Palmistry and an odd mark on author Daisy Banks’s palm sparked the idea for “Marked for Magic,” her new release. Banks, a former teacher, has written 10 other books in the “spicy” romance, historical, paranormal, and fantasy genres.
“I’d been studying some palmistry and looking at an odd mark on my palm when the idea for the tale came to me,” said Banks about her latest book. She lives in a converted chapel in Shropshire, England, part of an area known as the Black Country for its industrial heritage.
In this Q&A, she talks about the things that fascinate her and explains why rejection, while it hurts, can be a good thing for aspiring writers.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
A: I used to teach but sadly an illness forced me to give up my job. It was at that point I began to write. I’ve been writing since. I come from an area in England known as the Black Country. It is a place with a huge industrial heritage, hence its name. At one time there was so much smoke from coal fires used in local industry it left a pall of soot over things. I am married and have two wonderful sons who make me very proud.
Apart from writing I enjoy art, architecture and antiques. I love antique fairs, shops and markets. I have a large collection of fairies in various forms, pictures, porcelain and bronze. I like cooking though the results of my efforts don’t always look like the pictures in the recipe books.
Q: In a nutshell, what is “Marked for Magic” about?
A: It’s the story of a young girl who is outcast from her village due to a mark on her hand. I’d been studying some palmistry and looking at an odd mark on my palm when the idea for the tale came to me. “Marked for Magic” shows the journey this girl takes to find herself, her powers, and her hope of love.
Q: How long have you been writing and how many books have you published?
A: I have been writing for seven or eight years. I had a lot to learn at the beginning and several wonderful people helped me. I am learning still and each book I write teaches me a little more about writing. I have had 10 books published, all of which are still available. I have another new book due out in August and also write regularly for a monthly compilation of stories.
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
A: Don’t give up. Write as often as you can. Every day is best, even if it is only a paragraph. Learn as much as you can from those who are willing to offer you help. Be prepared for criticism, take from it what you can to improve, but don’t ever let anyone stop you from writing.
If you aim for publication, read publishers’ guidelines because they are there to help you. If you face rejection from a publisher, don’t let it put you off trying again. We all get rejected for a multitude of reasons. It hurts but I like to think of it this way, a rejection proves you are a writer, because if you weren’t you wouldn’t have got so far as to be rejected. If the publisher is kind enough to give you advice try to take it on board. Advice is always better than a “not for us” note.
“Marked for Magic,” published by Lyrical Press, is available at:
Learn more about Daisy Banks:
Blog: http://daisybanks.wordpress.com/
Web Site: http://daisybanksnovels.yolasite.com/
Twitter: @DaisyBanks16
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/18iRC35
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/16sF1XG
Cindy Fazzi 
Flossie Benton Rogers
/ May 12, 2015Fantastic interview, Daisy! In our local RWA chapter, we celebrate getting rejections for exactly the reasons you stated. Purple clappers all around for your new book and for your amazing success at producing 10 books in such a short time. Well done!
Daisy Banks
/ May 12, 2015Thanks so much for commenting, Flossie. I’ve often wished we had RWA chapters in the UK. They are such a support for seedling authors. 10 is soon to become 11 and I am very excited about that.
Daisy Banks
/ May 12, 2015Thanks so much for hosting me here and on your facebook page too, Cindy. I love visiting with other authors, especially when I am celebrating.
carmens007
/ May 12, 2015Loved the interview that offered us more info on you as a person and as a writer. We shared the same profession – teaching.
I join Flossie in congratulating you for the released books! Best of luck with publishing ten times ten more in the future!
Daisy Banks
/ May 12, 2015Many thanks for commenting, Carmen. I’m glad you are enjoying the blog tour. Thank you for your kind words.
Mae Clair
/ May 13, 2015Loved getting to know more about you, Daisy. And that is wonderful advice for new authors. It’s easy to stumble. A lot harder to get back up!
Daisy Banks
/ May 13, 2015Thanks for commenting, Mae. I think it’s very easy for new authors to think the first rejection means no one will want their story and that’s not always the case.
jodilicious1
/ May 16, 2015Reblogged this on Jodilicious1's blogging stories shares and more.