A Slice of Cake With...

Welcome to my new Wednesday feature!

Every week I will be having a slice of cake with a fellow indie author, grilling them gently about their writing life and of course sharing their favourite cake.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

It wouldn't be cricket if I didn't answer my own questions so for the first instalment I give you - A Slice of Cake With Myself!

1. Describe the types of books you write.

I write a real mixture of things but I think it all boils down to a slightly amused look at people - the things they say, they things they do and how funny they can be. I don't intentionally tackle big topics but The Gaia Effect reflects my own passion for the environment and how we can still try to do more good than harm. As a writer, you write what you know and as a person, I'm more of an observer than a doer so watch out - I might put you in a book!

2. Describe your why. 

I write because I love words. I love reading. I love being imaginative and creating interesting people, seeing how they react to things. Mostly, I listen to the character voices in my head and write until they tell me to stop. The biggest compliment I can have is to know that someone has read my book and it made them laugh or cry or get really, really mad. Then I know I got it right.

3. Share your favourite paragraph/section from the book you enjoyed writing the most.

I have really enjoyed writing The Rose Thief and especially the character Jenni, a rather grubby looking yet powerful sprite. Here's a snippet:

 The smell that accompanied her was other-worldly.

'Jenni. A little space.' Ned tried not to breathe.

Jenni huffed, hurt at the not so warm welcome. 'Be like that then. I only came straight 'ere to find you and get you out of whatever mess you're in now.' She leaned in again, utterly disregarding Ned's request for personal space, and looked deep into the bloodshot yet still vibrant blue eyes of her boss. 'Joe said you was scooped.'

Ned pushed himself up from the floor, trying in vain to ignore the incredible smell infiltrating his nostrils. 'Yep. Lucky me.' He staggered a few steps before collecting his limbs and walking towards the door. Jenni capered at his side. 'You need a bath, Jenni. You stink.'

'Been under cover at the docks ain't I?' A few flies buzzed in Jenni's wake. 'Cos we fawt he might be basing 'is operations round that way, right? So I've bin looking for the rose thief ain't I?' She scratched an armpit viciously. 'Came straight 'ere tho di'n't I? When Joe said.'

'Yeah, thanks. What about the docks, what did you find out?' Ned held the third best reception room door open for Jenni and jauntily saluted the guards in the corridor as they walked through. 'Any luck?'

'Just a pile o' shite.'

4. Promote your latest project.

My latest releases were my two books of poetry - Little Book of Verse Volume 1 and Spring Fling - both of which are available in paperback and eBook on Amazon.

       

I am currently editing the sequel to The Gaia Effect called The Gaia Project, due for release later this year.

5. What's your favourite cake?

Victoria Sponge. Done well it truly is the queen of cakes. 

And so easy to make - try this recipe from the Good Food website. I'd love to know how you get on! Remember a cake shared has no calories.

Claire Buss is a sci-fi, fantasy & humorous writer and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.