Chris Robb asked Kathy Shuker:

Hi Kathy, are you from the south west, and if so, how much of your first book locations were described from memory, and how much researched (or made up)? Did you have to bolster memory with research? Regards, Chris

Kathy Shuker Hi Chris. Thank you for the question. Yes, I live in Devon and I've drawn a lot on places I know as the background for my books. I've changed them and fictionalised the settings but try to keep the nature and atmosphere as real as possible. My second book was set in Provence which is a region I also know well. I think it must be hard to mentally place yourself in a setting if you don't know it personally - at least to some extent. Before I start writing I always draw a map of the village/area that I have created and, if there's a large house involved, a floor plan and map of the estate. It helps to keep everything clear in my mind (and I love to do it!) Best wishes, Kathy

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