Ask the Author: Alice K. Boatwright
Answered Questions (14)
Alice K. Boatwright
Hi Rose! Thank you for writing. I am very pleased that you enjoyed the first two books. I working on #3, which is set in the spring of Ellie's first year in England. It should be out this spring (2020). I don't have an exact date yet, but I'm working with my publisher on that. Will be posting the news when I know more! Best, Alice
Alice K. Boatwright
Hi Susan, Thank you for writing. I am delighted that you enjoyed the first two books and hope to see more. Me too! I am writing number 3 now and planning number 4. I don't think this quite counts as "in production". . . since the writing process takes a good while. On the plus side, my publisher (Cozy Cat Press) moves quickly to get the books out when I am ready. I'll be posting news on my author Facebook page, Twitter, website, and in my newsletter. . . that is, shouting from the electronic rooftops. . . when the next book is coming out. Keep in touch! Best, Alice
Alice K. Boatwright
After my mother died, I discovered a whole box of letters that she had kept for 60 years and I never knew they existed. They included correspondence between my mother and father before they were married. . . and could have included a secret hidden all that time There were also letters from my grandmother, who died before I was born. These could have revealed the true story of what happened to my uncle who disappeared. . . or could have provided a clue that would help us unlock this family mystery.
Alice K. Boatwright
Dear Deb, Wow, I apologize for not seeing your note sooner. I am indeed still working on Ellie #2 and it's getting closer to being finished. I hope it will be published by the middle of the year. We'll see! As you can tell, I am not a fast writer. . .
I am so grateful to everyone who has let me know they enjoyed Under an English Heaven, so thank you for writing, for sharing the book with your friends, and for waiting impatiently for the next one. It's very motivating! I'll try to make sure everyone knows when the pre-order begins.
All the best for the new year, Alice
I am so grateful to everyone who has let me know they enjoyed Under an English Heaven, so thank you for writing, for sharing the book with your friends, and for waiting impatiently for the next one. It's very motivating! I'll try to make sure everyone knows when the pre-order begins.
All the best for the new year, Alice
Alice K. Boatwright
Dear Sheila, Thank you for the compliment on my blurb. As you know, they are hard to write! I hope you like the book as well, if you decide to read it. Re: the Cotswolds. . . I have visited many parts of the UK over the years, but the area around Oxford has always seemed to me the most perfect combination of "town and country", so that's where my husband and I chose to live when we moved over there. My only regret is that there isn't enough time to live in Cornwall, on the moors, in the northern islands and other favorite places too. :)
Alice K. Boatwright
Dear Tom, Thank you for writing. Chipping Campden is one of my favorite villages and definitely part of the area that inspired my book. I am writing the second mystery now, and it's going well. I hope it will come out before the end of the year. Assuming my publisher agrees!
Alice K. Boatwright
Hi Margaret, when I first saw your question, I thought "Yikes!" How did I (and my English editor) get that wrong??? So I checked page 202, and what it says is that Ellie thinks she will eventually get used to driving on the right -- meaning that she will get used to sitting on the right side of the car when she drives. Not driving on the right side of the road. I admit that it's a bit ambiguous, so I'll try to be more specific in future. And do be very careful when you drive in England, especially entering and exiting the roundabouts! Good luck and thank you for reading Under an English Heaven. A new Ellie Kent adventure is in the works.
Alice K. Boatwright
Dear S.M., Thank you for sending this question. Yes, there is a series planned, and I am working on the second book now. I don't have a publication date yet, but will spread the word when I do. By the way, you mentioned 3 of my favorite British mystery writers! I hope you enjoyed the rest of the book, and please let me know if you have any further questions! Best regards and Happy New Year, Alice
Alice K. Boatwright
Keep coming back. Wait. Keep coming back. Wait. Do something else creative. . . cook, make a birthday card, take a walk. . . it won't last forever.
Alice K. Boatwright
It's an art form that you can practice anywhere at any time. You don't need equipment, backers, collaborators, permits, etc. It's a private space you enter and where you have total freedom to do what you like and make things happen.
Alice K. Boatwright
Just do it! Don't be discouraged. And remember that writing IS rewriting. No one gets it perfect on the first draft. I find seven is about right for me.
Alice K. Boatwright
I've just started a novel set in Paris, where I have lived for many years. I'm also warming up the engine for the second Ellie Kent mystery. How will I do both at once? Not sure. Will keep you posted.
Alice K. Boatwright
Little, quirky things can set me off on the path of a story. A woman with rainbow-colored hair on the subway, for example. But I also think inspiration comes when you sit down and do it. Writing about nothing can lead to writing about something. If you're not writing it down, it's just dreaming. Which is also pleasant.
Alice K. Boatwright
I love mysteries, and I've always wanted to try writing one. When my husband and I moved to England, I decided to "give it a go" as they say there. I like challenges, so I tried to overcome two unattractive stereotypes you find in many books -- the brash, overbearing American and the bumbling unworldly vicar. I married these two and -- voila! Ellie and Graham Kent are at the center of my story.
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