Author Interview: Freddie P. Peters

Freddie P. Peters is the author of three spy thrillers. Her fourth novel, SPY SHADOWS, is out next month, so I thought I'd interview Freddie and ask her a few pertinent questions about the new release, her writing process, and any advice she has for new writers.

What can you tell us about your new release, SPY SHADOWS?

There is something quietly satisfying about publishing the fourth book. It’s not only the fact that the series has grown well but it’s also the fact that the characters have grown with it.

I had the idea for SPY SHADOWS a little while ago. I am an avid reader of newspapers, magazines, news blogs… and I follow the world’s current affairs closely. Inevitably the resilience of certain terrorist groups in the Middle East had attracted my attention.

SPY SHADOWS draws its storyline from my investigation of this issue. It sees one of the main protagonists in the series, Henry Crowne, infiltrate Islamic State (the terrorist group run by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi) as an undercover operative in an attempt to uncover the source of their finance as well as their terror and expansion plans. 

I researched extensively the history of the group and what contributed to its success as well as its downfall. I am sharing this with my readers and of course, it is exciting to see how Henry Crowne’s character evolves in this extremely hostile environment. Henry was as a man torn between ambition and authenticity when we first encounter him in COLLAPSE. He is a bad boy that manages to keep you on his side through charm and cleverness, but he is alone. He has now grown, become more genuine in the pursuit of his goal…redeeming himself for his past actions. Henry has become also more vulnerable in an attractive way.

I hope my readers will enjoy reading SPY SHADOWS as much as I’ve enjoyed writing the book.

What scene in SPY SHADOWS was your favorite to write?

I won’t describe that scene in too much detail if you don’t mind, because it would be a little bit of a spoiler. I enjoy writing scenes that feel cinematic... In this particular one, Henry is pursuing a major IS figure, responsible for the death of one of his friends. The chase is taking place in an ancient Middle Eastern Market and Souq as well as the old city lanes and dangerous quarters. Keeping the pace moving without losing suspense was fun and tough to write…

Tell us a little about your writing process?

SPY SHADOWS is your fourth book to be published within two years, so you are obviously a prolific author. Has your writing routine changed since your first book, COLLAPSE, came out in 2018?

Thank you…I am trying to stick to the Master's advice (I mean Mark Dawson) when it comes to indie authors. It's: Keep Writing!

Yes, my process has changed, or rather I have devised a process that now works for me. With COLLAPSE I had to learn everything from composition, characterization to plot construction…and I did not have a clear way of capturing the timing of the events which is crucial for a good thriller or crime novel. Now I have my timeline, my chapters capture, a file for my characters’ development (each of them no matter how small), and a research folder for the research I do on the themes I like to develop in the books. All this has allowed me to speed up my writing process.

And then I have an excellent team around me to help me on the production side, Cover Designer, Editor, Copy Editor, Type Setter, and Spell Checker…without forgetting a fantastic person to help me with the uploading and marketing of the books! Thanks, Helena…

SPY SHADOWS is also a bigger book. I was surprised to start with, but I think it indicates I am settling into a writing mode than now feels familiar and in which I trust myself a little more to produce the quality I aspire to.

What advice would you give to someone starting out on a writing career?

First, start writing…no one is ever going to read your first draft unless you let them. Don’t worry about it not sounding right or even simply if it feels more like a note of what you ‘d like to write.

Secondly, find a good editor who can help you develop your style without writing the book for you. An editor is there to enable you and your style not to indulge in rephrasing things the way he/she would have written them.

Finally, find a course or a book…something that gives you a bit of a structure to start composing. It’s good to have a structure to start with, even if eventually you adapt it to your own needs.

Where do you get your inspiration for your espionage and high-end finance series, HENRY CROWNE PAYING THE PRICE? 

I read the news in many formats and delivered by a multitude of different providers, newspapers, and magazines of different caliber and political affiliations or blogs and tweets. I chase information on Bloomberg, Reuters. I track controversial and world affairs issues… 

I was born in France but have spent most of my adult life in the UK. This gives me a point of view that may be different…a foreigner and yet a Londoner. 

My City experience as a lawyer and investment banker taught me a lot, not only about money and power but also about human nature. 

I follow contemporary art very closely and this feeds me ideas on a world that is so very different to the one in business, that I spend a lot of time in. It gives the books another layer of interest and diversity, which I think is attractive 

What books are on your bedside table?

I'm reading BLACK LANDS by Belinda Bauer. It's an excellent thriller. Belinda is exceptionally good, a great writer, never compromising on her storyline and her understanding of deep psychology is uncanny.  

Thank you so much, Freddie, for allowing us an insight into your writing life! I am in awe of Freddie and her work ethic. She’s certainly understood the importance of carrying on writing!.

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