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Interview Joan E. Histon
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Interview
– When did you start writing novels, what moved you to start writing?
I’d been writing short stories for national magazines, but when I heard the amusing story of Alex Annand, I felt inspired to write, ‘Thy Will Be Done … Eventually!’ It was published in 1999.
– In what genres do you write? Do you plan writing in other genres?
I wrote three Christian books as a ghost writer, but my latest books are historical thrillers. My other two ghost writing books are:
‘Tears in the Dark’, the true dramatic story of an abused child who came close to ending his life after being abandoned by his parents. But finally finds happiness as a Christian minister.
‘The Shop on Pilgrim Street’, the moving story of a small Christian bookshop founded in 1864 and remaining in business for over 150 years. During that time it reached out to the soldier in the trenches, the alcoholic; the Jarrow Hunger Marcher and many more.
– Tell us about your books. Why should everyone buy them?
If you love an intriguing, investigative, historical thriller then ‘The Senator’s Assignment’ and ‘The Senator’s Darkest Days’ are for you. They’re part one and two of a trilogy. Set ten years apart, each book stands alone in its plot.
Both books would enthral a reader interested in the political atmosphere when the Roman Empire was at its height. And for those with an inquisitive nature; what happened to Pontius Pilate? This hugely important man, a Prefect of Rome, the Governor of Judea and the judge at Jesus’ trial suddenly disappears without mention after the crucifixion of Christ.
This is also a book for women. It is the story of how Aurelia is left feeling of no consequence when her betrothed sets off on his assignment. Aurelia finds she must rise above her fears when she is thrust into the political intrigues of Rome and a world dominated by men.
– What is your all time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
‘Pollyanna’ by Elinor H Porter(Amazon link). I read the book when I was about eight years old and was so inspired by Pollyanna’s cheerful attitude in a world that had given her so many hard knocks that I tried to do the same. Well – I was only eight but the inspiration remained.
– Tell us a bit about your writing process.
Most of my ideas come from the fascinating characters I meet. An odd thing to say, as basically I’m an introvert.
I do set out a plot, but there are times my characters wander off. Yet I’ve discovered my book can be far richer if I allow my characters some leeway. It often enhances the original plot.
There’s nothing I like better than sitting in my den and staring out across the Tyne Valley until the creative juices begin to flow, and I feel them surge down to the fingertips hovering over my computer.
– What author would you love to have dinner with?
Raymond Chandler – he has a good turn of phrase in his books so I think he’d be amusing to dine with.
– Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
Obviously, my passion is my three children and our grandchildren, so it’s an absolute delight when Colin and I to travel south to visit them all. Exhausting – but wonderful.
I’m a Christian; a local preacher; a retired counsellor, spiritual director and I take speaking engagements. I’m also a reluctant gardener. I have no idea about the names of plants, but I do love pottering. And I can’t have enough of the theatre, cinema, eating out with friends, walking in the countryside and fish and chips at Whitby.
– We have many followers who would like to start writing a book or are already writing their first novel, any advice for these brave people?
I’ve met countless people who tell me they want to write a book, but never actually get round to it and over the weeks the idea gradually fades because life got in the way. If you want to be a writer, you have to actually sit down and write. And that’s the difficult part. Amazing how you can find other things to do. I know I wouldn’t want to look back on my life and wish I’d made the time to fulfil that urge to write. Do you?
– How often do you write, daily, every other day or?
Every afternoon – except weekends. But then sometimes one of my characters goes a.w.o.l so I might pick him/her up early morning or at the week-ends to sort him/her out. I can be refreshingly flexible.
– Do you keep a notebook with ideas for your books? If so do you carry the notebook with you so you won’t forget any ideas?
My ideas usually come late at night so I keep my ‘scrappy book’ in my bedside drawers.
– How important is it to have your facts right and are there any instances when you bend history to fit your story?
It’s very important to have all my facts right. I wouldn’t dream of bending history to fit my plot. I did a tremendous amount of research on my historical novels so you can imagine my delight when reviews came in praising me for well-researched books.
– What are you reading at the moment?
Two Brothers by Ben Elton(Amazon link).
– How is it to be an author in your country? Do you have a good support from the local public?
The writers’ world is a wonderful community. Publishers, Book shops, authors and writers’ social media groups are very supportive. I try to be equally supportive for other struggling writers.
– Certainly you have had some interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
For my research, Colin and I visited the Forum in Rome, in the middle of a heatwave, and I found myself trailing a red-faced, sweating husband up Palatine Hill to the Caesar’s Palace. In my imagination I could almost hear the tramping boots of the elite Praetorian Guards as they marched up this hill; I could see the colourful parades celebrating the Caesars; and the magnificent palatial villas of the rich and noble.
‘Just think,’ I panted halfway up the hill. ‘My hero, Vivius walked up here to get his assignment from the Emperor Tiberius.’
Colin used this as an excuse to stop and frown at me. ‘I thought Vivius was a figment of your imagination?’
Ah! Yes!
– A final message for our circleofbooks.com readers.
I really appreciate you taking the time to read about my writing journey. It’s been difficult at times, but I love writing, and if you do too, then don’t be deterred by the difficulties. Never give up.
Thank you Joan E. Histon. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
Click here to visit the author page here on Circle of Books.
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