Sam Vimes in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series because the character goes from being a hopeless drunk to a brave, decent commander and married to the lovely, sensible, equally decent Lady Sybil (who is one of my favourite female characters). Also because Sam Vimes has such a clear sense of right and wrong and tries to be a decent copper despite politics trying to get in the way and he is doesn’t fear Vetinari.
Who is your favourite character in your works? Why?
Eileen. For being fearless, true to herself, prepared to make sacrifices for those she loves, for not being afraid to criticize her own side and when all gets too much to walk away from what she considers to be wrong. I also like her being an older heroine who still enjoys a great sex life and who refuses to be written off. She also has no problems with hypocrisy. As a result she is fun to write for. I can make her do almost anything knowing her qualities and if it means being hypocritical then so be it. Eileen as a character really doesn’t have a problem with it!
Why did you become a writer?
Because I’ve always loved reading and stories in general. I reached the point where I wanted to write some of my own, partly to prove to myself I could do it. I soon became hooked on writing. I always feel better when I spend some time each day writing something. I think the best form of entertainment is storytelling (it’s just the format that changes) and I’d like to contribute to that. Writing also helps you leave something behind for others to hopefully enjoy too.
Who inspires you?
Terry Pratchett for creating a whole world, Jane Austen for her irony, P.G. Wodehouse for his characters and wit, Dickens for his sense of justice and a good tale well told (I love A Christmas Carol and it takes genius to add something to the Christmas traditions, given very few won’t come across the story of Scrooge during the festivities).