“I enjoy a wide range of writers, styles and genres. As such, I’ve never been particularly influenced by any one writer or style, but have instead built up from my own very lean prose into something of more depth and substance. Writers I’ve admired over the years, particularly for their originality and imagination, include CG Cherryh, Orson Scott Card and Isaac Asimov.”
SM Jonas 20 March 2011
The Back Flap
Orphaned by a double murder, Crown Prince Travis celebrates his freedom from a loveless and strict upbringing by running riot with his teenage friends. Travis doesn’t curb his behavior until warned by his elderly guardian and then threatened by the Lord Chief Justice.
Following the coronation, much stranger Guardians concern themselves with the young king as a new sword master and a maid start work at the palace. Not long after, Travis’ brothers and sister are subject to murder attempts. It seems that a complex plot threatens the entire royal family.
In a race to find the murderer before he strikes again, the Guardians and the king’s advisors become dangerously at odds. Meanwhile, Travis goes on a clandestine mission that will lead him to the unimaginable truth.
About the Book
What is the book about?
Crimson Leaf is a murder mystery set in a distant place and time.
It is the coming-of-age story of seventeen-year-old Crown Prince Travis who only wants to enjoy his newfound freedom, but who instead has the weight of ruling a country laid upon him, along with the responsibility for his younger siblings, and the horror of someone trying to kill them all.
It is also the story of the Guardians: Lyssia and Albion. They have returned from a self-imposed exile to try to secretly help Travis, while avoiding the terrible mistake they made with a previous king. They take employment at the palace as a junior sword tutor and a scullery maid.
Lord Chief Justice Oakley comes to suspect that Lyssia is not who she says she is, while Lyssia and Albion are increasingly convinced that Oakley is the killer. When yet another murder takes place, Travis fears he can trust no one – and those fears prove dreadfully justified.
Crimson Leaf is about innocence and experience, trust and betrayal, friendship and love.
When did you start writing the book?
It would be nearly ten years ago – my first novel. I have now written three others. During all that time I reviewed and edited Crimson Leaf in the light of what I learnt.
How long did it take you to write it?
About a year in total.
Where did you get the idea from?
I always liked the notion of writing a murder mystery with plenty of genuine clues, but still to keep the reader guessing throughout.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
There were areas where I had to do quite a lot of research, including talking to an expert in falconry, and developing a theoretical knowledge of swordsmanship.
What came easily?
The characters – they very quickly came alive for me and for each other, and they altered the plot, making it far more interesting than it might have been.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
In this case, entirely fictitious.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I enjoy a wide range of writers, styles and genres. As such, I’ve never been particularly influenced by any one writer or style, but have instead built up from my own very lean prose into something of more depth and substance. Writers I’ve admired over the years, particularly for their originality and imagination, include CG Cherryh, Orson Scott Card and Isaac Asimov. The book that most recently impressed me was The Time Travelers Wife.
Do you have a target reader?
I try to write for as wide an audience as possible, including older teenagers, but I find that the different genres I have written tend to attract different readers.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I tend to set down the basics of the plot and dialogue then go through the work gradually adding layer after layer of detail.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just Chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I have a beginning and ending planned, and a few milestones along the way.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Both – I spend more time editing than writing – in fact, I can’t really separate the two.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No. I’ve trained myself to be a careful editor, and I’m lucky enough to have a number of sharp-eyed beta readers.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No. I find it too distracting. Even music without words will impose its own mood on me.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, I did, to many, and have now found one who loves my contemporary thrillers.
What made you decide to go Indie? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Crimson Leaf, being multi-genre (fantasy, murder mystery, romance, coming-of-age) would be very difficult to place with conventional publishers or bookstores. It took a few years to accept that fact.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did it you do it yourself?
Myself – I love making covers and trailers.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Work – get as much publicity as possible from as many sources as possible.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Make sure that your work is as good as possible, and that it isn’t a lack of some important quality that is blocking your access to conventional publishing. It usually takes several years of writing to go from ambitious to professional.
About You
Though I started out writing fantasies such as Crimson Leaf, I now write contemporary thrillers. I’m currently a freelance web designer who also proofreads and edits for other authors. I live in Yorkshire in the UK and enjoy reading a wide variety of books, primarily fiction.
Where did you grow up?
Sheffield
Where do you live now?
Sheffield (are you seeing a pattern?)
What would you like readers to know about you?
Not a great deal. There is very little of me (aside from my imagination) in my novels.
What are you working on now?
My next thriller, and revisions of an earlier fantasy.
End of Interview
Before this becomes an issue. I’ll tell you up front that I am extremely biased when it comes to this writers stories – thriller or fantasy – I care not; they’re beautifully written and executed.
You can find out for yourself, at Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Smashwords. SM’s website for Crimson Leaf is here.
