Join me in welcoming our guest today. He’s an interesting person and I think you’ll be heading off to find his books once you’re done here. 

Who are you? What makes you tick?
I’m Peter Kozmar. I was born in Manchester, in the UK and now live just outside Wellington, New Zealand. 
My two kids have flown the coop, leaving me with my understanding wife and two black Labradors. I used to be an active relaxer. Someone who couldn’t sit still and had to go on long runs (even in snow and rain). However, a skiing accident seriously injured my knee, and for several months I had to take it very easy. I’d always wanted to write, and that’s how I started, the writing process helped retain my sanity. My injury means I can’t run, or ski, those days are behind me, so I write.

Favourite genre/s to read or write?
I enjoy reading and writing thrillers with a twist of conspiracy and betrayal. Although, I’m currently reading a book on Soviet Gulags called ‘Gulag a History’ by Anne Applebaum.

Please tell us about your latest work: 
I’ve just finished ‘Revolution’ which is a slight departure for my main character, Andy Flint, a former CIA operative. The previous stories in the series have international settings, Moscow, Kazakhstan, Brussels, Cape Town, London, Berlin, etc. Revolution has Flint firmly planted in the US. However, that doesn’t mean he stays out of trouble. Or rather, trouble finds him as he helps a friend investigate the death of the daughter of a prominent Senator. Was it an accident, a suicide, or murder? As Flint investigates, he discovers more deaths which are connected. But why? Discovering the truth, he puts his life in danger as he uncovers a terrifying conspiracy and the start of a revolution. I’ve shared my 2^nd draft with my biggest critic and then after receiving feedback, I’ll make a few changes before it goes for proofreading and editing. I’ll involve my newsletter readers in helping with final selections of the book description and the cover design. I also had a bit of fun with this story and involved my newsletter readers with some of the names of the characters. I asked who wanted to lend their name, and they did. Though, I did warn them, not everyone can be a hero or have a happy ending.   

Do you like chocolate fish? 
Yes.

What’s your main character like? 

• Would you go to the pub with them?
• No. My main character is a sober alcoholic. He doesn’t drink, or approve of others drinking. I think he’d disapprove of going to the pub. If we did, he’d probably lecture me on why drinking is bad for me. He’s also a bit of a gym nut (Healthy body, healthy mind) and he’d probably tell me I need to lose weight and get down to the gym. 
• Would you have them over for dinner?
• Yes, as long as I don’t offer him a beer, or a glass of wine. He’d be good company over dinner with insights on some of the places he’s been and the interesting people he’s met along the way.
• What music do they listen to?
• What I do know, he doesn’t like Country and Western.
• What type of car do they drive?
• Flint drives a red Mustang.
• Are they a series character?
• Yes. We first meet Flint in 1993 in Moscow and then catch up with him, just a few short years ago before the Russians invaded the Ukraine. Though, if you read the second story set in 1993, he did stop a Russian plan to invade the Ukraine. 

What piece of advice would you give a new writer?
Stick at it. Don’t get distracted and keep writing. Also, if you think a scene isn’t good enough … it isn’t good enough.

What part of writing do you find the hardest? 
Continuity. Sometimes it can be days/weeks between burst of writing and occasionally continuity errors sneak in. One minute they were drinking a coffee, the next they put down their glass of water. 

Have you ever had lolly cake?
Yes. When I was a Scout Leader. Every time we went away with the group, there was always lolly cake.

Pantser or outliner? And why?
Definitely an outliner. I love to plot. Occasionally I may go off on a tangent for a chapter or two as a scene develops a life of its own. But, I quickly put that genie back in its bottle. 

Do you write in silence? If you don’t write in silence do you prefer music and what type of music? 
I write in silence. The sounds of the birds outside my window and my dogs padding around the house are all I need.

Do you like to listen to audio books? 
No. I have to be doing something and I can’t multi-task. 

Have you ever visited New Zealand?
Yes. After four holidays here, we moved here and have no plans to return to live in the UK.

Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, or some other type of pet? (Pet photos are welcome!)
As I mentioned above. We have two Labradors, Brecon (14) and Pembroke (8).

Where do you write? 
I have a home office where I’ll write when home. If I’m traveling for work, or on vacation, I’ll take my laptop and write.

You can find out more about Peter Kozmar via his website.
Alternatively, you can view his Author page and find his books on Amazon.

Thank you for playing along!
You’re welcome.