Enter the world of C.J. Archer, where history dances with mystery and imagination knows no bounds. A bestseller of enchanting series like The Glass Library and Cleopatra Fox Mysteries, C.J. weaves richly woven tales set in historical England that leave readers spellbound.
In this exclusive Q&A, learn the habits, inspirations, and quirks behind her literary success. From the childhood books that shaped her to the comfort foods that keep her going, C.J. Archer shares it all–including a sneak peek into the creative process that makes her stories unforgettable.
Are you ready to uncover the magic behind the mysteries?
1. Your best virtue as an author.
I’ve developed good instincts – instincts about the elements that make a compelling story, instincts on how to structure sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and entire the book, and instincts on what my readers like. I wasn’t born with them. They were built and fine-tuned over many years.
2. Your most quirky author habit.
I can’t sit down to write until all my emails have been read and actioned. As an Australian with a following that is mostly based in the US and UK, the majority of my emails come into my Inbox overnight, so they’re the first things I see when I open my laptop each morning. My head isn’t clear enough to write until my Inbox is also clear.
3.Your favorite quality in a protagonist.
I love a main character who starts out shy but finds her voice over the course of her journey. Her voice was always there, but at the start, it was an inner voice she kept to herself. I love to watch her confidence grow to a point that other characters get to see how smart, funny and insightful she is
4. Your favorite quality in an antagonist.
I want antagonists to have a good reason for doing what they do. Even if most people can see what they’re doing is wrong, in their minds it’s the right thing.
5. If you could ask any other author, past or present, a question who would it be and what would you ask?
I’d ask Agatha Christie about her 11-day disappearance in 1926. Where did she go and why did she disappear? Did she simply need to get away from a husband she no longer loved, or was it a publicity stunt? Did she have amnesia? (Sorry, that was several questions, LOL.)
6. When you aren’t writing, you are:
Enjoying time with my husband and two adult children who still live at home. Whether it’s traveling or simply talking around the dinner table, we have a great time together. They’re my favourite people.
7. Your easiest book to write.
All of the Cleopatra Fox Mysteries. While there’s a lot of research that can slow me down, the stories usually flow from my brain to the page.
8. Your hardest book to write.
The Freak House books. There are 9 split into 3 trilogies, each trilogy starring a different couple who are all connected to the house in some way. Each of the 9 books has a story arc, then each trilogy has its own 3-book arc, then there’s an entire series arc that isn’t resolved until book 9. That’s a lot of threads to weave together then tie up at appropriate moments to keep readers satisfied across all 9 books. I’ll never do that again, LOL. Now when I write a long series, I keep the same main protagonists throughout.
9. Your ideal writing place.
My office at home. It’s light and bright, and everything is set up just the way I like it.
10. Your favorite childhood book.
It depends on what stage of childhood. My earliest favourite was The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibbs. It’s a beautifully illustrated Australian classic, and I remember my mum reading it to me every night before bed. I still have my copy! In my pre-teen years, I became obsessed with the Trixie Belden books.
11. The book you’ve reread the most.
I’ve only re-read one book series – The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett. They’re historical novels with rich storytelling and detailed research. The plotting is so intricate, the characters so multi-faceted, that I noticed different things when I re-read them.
12. Your favorite hero from literature.
There are a few that I’ve loved but the standout would be Francis Crawford from The Lymond Chronicles. He’s the most charismatic and intelligent character I’ve ever read.
13. Your favorite villain from literature.
I don’t like villains, so I haven’t got a favourite.
14. The name of your autobiography.
No Write Way: My Unconventional Author Journey
15. Your favorite comfort food.
Double-coat Tim Tams by Arnott’s. I don’t think you can get them in the US, but every Aussie has a favourite Tim Tam flavour, and the double-coat are mine.
16. First thing you do when you finish writing a novel.
Catch up on the boring tasks I’ve been putting off.
17. A secret talent you have.
I don’t have any talents, secret or otherwise, but I wish I was bi-lingual. I’m learning French now, but I’m far from proficient so I can’t call it a talent – yet.
18. Where have you always wanted to travel?
The United States, and New York specifically.
19. One tip for aspiring authors?
Learn what makes a compelling story within your genre, one that readers can’t put down, and when they finish, they want to talk about it. The best way to do that is by analyzing books you’ve loved. Not books you’ve simply liked, but ones you think about months or years later, ones that you stayed up late to finish, then needed to download the next one in the series immediately. Don’t just read them; ask yourself what made them work, why you’re obsessed with it, or why other readers are.
20. Puppies or kittens?
Can I have both? If I had to pick one, it would be kittens – my black and white cat Coco would be upset with me if I didn’t.
About CJ Archer:
C.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical fantasy and historical mystery novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series. C.J. has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She lives in Australia, sets her books in England, and has fans all over the world.
Connect:
Website: https://cjarcher.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarcher/
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