Ask the Author: Lucy Banks
Answered Questions (17)
Lucy Banks
The noises from next door were unsettling, not least when they came late at night. What was more concerning was that the house had stood empty for years.
Lucy Banks
Ah, that's such a nice thing to say - thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed them both. All going according to plan, the third in the series should be released early next year. :-)
Lucy Banks
Through insane (and some might say greedy) devouring of books!
Lucy Banks
I think I'd quite fancy taking a ride with Arthur Dent across the galaxy...and I'd be more then happy to don my dressing gown and bring a towel too...
Lucy Banks
I think I'd quite fancy taking a ride with Arthur Dent across the galaxy...and I'd be more then happy to don my dressing gown and bring a towel too...
Lucy Banks
An overwhelming number - my 'to-read' list is alarming. The complete works of Lovecraft and Edgar Allen Poe should make nice cheery summer reads, they're currently sitting on my bedside table, waiting to be read! ;-)
Lucy Banks
Hi Kristel - thank you for your kind comments! The second in the series is coming out in Feb 2018 (it's called The Case of the Deadly Doppelgänger).
Lucy Banks
Gosh, that's a good question. One day I'd love to write about the various strange / spooky things that happened in the house I grew up in; there were all sorts of random noises / moving shadows etc. - it'd be fun to explore them creatively, see what sort of book emerges from it!
Lucy Banks
Nice question! I'm a bit of a secret sucker for Heathcliffe and Cathy in Wuthering Heights (mainly because I LOVE the fact Emily Bronte managed to make them both so unpleasant and yet so romantic). Am I also allowed to say Vandemar and Croup from Neil Gaiman's fantastic Neverwhere? I know technically they're not romantically involved, but they're so deliciously, unrelentingly nasty!
Lucy Banks
Firstly, enjoy it! When writing is a pleasure, that joy inevitably shows in the end result. Everyone always says 'read lots' (which is great advice) - I'd also add, read with awareness. When you love a book, try to work out what's great about it and how the author uses language to good effect. And never, NEVER give up! We all get rejections and knock backs, it's part of the process...as long as you're improving, you're heading in the right direction. Good luck with it all!
Lucy Banks
I think it helped that I lived in a slightly spooky house when growing up! I've always loved all things supernatural, but wanted to create a story that 'normalised' it - and also, brought out the humour that sometimes comes with being scared. I also freely admit that a few of the characters were heavily inspired by people I know...
Lucy Banks
I just plough my way through it! We all get those moments, where the thought of writing is almost torturous - but then the fingers start clicking on the keyboard, and before you know it, you're back 'in the game'. Failing that, wine and chocolate are both excellent motivational tools.
Lucy Banks
Everything! It's about falling in love with your characters (and missing them when the book is complete). It's about creating new worlds and crazy scenarios. It's also about interacting with other writers and avid readers, and sharing your enthusiasm with others. I can't imagine anything better.
Lucy Banks
Never give up. I wrote my first full-length novel at the age of nineteen. It was AWFUL. Fifteen years and five books later, I had finally produced something good enough for publication. If you love writing and you can't imagine doing anything else, then go for it... and enjoy the journey!
Lucy Banks
At the time of writing, I'm currently working on the fourth Dr Ribero book. Book Two will be published in Feb 2018, and the third book is still in the editing phase (which means late nights spent poring over every last detail!).
Lucy Banks
People are often the best form of inspiration. I'll overhear snippets of conversation, or see someone acting in a certain way, and immediately think "I've got to get that in my book!".
It's also the ultimate form of escapism, and I feel so grateful for it - writing lets you dive into fantastical realms. What could beat that?
It's also the ultimate form of escapism, and I feel so grateful for it - writing lets you dive into fantastical realms. What could beat that?
Lucy Banks
It all started with a character exercise in a writing class. Dr Ribero emerged, fully formed - this suave Argentinian pensioner - and I just couldn't get him out of my mind. A few months later, I started writing The Case of the Green-Dressed Ghost - and before I knew it, there Ribero was, sneaking his way into the book!
Also, the supernatural has endless appeal - I grew up in a fairly spooky house, which was definitely an influence.
Also, the supernatural has endless appeal - I grew up in a fairly spooky house, which was definitely an influence.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more