Ask the Author: J.A. Ratcliffe
Answered Questions (8)
J.A. Ratcliffe
I’ve just finished Patrick O’Brien’s Desolation Island and have started C.S. Forrester’s Mr Midshipman Hornblower. Also on my list is Colson Whitehead’s Underground Railroad, Arthur Haley's Roots and a revisit to Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Two themes of my reading are seafaring in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and slavery.
This is because I am researching for a stand-alone book about one of the characters in my Smuggler’s Town Mysteries. My readers will know that Will Gibbs travels to America and returns with a new friend and some money and the book will tell this story. I need to get a feel for seafaring and gain an insight into the slave trade, treatment of slaves and free slaves. I’m also hoping to visit Newfoundland and then Boston, Massachusetts.
This is because I am researching for a stand-alone book about one of the characters in my Smuggler’s Town Mysteries. My readers will know that Will Gibbs travels to America and returns with a new friend and some money and the book will tell this story. I need to get a feel for seafaring and gain an insight into the slave trade, treatment of slaves and free slaves. I’m also hoping to visit Newfoundland and then Boston, Massachusetts.
J.A. Ratcliffe
There hasn't been any real mystery, but my Great Grandmother led a fascinating life, including being a suffragette, a follower of Disraeli and a member of the Primrose League. She was born in 1874 and I'm amazed I knew someone from that era. A story of her life would be interesting to write, especially as I'm not the political animal that she obviously was.
J.A. Ratcliffe
I don't really suffer from writer's block, in fact the opposite, I have too many ideas swimming in my head! However, whilst writing, I often come across a dilemma for a character and need to think: 'what would they do?' or 'what should happen next' to help the plot along. When this happens I go for a walk, the exercise and fresh air usually lead to an idea or inspiration.
J.A. Ratcliffe
Having the freedom to create new worlds.
J.A. Ratcliffe
Do not worry about what other people think - go with your instincts. I once saw a man in a T-shirt which read: 'Never let your fears get in the way of your dreams'. I thought that was perfect and have stuck to the sentiment since.
J.A. Ratcliffe
I am currently writing the third book in the Smugglers' Town Mysteries series and researching for a fourth book based on the experiences of Will Gibbs.
J.A. Ratcliffe
I generally get an idea and work around it until I'm comfortable, then it's off I go!
J.A. Ratcliffe
The Face of Sam was inspired by a carving in Christchurch Priory Church. Few people know 'Sam' is there until they are shown. He's not the normal carvings of a bishops; no one knows who he was.
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