OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
One of the best things about being an author is being able to connect with other creative people, and discover new voices that you love to read.
I met Zoe Sharp at a crime festival early this year, and swiftly devoured a number of her kick-ass thrillers featuring heroine Charlie Fox, compared by many to Lee Child's Jack Reacher. Her latest book, The Blood Whisperer, features a new character, Kelly Jacks, who wakes up next to a body, holding a knife, with no memory of the crime. You can read my full 5 star review here on Goodreads.
In the video interview below, I ask Zoe about writing a series, finding your voice as an author and her experiences with publishing. You can also watch it here on YouTube.
Zoe Sharp is the author of the bestselling and award nominated thriller series featuring Charlie Fox, ex Special Forces turned bodyguard, and the new thriller, The Blood Whisperer. In the interview, we discuss:
- On finding the voice for the character of Charlie Fox. Read, read, read, write, write, write. Reading it aloud or getting someone else to read it aloud really helps. On writing first person vs third person and how Charlie’s character came clearly in 1st POV
- Writing a series and keeping a summary while writing, which helps to look back on at a later point in the series. Zoe does outline but ends up changing them as she writes, whereas the summary is what actually happens in the book. There are 10 books in the series right now and Zoe talks about how she started with a couple of ideas but how it has just continued to grow.
- Zoe’s research process and how talking to the right person can be critical in finding the most interesting information.
- Marketing decisions around the progression of the setting from the UK to US in order to appeal to different
markets. How non-US authors can make an impact Stateside by attending conventions and developing relationships
- On being a hybrid author and the pros and cons of traditional and self-publishing. Using short stories and novellas to bring in new readers.
- Why writing is still hard for Zoe and that’s a good thing! On being a craftsman, not an artist.
You can find Zoe’s books on Amazon and other online bookstores, as well as on her website ZoeSharp.com and on twitter @authorzoesharp
Please do leave any questions or comments below.
Excellent interview, Joanna, as always! Zoe, I just purchased Fox Five and am so looking forward to reading it. I love short stories as much as novellas and novels, so I’ll be gobbling this up in no time and will be trying to decide which book to read next on your list. Thanks for the insight on writing a series. I’ve been tossing around that idea lately.
Plan to add The Blood Whisperer to my reading list. Loved the post. Thanks for the insight.
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This is so timely for me! Thank you!
Just what I needed this week. Zoe and yourself served as a pep talk and revitalized my attitude toward continuing on with my own writing and marketing. Thanks.
Thank you, Joanne. As always you deliver something interesting and useful.
Thanks for being so informative!
Great interview. I found it very informative and helpful. Thanks.