Contests & Giveaways Subscribe by Email ...
Wendy H. Jones is the award-winning, best-selling Scottish author of the Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie Mysteries, Cass Claymore Investigates Mysteries, Fergus and Flora Mysteries, Bertie the Buffalo Picture Book Series, and the Writing Matters Series of non-fiction books for writers. She is also the President of the Scottish Association of Writers, an international public speaker. When not writing she loves to read, travel, attend theatre productions and eat out. Sometimes she combines them all.Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/wendyhjonesauthor/Twitter https://twitter.com/WendyHJonesInstagram https://www.instagram.com/wendyhjones/Website https://www.wendyhjones.com*****************Sisters in Crime was founded in 1986 to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers. Through advocacy, programming and leadership, SinC empowers and supports all crime writers regardless of genre or place on their career trajectory.www.SistersinCrime.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincnational/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SINCnationalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sistersincrimeThe SinC Writers' Podcast is produced by Julian Crocamo https://www.juliancrocamo.com/
Author and Marketing Expert Wendy H. Jones on How To Begin and Succeed in Your Writing Life Wendy H. Jones is an international best-selling author who writes adult crime books, young adult mysteries, children's picture books and non-fiction books for writers. She is also a writing and marketing coach, runs the Writing Matters Online School and is the CEO of Authorpreneur Accelerator Academy, The president of the Scottish Association of Writers and hosts the writing and marketing show podcast. Connect with Wendy Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wendyhjonesauthor Twitter https://twitter.com/WendyHJones LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-h-jones-529a7016/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wendyhjones/ Website: https://www.wendyhjones.com
Dein Buch ist fertig und jetzt will es raus auf den Markt. Das will gut vorbereitet sein, schließlich sollen die Leute ja auch davon erfahren, oder? Ich teile heute mit dir die Top sieben Dinge, die ich vor einer Veröffentlichung tue, um mein Buch zu vermarkten. Denn seien wir ehrlich, Werbung für die eigenen Bücher gehört einfach dazu, wenn wir Leser erreichen wollen (Auch wenn keiner wirklich gern darüber redet). Hi, ich bin Andrea und ich freue mich sehr, dass du zu diesem Video gefunden hast. Wenn es dir gefällt, gib mir gern einen Daumen hoch. Und wenn es dir richtig gut gefällt, abonniere meinen Kanal, um keine Videos zu verpassen. Fragen an dich: Was tust du, um neuen Büchern einen guten Start zu ermöglichen? Wie wirst du auf neue Bücher aufmerksam? ======================== Links aus der Folge (Werbung - du unterstützt mich, wenn du auf die Amazon-Links klickst) Your first 1000 copies von Tim Grahl // https://amzn.to/3rb7ssM Marketing Matters von Wendy H. Jones // https://amzn.to/3rgYdaC Newsletter Ninja von Tammi L. Labrecque // https://amzn.to/3vRpL9U ======================== Hashtags zur Folge: #schreibtipps ======================== Hast du Fragen zu meinem Podcast? Wünschst du dir spezielle Inhalte? Dann schreib mir unter andrea@adwilk.de oder auf Instagram unter @adwilk_autorin. Klick jetzt auf Abonnieren und verpasse keine neue Folge. Meine Bücher findest du hier: https://www.adwilk.de/shop/ Außerdem bin ich auf Instagram aktiv: https://www.instagram.com/adwilk_autorin https://www.instagram.com/theawilk_autorin Danke, dass du mich hörst! Alles Liebe, Andrea ======================== Eigenwerbung und unbeauftragte Werbung
Paul Lawrence Vann wants all listeners in the Wealth Academy Podcast community to know he was elated to interview Wendy H.Jones. If you were to look up the word prolific author in the dictionary, the likelihood is you would see a picture of Wendy H. Jones.Wendy is the President of the Scottish Association of Writers and runs two writing groups in Scotland, City Writers (Dundee) and History Writers (Online). Wendy is also a renowned International Professional Speaker and available for speaking engagements and run workshops.She is the host of the Writing and Marketing Show Podcast and is a writing and marketing coach. Wendy created her first online course, Get Started in Marketing Your Book, released in October 2020 and she is CEO of Authorpreeneur Accelerator Academy, an online membership to help writers develop their craft and learn the business of writing.Wendy H. Jones Joined the Royal Navy, received training, and became a nurse, and then she served in the Army and saw the world, which  contributed to her remarkable writing. she has written the following book series:Detective Inspector (di) Shona McKenzie Mysteries, 6 booksCass Claymore InvestigatesFergus and Flora SeriesBertie The Buffalo, children readersWriting MattersI highly recommend you listen to this episode with Wendy H. Jones, she was so amazing and it was a joy to interview her. Go to Amazon and order her books, she is remarkable.Host Paul Lawrence VannEmail - info@paulvannspeaks.comOffice (800) 341-6719 Â
Should authors stick with writing in one genre or should they be exploring writing in multiple genres. Join me, Wendy H. Jones as I interview Sharon CasssanoLochman  who gives us hints and tips as to how we can widen our creative offering.Â
Our Power of Why statement will be the driving force of our success or our failure. You will and must have something that pushes you to move when things get tough. It also sets a foundation for how you determine your value in three main areas. Time Energy FinancesMany of the people who have become successful will have a "Power of Why" story that made them go for the opportunity one more time. There is a higher level of creativity achieved when you are determined to win. That being said, a why that lacks deep roots will surely be carried away during your entrepreneurial journey. This Power of Why series captures the candid responses from several coauthors of the Power of Why Volume 2 anthology. These entrepreneurs are from different ends of the earth with varying levels of experience that extend over 30 years. It is time for you to experience something greater through the eyes of women and men who are at the level where you are trying to go. Join the co-authors: https://www.purvitantia.com/tpow2-altovise-pelzerYour impact can be made even when you can't physically be in the room. That statement completely took people by surprise over the last year. The digital space became a hotspot for employees, event coordinators, therapists, and even educators. Some were ready while others were not prepared. Many Authors were more prepared than they realized. "It doesn't matter what goes wrong. It's how you deal with it that's the issue." ~ WendyWendy's nuggets:~ Take inventory of what you are accomplishing (Don't overlook your wins) ~ Focus on what you can do to help someone else ~ Marketing works better with a community ~ There is no need to fear collaborating with others in your industry ~ Start with the goal of impacting one personThere comes a moment when you understand that your experiences were not just for you. Your story...your message is meant to be a guide for someone else. How do we transition from that feeling or that moment to put the experience in a book or a course. While that will be different for each individual journey but it starts with the heart to serve. Think about what you want your story to do for someone else. How do you want it to be used? Where do you see it as being a benefit in someone's journey? This is your why and it will lead you to write things out that will impact many lives. So, are you ready to tell your story? Come join the conversation by going to bit.ly/worldvoicecommunityMeet Wendy:Wendy H. Jones is the best-selling, award-winning author of the Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie Mysteries, Cass Claymore Investigates Mysteries, Fergus and Flora Mysteries, Bertie the Buffalo Picture Books, and the Writing Matters series of non-fiction books for writers. She is also a writing and marketing coach, runs the Writing Matters Online School of author courses, host of The Writing and Marketing Show Podcast, and President of The Scottish Association of Writers.Social Media Handles (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)https://www.wendyhjones.comhttps://www.facebook.com/wendyhjonesauthorhttps://www.wendyhjones.com/courses/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-h-jones-529a7016/https://www.instagram.com/wendyhjones/https://twitter.com/WendyHJones
How do you successfully write and market in multiple genres if you're a multi-passionate creator? How do you manage a hybrid career across traditional and independent publishing? Wendy H. Jones talks about her varied writing career and her tips for book marketing.  In the intro, The HotSheet reports from Frankfurt Book Fair with positive […] The post How To Write And Market Books Across Multiple Genres With Wendy H Jones first appeared on The Creative Penn.
I have to say that I adore Wendy, she is a Scottish best selling Murder Mystery Writer with such an interesting life story. She was a co-author for the Power of Why book, and it soared to the bestselling charts with her help.We chatted about writing, journaling and the healing power of putting words to paper. Have a listen as she tells us about finding a new life purpose after falling ill. From Army Major to Bestselling author.Wendy H. Jones is an international best-selling, award winning Scottish author. She writes crime books, humorous mysteries, young adult mysteries, children’s picture books and nonfiction books for writers. She is also President of the Scottish Association of Writers, a writing and marketing coach and the host of The Writing and Marketing Show podcast.You can find Wendy at: https://www.wendyhjones.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wendyhjones/https://m.facebook.com/wendyhjonesauthor/https://mobile.twitter.com/WendyHJoneshttps://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/wendy-h-jones-529a7016She has offered a complimentary 40 minute coaching call to our listeners. Double her normal free call. Contact her to set up a time to chat.
 Welcome the Driven Female Entrepreneur Podcast! The weekly show that helps you dream bigger and achieve more in your business, by learning what works from successful female entrepreneurs.  In this episode In this episode of the Driven Female Entrepreneurs Podcast, I speak with award-winning mystery writer Wendy H. Jones, about her journey to become an author-preneur. Wendy had enjoyed a successful army career, and was a respected academic, when a sudden illness rendered her disabled and unable to move from her chair. This turn of events prompted her to rethink what she wanted from life and gave her the opportunity to fulfill her life-long dream to write a book. Seventeen books later, Wendy is now an international best-selling and award-winning author, who loves inspiring and guiding the next generation of writers. Listen to this episode to learn Wendy's tips for following your passion, and becoming a successful writer.  Highlights In this episode you'll learn: The power of asking 'Why not?' The key to handling negative feedback or reviews. The importance of listening to the right people, and knowing who your tribe is. When is the best time to start publicizing your book. The only three things you need to write a book. How to find the motivation to start a new project. ...and much more!  About Wendy H. Jones Wendy H. Jones is an international best-selling, award-winning Scottish who writes adult mysteries, young adult mysteries and children's picture books. She also writes non-fiction for writers, is the President of the Scottish Association of Writers, and is a writing and marketing coach. Her latest non-fiction book, The Power of Why, an anthology containing the stories of 23 Inspirational women who transformed their lives, became an International Amazon Best Seller on the day of its release. Killer's Crew, the fifth book in her Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie Mysteries won the Books Go Social Book of the Year and The Dagger's Curse, her first Young Adult novel, was a Finalist in the Woman Alive Magazine Readers Choice Award. An international public speaker, she been the keynote speaker, a panel member and run workshops worldwide. She was also the founder of Crime at the Castle a Scottish book festival and hosts The Writing and Marketing Show Podcast. Wendy's passion is travelling which is fortunate because of her laptop lifestyle. She is also an avid reader, again fortunate given her career. Wendy has a passion to support other writers to realize their dreams of writing and publishing their own books.  Connect with Wendy www.wendyhjones.com Linkedin page    Facebook page  Join the Driven Female Entrepreneur Community Come and join like-minded women in the FREE online community for Driven Female Entrepreneurs. You can expect many more tips, tools and insights to support you as you build and grow your business to 6 figures and beyond!  > The Driven Female Entrepreneurs Club  About Your Host, Melitta Campbell Since 1997, Melitta has been using her ability to spot gaps between a company's goals and its strategy and positioning to help businesses become profitable and achieve growth - in as little as three months. By combining the insights gained from working directly with senior leaders for more than 20 years, her unique blend of art-school and business-school training, and her restless curiosity, Melitta has helped her clients identify new opportunities and develop creative solutions that add value in profitable and purposeful ways, that are straight-forward to implement and result in a clear competitive edge. After witnessing too many talented and passionate women fall short of their vision to make a profit and a difference, more recently, Melitta has brought her business, leadership and marketing expertise together with her personal experiences, to become a trusted advisor and coach for female-led businesses. Book your Free Business Clarity Call: www.melittacampbell.com  Get More Clients with your FREE Listener Gift The number one question I'm asked is: How can I get more clients? To help you market your business and attract more of your ideal clients, download your free eBook today: Download your FREE Gift: 100 Ways to Market your Business for Free! Â
Small, or micro publishers are becoming more prominent and important in today's publishing landscape. In Today's episode, Wendy H. Jones talks to Seonaid Francis of Thunderpoint Publishing about how to work effectively with a small publisher.Â
Yes I'm back! I want to do two or three more episodes before I finish, to address the extraordinary times we are living in, and in this episode I am talking to two writer / entrepreneurs, Wendy H Jones and Abidemi Sanusi about how writers can survive and thrive in Lockdown. We discuss motivation, routine, self-care for writers, and just getting started.
In this episode, I talk about the important of motivation in terms of creativity in writing. I outline several exercises which can be used to increase creativity and release your creative flow.Â
In this weeks episode, Wendy H. Jones talks to author and literature festival organiser, Dawn Brookes about the highs and lows of running a local literature festival.Â
In this, the first episode, author entrepreneur, Wendy H. Jones introduces the podcast and lays it on the line with regards to what the podcast will be like. What does the Writing and Marketing Show entail? Now's the time to find out. Six separate sections introduces you, the listener, to the brand new show and also to Wendy herself.Â
One of the most popular genres for fiction writers is the murder mystery or police procedural. But this is also a genre where writers can easily get things wrong. In this episode I'm joined by crime writer Wendy H Jones and we speak to Patrick O'Donnell, a serving officer with 25 years of experience in a large city police department in the US. In this conversation we cover: responding to a homicide, the arrest and court process, hostage situations, and what writers usually get wrong with police work.
This episode features a conversation with me about my book "The Centauri Survivors" which is published today, and explores some of the lessons any author can learn as publication day approaches. I'm the guest for this one and the questions are being asked by my friend Wendy H. Jones. In this episode we explore issues like: the biggest mistakes I made along the way, the difficult decisions I had to make in editing, and why every author, however experienced they are, gets nervous just before publication.
This episode features a conversation with me about my book "The Centauri Survivors" which is published today, and explores some of the lessons any author can learn as publication day approaches. I'm the guest for this one and the questions are being asked by my friend Wendy H. Jones. In this episode we explore issues like: the biggest mistakes I made along the way, the difficult decisions I had to make in editing, and why every author, however experienced they are, gets nervous just before publication.
Born in London, David Penny began writing at a tender age after moving to Mid Wales. Initially obsessed with all things science-fiction he read avidly. His first publications came at age 17 in small fanzines. At 23 a short story was accepted by Galaxy magazine – his first payment for writing, followed the UK magazine Vertex. At 24 his first novel, The Sunset People, was published by Robert Hale and David was taken on by the Leslie Flood Literary Agency. Three novels followed: Starchant, Out of Time and Sunshine 43. After a writing lapse of almost 40 years, David is now the author of the acclaimed Thomas Berrington Historical Mysteries set in the chaotic final years of Moorish al-Andalus in Spain. davidpennywriting.com Wendy H. Jones lives in Dundee Scotland where her books are set. She is the best selling author of the Award-Winning DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries, Cass Claymore Investigates Mysteries, The Fergus and Flora Mysteries (YA) and the Bertie the Buffalo Children’s Picture Book. She was elected President of the Association of Writers, is the Secretary of the Society of Authors in Scotland and the webmaster for the Association of Christian Writers, as well as presenting Wendy’s Book Buzz Radio Show. Wendy came to writing after having served in both the Royal Navy and the British Army, reaching the rank of Major, a rank she keeps to this day. Her latest book is Motivation Matters: Revolutionise Your Writing One Creative Step at a Time. www.wendyhjones.com
Wendy H. Jones is an author who can literally cover you from the cradle to the grave and all points in-between.  Her first book came out four years ago and she now has twelve books out. She shares how she did it. Here are just a few of the things we touched on: The difference between writing non-fiction and fiction books How she writes multiple genres at the same time The surprising worries even successful authors have Where she’s touring in America this coming summer! How she includes the red-herrings in her crime stories The best way to learn how to write crime fiction How to overcome writer’s block with her book Motivation Matters How building sandcastles can help with plotting What to do at book signings to get the attention of potential readers Ideas for how to make your social media fun How she got 150 people to attend her first book signing at Waterstones (the UK equivalent of Barnes & Noble) Why there are tons of writing workshops in Scotland Crime at the Castle - a crime reading festival Her best advice for authors who want to achieve success And more... You can get the shownotes at https://authorlikeaboss.com/episode55
Wendy H. Jones is an author who can literally cover you from the cradle to the grave and all points in-between. Her first book came out four years ago and she now has twelve books out. She shares how she did it. Here are just a few of the things we touched on: You can get the shownotes at https://authorlikeaboss.com/episode55
Crime Thriller Author, Young Adult Mystery author, International Public Speaker, Marketing Expert
Crime Thriller Author, Young Adult Mystery author, International Public Speaker, Marketing Expert --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/self-publishing-journeys/message
This episode focuses on the just published Creative Writer's Toolbelt Handbook. Condensing all of the best advice and insight from three and a half years of podcasting over 100 episodes, and with over twenty different writers editors and artists as guests, the Handbook gives you the practical advice you need to be a better writer and produce great work. Also in this episode we feature The Writer's Jump-start conference from Equipped to Write (www.equippedtowrite.co.uk) where I will be speaking with the writer and coach Wendy H Jones. CWT listeners get a 10% discount on the cost of the conference - use the code E2WTEN in the coupon section of the box office page.
While author Wendy H. Jones' Dundee, Scotland based police procedurals are grounded in the present, she's not afraid to mix in a little fantasy and magic in her Young Adult mysteries. Wendy has a lot on her plate; she's written six books in the DI Shona McKenzie series (five published so far with the sixth coming out in August 2017). Now she's added a young adult series to her repertoire. AND she's organizing a writing and reading festival at Glamis Castle in Scotland. We talk about all of this today, and below you'll find links to everything, including the book festival. Keep your eyes on Wendy H Jones! She's clearly a lass to be reckoned with. ;-) You can find out more about today's guest, Wendy H Jones, and all her books on her website WendyHJones.com. You can also find her on Twitter @WendyHJones. Links and resources mentioned in this episode Click on any of the book covers to go to Wendy's books on Amazon Wendy's home and the location for her books, Dundee, Scotland The Victoria and Albert Museum, Dundee Flora MacDonald's Wikipedia page McManus Galleries, Dundee Wendy's blog post about the launch party for The Dagger's Curse Details about Wendy's Crime at the Castle writers' and readers' festival on the Glamis Castle website Press play (above) to listen to the show, or read the transcript below. Remember you can also subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. And listen on Stitcher. You can also click here to watch the interview on YouTube. Transcription of Interview with Wendy H. Jones Alexandra: Hi, Mystery Readers, I'm Alexandra Amor. This is It's a Mystery Podcast and I'm here today with Wendy H. Jones. Hi, Wendy. Wendy: Hi. Alexandra: How are you doing today? Wendy: I'm absolutely fabulous. We've got sun in Scotland, so that's always a bonus. Alexandra: Yeah, that is a bonus. Well, you know what, I was reading up about you before the show. And there was a, I went to a site about Dundee, which we'll talk about where you live. And it said that it gets the most hours of sunlight of any city in Scotland. Wendy: It does, yes. Alexandra: So, that benefits... Wendy: It can't help the rest of Scotland is all I can say. Alexandra: Oh, yeah, that's right. Exactly. Goodness me. Okay, well let me give our listeners a bit of an introduction to you. After a career in both the Royal Navy and the Army, Wendy H. Jones retired as a major, a rank she holds to this day. After working in academia, she gave it all up and turned to a life of crime. She's the author of the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries. The fifth book of which, "Killer's Crew", won the Books Go Social Book of the Year Award 2017. Her first young adult book, "The Dagger's Curse", is shortlisted for the Women Alive Reader's Choice Award. Wendy lives in Dundee, Scotland, as we mentioned, and that's where her books are set. She's also an international public speaker and the founder of the Crime At The Castle Book Festival. Let's start by talking about DI Shona McKenzie. Tell us a bit about her and why she's come back to Dundee. Wendy: In the first book, she's recently come back to Dundee because she was living in Oxford. She's originally from Dundee but left when she was two because her father took a job at Oxford University, he was a professor. And she has come back because her now ex-husband wanted to move back to Dundee, said it would be a good career move for her. So she took up a promotion. And then her husband walked out the door and left her to it. Now, he just wanted to move back so that the police would pay for the move and he moved in with another woman. Alexandra: Oh, no. Wendy: Yeah. So at the beginning of her first book, she's got a bit of a down on men. But don't worry, it doesn't last very long. Alexandra: Oh, that's good. I read in the description for the first book that she's trying to prove herself.
After just over three years the Creative Writer's Toolbelt reaches 100 episodes! To mark the occasion I'm reflecting on some of the best advice and insight I've received over that time, and to do that I am joined by writer, editor, speaker and fellow podcaster Sarah Werner. In our conversation I ask Sarah some great questions(!) and we reflect on story structure, character, setting, genre, research and the writers life. I'll also give you an update on the Handbook, which is due out in October, and there's news about the "Writer's Jumpstart" conference which is in London on November 11th, where I will be speaking with Scottish Crime writer Wendy H Jones.
This episode is a conversation with two authors who have come to publication by different routes. Wendy H Jones has self published crime fiction with the DI Shona McKenzie series, and a book on marketing for authors, she has also traditionally published a YA novel. Ryan Dalton is the author of the Time Shift Trilogy, and the first book in that series, his debut novel, The Year of Lightening was published in January 2016, Book 2 in the series The Black Tempest is published in April of this year.
Wendy H Jones is a self-published crime writer and part of the controversial "Tartan Noire" movement of Scottish Crime Fiction. Wendy has published three novels in her "Killer's" series, featuring her protagonist Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie. Wendy is now building a fan-base around the world and in our conversation she reveals the publication date and title for a fourth installment of her series. In a varied career Wendy has worked in academia and as a nurse. She served in the British Armed forces for over twenty years, first in the Navy and then the British Army. After traveling around the world with her job, Wendy has returned to her native Dundee to pursue a career in writing, and is now in demand as a speaker across the UK. In this episode Wendy talks about her tips for character development, planning and plotting over a series rather than just one book, promotion techniques for the self-publishing, and why social media, as the name suggests, has to be SOCIAL, rather than just marketing.