Ask the Author: Mark Dewar
Answered Questions (5)
Mark Dewar
Hi Amy,
Thanks for the question. The great thing about writing about 10th century Cordoba is that it is packed full of fabulous characters. The political situation at the time was fascinating and Al Andalus was poised on a knife edge. Within around 50-70 years of the time of writing the whole thing was gone. Al Andalus was overrun and the Moors ruled for 500 years before the Reconquista made Spain a Catholic country.
So from a setting perspective the books are a writer's dream. It's all set up for you. All you have to do is weave a plot through that backdrop and you are away. But I guess that's where the hard work starts! The ideas do come thick and fast but we just have to make sure that we give our readers what they want. Typically that is murder or thriller wrapped around a wider political backdrop.
I hope that helps. Happy to elaborate if you like.
Regards,
Mark
Thanks for the question. The great thing about writing about 10th century Cordoba is that it is packed full of fabulous characters. The political situation at the time was fascinating and Al Andalus was poised on a knife edge. Within around 50-70 years of the time of writing the whole thing was gone. Al Andalus was overrun and the Moors ruled for 500 years before the Reconquista made Spain a Catholic country.
So from a setting perspective the books are a writer's dream. It's all set up for you. All you have to do is weave a plot through that backdrop and you are away. But I guess that's where the hard work starts! The ideas do come thick and fast but we just have to make sure that we give our readers what they want. Typically that is murder or thriller wrapped around a wider political backdrop.
I hope that helps. Happy to elaborate if you like.
Regards,
Mark
Mark Dewar
Don't wait for your idea to be fully formed. Start writing, and practice every day. Writing really is something you can practice.
Mark Dewar
There is inspiration everywhere. The trick is in finding a way to translate what you observe, or what you think about, into words that fit with your characters. Knowing your characters inside out is the best way to tackle this.
Mark Dewar
There are so many things to enjoy about being a writer. Seeing your work on the shelf is a joy, and knowing that people are reading it is very humbling.
Mark Dewar
We are currently working on book three in the Cordoba series. Like the first two books it will contain many of the major characters and will continue our exploration of the caliphate, but it can be read as a standalone thriller in its own right.
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