I’m pleased to welcome Clare Revell to the blog today. Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and some of her now grownup children. Writing from a early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children’s stories. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make. Or being annoyed by the cat and dog.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American, the books contain British language and terminology.

One of the things that surprised me the most about Clare is that the first draft of every novel she writes is hand written!

I got a chance to ask Clare a few questions, so you can get to know her a little better too!

• You’ve written so many books. How long does it take you on average to write one?  

Usually around 6 or 7 weeks for the first couple of drafts, assuming I don’t get side tracked by edits or another plot bunny. I hand write and then type up.

• How long have you been writing? 

Since I first learnt to write. Dad found my old school books from when I was five and they were full of rewrites of fairy tales. I then started fanfic, fanfic with my own characters, and then my own stuff completely.

• Who is one of your favorite characters in your books and why? 

Tough one. How do you pick one child as your fave without offending all the others? Don’t tell anyone, but it’s probably Liam. He’s had a tough journey, his first wife died in his arms and then he had a long battle with drink. And if the plot bunny has anything to do with it, he’s in for another shock or two.

• Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that inspires you in your writing? 

1 Peter 5v7. Cast all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you. No matter what we do, we are still loved.

• What is your favorite part of being an author?

 Something to do at stupid o’clock when I can’t sleep. Working from home. Wearing pj’s to work. Choosing my own hours.

• For you, what is the hardest part about being an author? 

Having my desk in the lounge where the TV is. It’s pretty hard to concentrate with the TV on when the kids have a day off work. Well, I say kids, they are all in their 20’s now.

• Where is the best place for readers to connect with you? 

http://clarerevell.com

https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor

https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/clarerevell/

http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=45 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476220.Clare_Revell

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/clare-revell

newsletter sign up – http://eepurl.com/chtmdH

• Can you tell us about your latest book? 

It’s an Ellery/York book, so crime drama with a hint of romance thrown in. Basically, Zander’s turn to have the spotlight this time. He goes undercover on a reality TV show.

My review:

The House that Jack Built is a clever mystery. The book brings back two of Ms. Revell’s recurring police detective characters, one of whom is assigned to cover a reality TV show where one of the contestants is killed. In the reality show, contestants are broadcasted 24 hours a day. One of the contestants, Kate, sneaks off away from the others to read her Bible in peace, but there isn’t much peace in the house when one of the housemates may be a killer. How do you manage to kill someone in a house full of cameras?

The author’s use of the old nursery rhyme and the final reveal of the motivation behind the crime is clever. The book is unpredictable, and the touch of romance that develops is sweet.