This is the first book I read by the very witty and exciting writer Barbara Silkstone, and in many ways it is still my favourite, although I love her series about Wendy Darlin. Barbara writes a mixture of comedy and thriller which will keep you on the edge of your chair when you aren't laughing hysterically. Starting today, Monday 27 January, for two days only, Alice is on Countdown Sale, in the UK only, at a greatly reduced figure of 99p instead of its usual price of £3.99. At lunchtime on 28th it moves up to £1.99, then next day it's £3.99 again. So you have a very short window of opportunity to get hold of this book at a ridiculously cheap price. And now I'm going to let Barbara Silkstone talk about her book herself. Take it away, Barbara!
What
can I tell you about The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and
Three-Quarters?
The
Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters is a comedy thriller in the style of Carl Hiaasen, Janet Evanovich,
and with touches of Monty Python. The adventure is inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland but with a totally
different adult plot. The story takes
place in Miami and London. A murder by beheading sends Alice Harte, reluctant
real estate broker for thugs, running into the arms of Nigel Channing, a
charming British con man.
What,
besides Lewis Carroll, was the inspiration for this story?
That’s
easy. My Cousin Vinnie and a Fish Called Wanda.
Also my great love for John Cleese.
How
to you develop and differentiate your characters?
The characters in The Secret Diary just took over the story. From Maris Archer who
lives on white wine and laxative biscuits to Algy Green who super-glues his bat
wing ears to his head, they took control. I just came along for the ride.
Who
do you imagine is your ideal reader?
Anyone
who’s ever gotten in over their head, and is bailing as fast as they can. Fans
of Carol Hiaasen, Janet Evanovich, or Monty Python. J
What
was my journey as a writer?
I’ve been trying to carve out writing time
since I was in grade school. I started an underground newspaper in 8th
grade. The nuns threatened me with excommunication if I kept it up, so I backed
down. Over the years I have been fortunate to meet and be encouraged by the
likes of Stephen King and James Michener. It was just a matter of deciding that
it was too painful to keep putting off writing until the right time came along.
There is no right time. A close friend gave me that finally push and then
Kindle came along. The planets aligned.
What
is your writing process?
I stew on a story until I can’t bear it any
longer and then I go into a writing huddle. I emerge to eat and then return to
the keyboard. No one ever warns you about how physically taxing writing can be.
Neck, shoulder, hands, and bum… all suffer during the intense birthing period.
What
authors most inspire me?
Raymond Chandler, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Sue
Monk Kidd, Janet Evanovich.
What
book written by someone else do I wish I had written?
The Secret Life of Bees. It is a lovely
book. Pure joy even as it makes me cry.
The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland
About the Author
Silkstone’s
writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet
Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving
action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
Blog:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbara-Silkstone-Author/156097004489447
Twitter:
Pinterest:
Barbara
Silkstone’s Amazon Author’s page
Book links:
The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland
Wendy and the Lost Boys
LondonBroil
US
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006IH6LHA
Cairo Caper
Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider Boxed Set
Zo White and the Seven Morphs
COLD CASE MORPHS A Comedy Mystery
CA - http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00AZ5PNNO
Criminally Funny Fables
CA - http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00A7095OA
The Adventures of a Love Investigator
US - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040SXWBW
CA - http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0040SXWBW
Blog:
Website:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Pinterest:
Barbara Silkstone’s Amazon Author’s page
