Hello Catherine. Thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell me about your latest book, The Shadow Killer?

The Shadow Killer is a psychological crime thriller where we know from the outset who the killer is. When the police can’t get the answers they need to find a missing girl they turn to renown psychologist Dr Evelyn Shaw. Despite her extensive experience and skills, it seems to DI Ziggy Thornes that The Shadow Killer is manipulating her – and Ziggy doesn’t why. In a gripping finale, Evelyn and Hawthorne each face their own disturbing past while Ziggy pulls all the threads together to bring a secure conviction.

What are the challenges when writing a series of books such as the DI ‘Ziggy’ Thornes Series?

You have to have a great memory (or keep excellent records!) when it comes to character names, their traits in previous books and stay consistent with their personalities. I have an excellent editor who keeps track, and I use copious amounts of old-school record cards to stay on top of everything.

What are you currently working on?

I started the outline for Book 6 in March so I’m currently plotting the timeline. I’m not sure yet if it will be another Ziggy book or a standalone!

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals?

I don’t really have a typical day during the Summer as I take a few months off but then come September I’m usually in the Shed early and write from 9 – 12pm, take an hour and depending on how I feel I’ll either write until 4pm or call it a day and read or do some research. I also have 4 cats, 3 chickens and go horse riding regularly as well as a large garden so I’m a bit rubbish as sitting down!

From idea to final draft, how long does it take you to complete a book?

Depends. I have Chronic Fatigue so I have to balance that with everything – most days I can write 2k words a day and I have been known to write and publish in 3 months but that was a fluke and probably won’t happen again!

Do you have any advice for the research and editing processes? How do you know when you’ve done enough?

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