Amy Simpson asked Mark Dewar:

Do you find it difficult coming up with ideas, or is that something that comes easily?

Mark Dewar Hi Amy,

Thanks for the question. The great thing about writing about 10th century Cordoba is that it is packed full of fabulous characters. The political situation at the time was fascinating and Al Andalus was poised on a knife edge. Within around 50-70 years of the time of writing the whole thing was gone. Al Andalus was overrun and the Moors ruled for 500 years before the Reconquista made Spain a Catholic country.

So from a setting perspective the books are a writer's dream. It's all set up for you. All you have to do is weave a plot through that backdrop and you are away. But I guess that's where the hard work starts! The ideas do come thick and fast but we just have to make sure that we give our readers what they want. Typically that is murder or thriller wrapped around a wider political backdrop.

I hope that helps. Happy to elaborate if you like.

Regards,

Mark

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