#ArtieonTour : Author Interview with Robert J Harris.

Hello everybody!

Today, I’m taking part in the blog tour for Artie Conan Doyle and the Vanishing Dragon, the second book in the series. I enjoyed the first last month, so I’m looking forward to getting to this, hopefully in the next few weeks or so. Onto the interview!

---

1. To get started, can you please describe the Artie Conan Doyle Mysteries in 5 words?

Holmesian mysteries in Victorian Edinburgh.

2. Where did the inspiration for the series come from?

From my love of Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories and my desire to produce for younger readers mysteries of that quality.

3. How did you go about researching the historical elements/Arthur Conan Doyle`s early life?

I read Doyle’s autobiography and a book of letters he wrote throughout his life. This includes many letters he wrote home from school. I have also read the memoirs of James McLevy, an actual Edinburgh detective of the period.

4. There have been many different adaptations and spinoffs related to Sherlock Holmes over the years. What are your favourites? (can be books, TV, film etc)

The Basil Rathbone films, the Jeremy Brett TV series and the cartoon series Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century.

5. One of my favourite things about the book was Artie`s sidekick Ham. Who are your top 3 favourite sidekicks?

Scooby Doo. Or Shaggy. Whichever one is the sidekick.
Sam Gamgee.
The Sundance Kid.

6. What is your writing routine like? Do you have any unusual habits or quirks?

I start by scribbling ideas and scenes in a notebook then sit down at the computer to type them up. I get my best ideas while taking a shower or walking my dog Kyra. I probably spend too much time thinking up interesting chapter titles.

7. What is the best/funniest thing a fan has ever said to you?

On school visits, because I have a white beard, I have been asked if I am Santa Claus. My answer: “No, but he is a friend of mine.”

8. Finally, before the quickfire questions, do you have any idea what you`ll be writing next?

I am currently working on a follow up to my ‘grownup’ novel The Thirty-One Kings. After that I plan to write the third in the Artie Conan Doyle Mysteries.

QUICKFIRE

Hogwarts house? Do they have a house for people who have no magic powers but can do card tricks?
Favourite chocolate bar? Tunnock’s caramel wafer.
Since it`s snowing as I write this interview, would you rather build a snowman or go sledging? Snowman.
Favourite film? Zulu (1964).
3 random facts about you? I have met Christopher Lee and Lenny Henry.
I play a vicious game of croquet.
I can play two tunes on the harmonica. One of them is O Susanna and the other one isn’t.

---

Thank you so much for reading! What’s your favourite Sherlock Holmes adaptation? Are you a fan of this series? I’d love to hear from you in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl!

Amy xxx

Advertisement