1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I live in Brisbane, Australia with my husband and our two woolly dogs. I am a teacher with a passion for getting kids reading.
2. Describe your book Taya Bayliss - Snake Charmer in 30 words or less.
This is the fourth Taya Bayliss mystery. Taya has to confront one of her greatest fears as she tries to figure out who stole a precious cross from the church.
3. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part of writing any mystery is in providing enough clues for the reader to be engaged, but without giving too much away. I want the reader to be solving the mystery with Taya.
4. What books have had the greatest influence on you?
In childhood, The Famous Five adventures and the Nancy Drew mysteries were my favourites. As an adult, I enjoy Mary Higgins Clark, Agatha Christie – any good murder mystery really.
5. Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?
I really enjoy visiting schools to work with children in writing workshops. I have a website – www.tayabaylissbooks.com and I use Social media as well as sites like BookBuzzr to put my books in front of readers. With children’s books it can be tricky because your target group is not on the social media sites. It is their parents you are trying to connect with in the hope that they will then lead their children to your website.
6. How do you spend your time when you are not writing?
I tutor part-time and my husband and I travel as often as we can.
7. What are you working on next?
I am working on the next Taya Bayliss mystery, Taya Bayliss – Tree Hugger in which Taya is trying to prevent the development of an area of outstanding natural beauty.
