It is with great pleasure that I welcome Paula Roscoe onto the website today. Paula is an award-winning author as well as being a qualified counsellor.
Alex: Tell me a bit about yourself, Paula.
Paula: I’m known as P.J. Roscoe in the writing/reading world; ‘P’ stands for, Paula. I am married these last 27 years to, Martin, we have a daughter who has additional needs, but two years ago, aged 21, she decided to become much more independent, and is living in supported housing, embracing life completely, so we became butler to our Lurcher, Sidney, and mollycoddle three lovable cats!
We live in North Wales, which has always been my home, despite a few years in England for a variety of jobs; I would return to the mountains. I grew up with three brothers; all of us were adopted, except the youngest. It is probably the fact that my history is very vague, at best, that I have always enjoyed delving into everyone else’s, be it hundreds of years ago, or last week!
When Ben, the youngest brother was born, I was nine and my writing had already begun with short stories, but it suddenly had purpose as he grew older, and I wrote countless stories for him about a magical zoo that I’d read to him at bedtime. Growing up in 70s Wales, English was barely spoken in our tiny village; I didn’t learn to write English until I was about 8 years old. My parents encouraged me to keep persevering with my stories. As I got older, the subjects became supernatural, with historical content, but I never considered that I could ever be an ‘author’, I didn’t think I was ‘clever’ enough.
I became a holistic therapist after college, which I love. Learning various ways to help people relax and heal is very rewarding, yet, something wasn’t quite right, and I continued to write poems and short stories for years but hid them away. I learned various skills over the years including, counselling and teaching, but nothing really fulfilled me completely.
I found writing therapeutic, and have always kept diaries. In 1997, our son, Jac (Welsh spelling) died when I was 37 weeks pregnant, and our world fell apart.
I can remember sitting at my kitchen table two weeks after he died, and Martin had to go back to work. I had no idea how I was going to survive the day. I picked up a pencil, and began doodling, which became words that eventually became a story. I survived the day.
From that short story, over the following months, I wrote my first novel, Echoes, 165,000 words, and after many stops and starts, intermingled with having Megan, and dealing with autism, dyspraxia and much more, I self-published it in 2008 with a terrible cover, and no idea what I was doing. It went through many adventures, from winning a variety of awards, to more terrible book covers, a fraudulent publisher, until finally, it was taken on by an American based small publishing company, DoceBlantpublishing.com.
My world of writing had begun, and from there, I have written four more award-winning supernatural, historical novels, an anthology of paranormal short stories, and four faerie books for children, along with a variety of short stories and articles in anthologies and magazines. I am currently editing my sixth novel.
My path in writing, led me down the audio book route after I was asked to narrate another author’s book. I had no idea about it, so I spent three months learning the programmes, testing the sound quality etc and began narrating my own books, as well as other authors. From this, in November 2019 I was offered a 12 book deal by ‘In-Audio’ to narrate classics by, Austin, Bronte, Wilde, Christie and more. I finally finished in April 2021.
Also, during the last eighteen months, I have been working on a project that is the next step from audio books - Audio Dramas. One of my historical novels, Diary of Margery Blake, was chosen to be turned into a drama, and together with the director of www.Storymore.com, Micah Thomas, we created a script for a worldwide cast, three characters played by myself, and it is launched on 12th June this year! It’s like a film with your eyes closed! The film plays out in your head! I await the coming adventure with enthusiasm.
Alex: Tell me a bit about yourself, Paula.
Paula: I’m known as P.J. Roscoe in the writing/reading world; ‘P’ stands for, Paula. I am married these last 27 years to, Martin, we have a daughter who has additional needs, but two years ago, aged 21, she decided to become much more independent, and is living in supported housing, embracing life completely, so we became butler to our Lurcher, Sidney, and mollycoddle three lovable cats!
We live in North Wales, which has always been my home, despite a few years in England for a variety of jobs; I would return to the mountains. I grew up with three brothers; all of us were adopted, except the youngest. It is probably the fact that my history is very vague, at best, that I have always enjoyed delving into everyone else’s, be it hundreds of years ago, or last week!
When Ben, the youngest brother was born, I was nine and my writing had already begun with short stories, but it suddenly had purpose as he grew older, and I wrote countless stories for him about a magical zoo that I’d read to him at bedtime. Growing up in 70s Wales, English was barely spoken in our tiny village; I didn’t learn to write English until I was about 8 years old. My parents encouraged me to keep persevering with my stories. As I got older, the subjects became supernatural, with historical content, but I never considered that I could ever be an ‘author’, I didn’t think I was ‘clever’ enough.
I became a holistic therapist after college, which I love. Learning various ways to help people relax and heal is very rewarding, yet, something wasn’t quite right, and I continued to write poems and short stories for years but hid them away. I learned various skills over the years including, counselling and teaching, but nothing really fulfilled me completely.
I found writing therapeutic, and have always kept diaries. In 1997, our son, Jac (Welsh spelling) died when I was 37 weeks pregnant, and our world fell apart.
I can remember sitting at my kitchen table two weeks after he died, and Martin had to go back to work. I had no idea how I was going to survive the day. I picked up a pencil, and began doodling, which became words that eventually became a story. I survived the day.
From that short story, over the following months, I wrote my first novel, Echoes, 165,000 words, and after many stops and starts, intermingled with having Megan, and dealing with autism, dyspraxia and much more, I self-published it in 2008 with a terrible cover, and no idea what I was doing. It went through many adventures, from winning a variety of awards, to more terrible book covers, a fraudulent publisher, until finally, it was taken on by an American based small publishing company, DoceBlantpublishing.com.
My world of writing had begun, and from there, I have written four more award-winning supernatural, historical novels, an anthology of paranormal short stories, and four faerie books for children, along with a variety of short stories and articles in anthologies and magazines. I am currently editing my sixth novel.
My path in writing, led me down the audio book route after I was asked to narrate another author’s book. I had no idea about it, so I spent three months learning the programmes, testing the sound quality etc and began narrating my own books, as well as other authors. From this, in November 2019 I was offered a 12 book deal by ‘In-Audio’ to narrate classics by, Austin, Bronte, Wilde, Christie and more. I finally finished in April 2021.
Also, during the last eighteen months, I have been working on a project that is the next step from audio books - Audio Dramas. One of my historical novels, Diary of Margery Blake, was chosen to be turned into a drama, and together with the director of www.Storymore.com, Micah Thomas, we created a script for a worldwide cast, three characters played by myself, and it is launched on 12th June this year! It’s like a film with your eyes closed! The film plays out in your head! I await the coming adventure with enthusiasm.
Alex: How would you describe your writing, and are there particular themes that you like to explore?
Paula: My writing these days is erratic! My days are spent jumping from one project to another, depending on how they are coming in. Editing my next book titled, Realms, to advertising and organising events for various workshops, spreading the word about the launch of @Storymore.com, working on various short stories I’ve started but never finished (No idea what I’ll be doing with them yet, possibly another anthology) and all of this in-between being a Mum, on hand if needed. Narration projects and scripts are imminent, so trying to get as much writing done before they take over.
My themes have always centred on the paranormal and historical. In the early years of motherhood, I worked freelance and my in-laws would have our daughter for one day a week so that I could bury myself in the local reference library (No computers then!!) I loved searching for some snippet of historical fact that I could write about for a Welsh magazine. Every article was published, and it pushed me towards going back to pick up Echoes again and work on it some more.
My historical novel, Diary of Margery Blake is purely history, no supernatural stuff in that one, although it is weird how it was written. It was 2016 and I was writing my third novel, Between Worlds, when one morning, I just stopped, as another idea had flown into my head, and I began writing Diary. I wrote it in about five weeks, and spent a few weeks checking the research I had gleaned during the writing process, and it was done. And I can barely remember doing it. People ask me if someone possessed me. Who knows, but following it winning an award in 2017, it changed my world, as I was suddenly asked to a variety of women’s groups to give a talk on the research I accumulated on women’s rights and the suffragettes etc. During 2018, the 100 year anniversary of some women receiving the vote, I was very busy. That book went on to win another award in January 2021.
I write about the supernatural because I have seen ghosts and spirits from an early age; so it is a huge part of my life. For over 25 years, I have been called to various haunted locations to try and understand what is happening, and if possible, help them move on. I work with Angels and spirit guides almost every day, giving a ‘Healing Card of the Week’ on my website, and offer Angel card readings and healing.
Paula: My writing these days is erratic! My days are spent jumping from one project to another, depending on how they are coming in. Editing my next book titled, Realms, to advertising and organising events for various workshops, spreading the word about the launch of @Storymore.com, working on various short stories I’ve started but never finished (No idea what I’ll be doing with them yet, possibly another anthology) and all of this in-between being a Mum, on hand if needed. Narration projects and scripts are imminent, so trying to get as much writing done before they take over.
My themes have always centred on the paranormal and historical. In the early years of motherhood, I worked freelance and my in-laws would have our daughter for one day a week so that I could bury myself in the local reference library (No computers then!!) I loved searching for some snippet of historical fact that I could write about for a Welsh magazine. Every article was published, and it pushed me towards going back to pick up Echoes again and work on it some more.
My historical novel, Diary of Margery Blake is purely history, no supernatural stuff in that one, although it is weird how it was written. It was 2016 and I was writing my third novel, Between Worlds, when one morning, I just stopped, as another idea had flown into my head, and I began writing Diary. I wrote it in about five weeks, and spent a few weeks checking the research I had gleaned during the writing process, and it was done. And I can barely remember doing it. People ask me if someone possessed me. Who knows, but following it winning an award in 2017, it changed my world, as I was suddenly asked to a variety of women’s groups to give a talk on the research I accumulated on women’s rights and the suffragettes etc. During 2018, the 100 year anniversary of some women receiving the vote, I was very busy. That book went on to win another award in January 2021.
I write about the supernatural because I have seen ghosts and spirits from an early age; so it is a huge part of my life. For over 25 years, I have been called to various haunted locations to try and understand what is happening, and if possible, help them move on. I work with Angels and spirit guides almost every day, giving a ‘Healing Card of the Week’ on my website, and offer Angel card readings and healing.
Alex: Are you a writer that plans a detailed synopsis or do you set out with a vague idea and let the story unfold as you write?
Paula: I have an idea, I begin to type and let the story unfold, in the first draft. Second and third drafts might bring subtle changes, but if I like where it goes, I leave it. I have so many ideas in my head; I can’t type fast enough, or have enough time! I have another five books at various stages on my computer, but in my head... Oh boy, it’s busy!
Alex: Tell us about your last novel.
Paula: The last novel to be published was, Where Rivers Meet, which came out in May 2019 and is set in North Wales, in a stunning location called, Beddgelert. It is one of my favourite places to walk and is set in a beautiful valley, with a gushing river, surrounded by mountains and history. It also has award-winning ice cream, so all good!!
Abigail is a talented grief stricken young artist, who returns to the Welsh village where she had spent many happy years with her beloved Nan. A home where she had always felt loved and safe. A place she hoped she could begin her life again and find her own destiny; but on her return, she finds secrets that were long forgotten, locked away in an old suitcase. Secrets from her childhood that will push her beliefs to the limit.
Cain is in love with a woman he believes he can never possess. He has watched her grow into a beautiful young woman, but in his harsh world, she would never survive. He has never questioned the dark tunnel that allows him glimpses of another time, because it led him to her.
Set amongst the Welsh mountains and the ruthless reality of the 19th century copper mines where life is in the hands of the elements and injury, starvation and death are stark reminders of the time.
This book is what I promised my readers – a Paranormal Romance! I never thought my name and ‘romance’ would be in the same sentence, but I promised to give it a go, and I had a story in my head that more or less fitted the bill, so I wrote, Where Rivers Meet. I had a go at ‘Mills and Boon’, bodice rippers many years ago, and couldn’t stop laughing!!! So not my forte, but there is sexual content in all my books.
Paula: I have an idea, I begin to type and let the story unfold, in the first draft. Second and third drafts might bring subtle changes, but if I like where it goes, I leave it. I have so many ideas in my head; I can’t type fast enough, or have enough time! I have another five books at various stages on my computer, but in my head... Oh boy, it’s busy!
Alex: Tell us about your last novel.
Paula: The last novel to be published was, Where Rivers Meet, which came out in May 2019 and is set in North Wales, in a stunning location called, Beddgelert. It is one of my favourite places to walk and is set in a beautiful valley, with a gushing river, surrounded by mountains and history. It also has award-winning ice cream, so all good!!
Abigail is a talented grief stricken young artist, who returns to the Welsh village where she had spent many happy years with her beloved Nan. A home where she had always felt loved and safe. A place she hoped she could begin her life again and find her own destiny; but on her return, she finds secrets that were long forgotten, locked away in an old suitcase. Secrets from her childhood that will push her beliefs to the limit.
Cain is in love with a woman he believes he can never possess. He has watched her grow into a beautiful young woman, but in his harsh world, she would never survive. He has never questioned the dark tunnel that allows him glimpses of another time, because it led him to her.
Set amongst the Welsh mountains and the ruthless reality of the 19th century copper mines where life is in the hands of the elements and injury, starvation and death are stark reminders of the time.
This book is what I promised my readers – a Paranormal Romance! I never thought my name and ‘romance’ would be in the same sentence, but I promised to give it a go, and I had a story in my head that more or less fitted the bill, so I wrote, Where Rivers Meet. I had a go at ‘Mills and Boon’, bodice rippers many years ago, and couldn’t stop laughing!!! So not my forte, but there is sexual content in all my books.
Alex: What was the first book you read?
Paula: Gosh, I can’t remember that!! By the time I was around nine, I was learning to read, ‘The Famous Five’ by Enid Blyton, loved them! I remember beautifully illustrated poetry books and faerie books as a child; but I can’t remember titles anymore.
Alex: How much research do you do and what does it usually entail?
Paula: I do a lot of research. I believe it is necessary, especially with historical books. My books have factual people and occurrences intermingled with fictional characters, so it is imperative that I get it right. I speak with a variety of people, depending on what I need within the book. For my second novel, Freya’s Child, I spoke at length with archaeologists, police, doctors, the National Trust, so I had a good knowledge of procedures, dig sites, and how a murder scene would look. For Between Worlds, I spoke with hypnotherapists, historians and psychologists and nurses, all to get a decent picture. With every book, I have spoken with professionals in whatever field I need knowledge of.
I visit the places the books will be set and take detailed notes, along with acting out scenes with my husband to see if they are feasible! For Echoes, there is a scene where Bronwen is running down uneven steps at Shrewsbury castle to get away from someone; yes, I checked to see if it worked and how long it would take, so the scene ‘fit’ the story. Some of the love scenes...Well, we won’t go there!!!
Paula: Gosh, I can’t remember that!! By the time I was around nine, I was learning to read, ‘The Famous Five’ by Enid Blyton, loved them! I remember beautifully illustrated poetry books and faerie books as a child; but I can’t remember titles anymore.
Alex: How much research do you do and what does it usually entail?
Paula: I do a lot of research. I believe it is necessary, especially with historical books. My books have factual people and occurrences intermingled with fictional characters, so it is imperative that I get it right. I speak with a variety of people, depending on what I need within the book. For my second novel, Freya’s Child, I spoke at length with archaeologists, police, doctors, the National Trust, so I had a good knowledge of procedures, dig sites, and how a murder scene would look. For Between Worlds, I spoke with hypnotherapists, historians and psychologists and nurses, all to get a decent picture. With every book, I have spoken with professionals in whatever field I need knowledge of.
I visit the places the books will be set and take detailed notes, along with acting out scenes with my husband to see if they are feasible! For Echoes, there is a scene where Bronwen is running down uneven steps at Shrewsbury castle to get away from someone; yes, I checked to see if it worked and how long it would take, so the scene ‘fit’ the story. Some of the love scenes...Well, we won’t go there!!!
Alex: Do you ever base your characters on people you have encountered in real life?
Paula: I try not to, but once I’ve written the character, it is suddenly obvious to me that they are based on a few people, so one character might have two or three semblances to people I have met, but never one person, just in case they recognise themselves! I have put some of my own experiences into the books, with a few minor changes, if it fits the story, especially anything supernatural.
Alex: Which was the last book you read that blew you away?
Paula:I love, Barbara Erskine books, and I was honoured to meet her a few years ago, just after, Between Worlds, was published, and her latest, Sleeper’s Castle, and we exchanged books, signed them, and she let me know months later that she’d really enjoyed it. I was so happy! All of her books blow me away, and the best review I had about Echoes, was a local bookshop owner who said, ‘For Barbara Erskine fans, this book is perfect!’ So, she must have influenced me, I hear you say? Well, possibly, later novels, but I had already written Echoes before I found her books.
I also enjoyed Diana Gabaldon books, Cross Stitch which has now become known as the Outlander series. I followed it for five books, but thirty years later, I got sick of waiting. One of the reasons I don’t read series, and have never written a series. She still hasn’t finished the story, and when books become frustrating, it’s time to walk away. I prefer a story; start to finish, in one book. I get the full hit! People are always asking me to do sequels etc, and I have written half a sequel to Diary of Margery Blake, but not sure what to do with it yet?
Paula: I try not to, but once I’ve written the character, it is suddenly obvious to me that they are based on a few people, so one character might have two or three semblances to people I have met, but never one person, just in case they recognise themselves! I have put some of my own experiences into the books, with a few minor changes, if it fits the story, especially anything supernatural.
Alex: Which was the last book you read that blew you away?
Paula:I love, Barbara Erskine books, and I was honoured to meet her a few years ago, just after, Between Worlds, was published, and her latest, Sleeper’s Castle, and we exchanged books, signed them, and she let me know months later that she’d really enjoyed it. I was so happy! All of her books blow me away, and the best review I had about Echoes, was a local bookshop owner who said, ‘For Barbara Erskine fans, this book is perfect!’ So, she must have influenced me, I hear you say? Well, possibly, later novels, but I had already written Echoes before I found her books.
I also enjoyed Diana Gabaldon books, Cross Stitch which has now become known as the Outlander series. I followed it for five books, but thirty years later, I got sick of waiting. One of the reasons I don’t read series, and have never written a series. She still hasn’t finished the story, and when books become frustrating, it’s time to walk away. I prefer a story; start to finish, in one book. I get the full hit! People are always asking me to do sequels etc, and I have written half a sequel to Diary of Margery Blake, but not sure what to do with it yet?
Alex: How do you market your books?
Paula: Terribly. I’m not very good at that side of things, and publishers don’t have time to help nowadays, it’s all down to me. My books are available in all major stores, B&N, Waterstones, local bookshop, Amazon and many more. Readers can get signed copies from me. I go to various groups, festivals etc and offer workshops and talks. I was in Savannah, Georgia in 2018 for a week’s book signing at the Tybee Pirate Festival and various bookshops around the town; that was exciting, and very hot! I organise ‘meet the author’ and ‘book-signing’ events and such like, and had varying degrees of success, from, yay!! This is brilliant, feel the love - to just me, sitting alone, drinking coffee and feeling unloved.
Not sure people really value the work that goes into writing a book, to enable you, the reader to immerse yourself in another world. I still get asked to do events for free, offer books for free and my answer, when do you do your job for free? I guess it will all change once I’m famous and rubbing stars with celebrities!!!
Alex: What are your interests aside from writing? And what do you do to unwind?
Paula: My interests are life! Live it! Embrace it! If you have ever wondered what it would be like to do something or be someone? Then what are you waiting for? Go and learn to do that job. Go and learn to change your career. Go and run up that mountain, dance with the wind, learn to knit! Whatever it is, just do it.
To unwind (I hear my husband laughing at such a notion!!!) I do love mystical jigsaws, and once finished, I glue them. I have around 12 I need to frame, but I have no room on my walls! I love music, I love gigs, festivals, dancing, singing and I try to start the day with a dance, to change stagnant tired energy into positive energy – try it and your day will change.
I walk in nature every day with my dog, Sidney, and hug whenever I can! And yes, I believe in faeries.
We love films, especially a good quality shooty shooty bang bang!!! With Bruce Willis, or Keanu Reeves. We loved the Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit films; fabulous! Love historical dramas, like Jane Eyre, and Pride & Prejudice etc or a murder mystery like Miss Marple or Poirot.
We make our own wine, and are, at present, attempting to grow our own potatoes and peppers, so one of our rooms looks like a garden with bits of green everywhere!
Alex: Which authors do you particularly admire and why?
Paula: I don’t particularly ‘admire’ authors, I enjoy their work and feel a sense of excitement when reading their books, but I admire the people who go out of their way to help others, show kindness and love, show compassion, who fight for freedom regardless of the media attacking them, and loved ones disowning them. In a world that the media would have you believe is full of hate, I admire those people who prove that love is the strongest power there is.
Alex: Thank you so much Paula for sharing your writing journey with us. I've enjoyed listening to you and I'm sure others will, too.
Paula: My pleasure, Alex.
Paula: Terribly. I’m not very good at that side of things, and publishers don’t have time to help nowadays, it’s all down to me. My books are available in all major stores, B&N, Waterstones, local bookshop, Amazon and many more. Readers can get signed copies from me. I go to various groups, festivals etc and offer workshops and talks. I was in Savannah, Georgia in 2018 for a week’s book signing at the Tybee Pirate Festival and various bookshops around the town; that was exciting, and very hot! I organise ‘meet the author’ and ‘book-signing’ events and such like, and had varying degrees of success, from, yay!! This is brilliant, feel the love - to just me, sitting alone, drinking coffee and feeling unloved.
Not sure people really value the work that goes into writing a book, to enable you, the reader to immerse yourself in another world. I still get asked to do events for free, offer books for free and my answer, when do you do your job for free? I guess it will all change once I’m famous and rubbing stars with celebrities!!!
Alex: What are your interests aside from writing? And what do you do to unwind?
Paula: My interests are life! Live it! Embrace it! If you have ever wondered what it would be like to do something or be someone? Then what are you waiting for? Go and learn to do that job. Go and learn to change your career. Go and run up that mountain, dance with the wind, learn to knit! Whatever it is, just do it.
To unwind (I hear my husband laughing at such a notion!!!) I do love mystical jigsaws, and once finished, I glue them. I have around 12 I need to frame, but I have no room on my walls! I love music, I love gigs, festivals, dancing, singing and I try to start the day with a dance, to change stagnant tired energy into positive energy – try it and your day will change.
I walk in nature every day with my dog, Sidney, and hug whenever I can! And yes, I believe in faeries.
We love films, especially a good quality shooty shooty bang bang!!! With Bruce Willis, or Keanu Reeves. We loved the Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit films; fabulous! Love historical dramas, like Jane Eyre, and Pride & Prejudice etc or a murder mystery like Miss Marple or Poirot.
We make our own wine, and are, at present, attempting to grow our own potatoes and peppers, so one of our rooms looks like a garden with bits of green everywhere!
Alex: Which authors do you particularly admire and why?
Paula: I don’t particularly ‘admire’ authors, I enjoy their work and feel a sense of excitement when reading their books, but I admire the people who go out of their way to help others, show kindness and love, show compassion, who fight for freedom regardless of the media attacking them, and loved ones disowning them. In a world that the media would have you believe is full of hate, I admire those people who prove that love is the strongest power there is.
Alex: Thank you so much Paula for sharing your writing journey with us. I've enjoyed listening to you and I'm sure others will, too.
Paula: My pleasure, Alex.
