Maria Herring

I started writing in 2006 when my first job after graduating took me to China. My books were back home and Chinese bookshops had little on offer, so I began writing stories to slake my need to read. Now I can't stop writing, even though I live in France and all the bookshops here have pretty impressive English selections.
My first novel, Legacy of a Warrior Queen, an alternate history set in Britain after Boudica defeated the Romans invaders, was published by Top Hat Books in December 2014. I've also had several fantasy/science-fiction short stories published in the UK and US in anthologies and magazines. I love the weird and wonderful, the frightening and fantastic so that's what I read and write about.

Credentials

Maria Herring in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

2006 China.

What do you love about short stories?

The challenge. I'm naturally long-winded!

Do you write in other forms?

Novels.

What distracts you from writing?

Tea. And my cat.

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

Travelling, cycling and cooking. And then eating what I've just cooked.

What is your favourite book?

The Lord of the Rings.

Who are your favourite writers?

JRR Tolkien, Terry Pratchett (he aten't ded) and Neil Gaimen.

Where is your dream location?

Kangaroo Island.

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Hunting.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Take any advice with a pinch of salt. People rarely know what they're doing.