R. B. Maxwell lives in Leicestershire, works in a mundane office job and loves the escapism of dancing, bike riding and watching high-octane, fast-paced, nail-biting action films. Her debut novel, The Invisible Agent, follows a teenage spy as he races against the clock to stop international crime and guarantee his own survival. It will be published on 28th May 2018.
The Invisible Agent
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m the author of, The Invisible Agent, a spy novel for 9 to 11 year olds. In addition I work in an office and cycle over 50 miles a week to work. I’m a qualified holistic therapist in reflexology, aromatherapy, Indian head massage, holistic allergy testing, and I’m currently studying crystal healing.
Where did you find inspiration for your new book, The Invisible Agent?
I love excitement and adventure, and the inspiration for the book came from the school walks I used to take with my daughter and the dog I looked after, Rover. We would role-play superhero characters all the way there and back.
How long did it take to write the book?
The book, in its various formats, has been on the go for many years, but The Invisible Agent, as it now is, has taken about 2 years including the editing. My sister, Lesley who teaches creative writing, and my daughter Naomi, now a university student studying creative writing, did the lion’s share of the editing.
Were there any other areas of inspiration?
These have come from my total love of adrenaline action and adventure books and films. These include the ‘Alex Rider’ series, ‘Young Bond’ series, ‘Hunger Games’ series, ‘Artemis Fowl’ and a whole host of other amazing novels. I’m an avid reader of most genres.
My love of the theatre provided visual inspiration. I took a theatre course at college and was always immersed in plays. This gave me lots of opportunity to see how sets, colours, sounds etc. made an impact on the words and actions of a play. This has helped me to visualise what I write.
Who is your favourite author?
My favourite author is Anthony Horowitz. Apart from 2 of his ‘Alex Rider’ books, I’ve enjoyed every other book that I’ve read. I love his humour in the ‘Diamond Brothers’ series. I also like David Walliams.
Do you have a favourite book?
I don’t really have a favourite book. I read so much that I would keep changing my mind. A couple of series that I could keep reading though would be the Hunger Games, Divergent and Pure. I love their strong feminine courageous characters.
Which books did you enjoy as a child?
As a child I used to read all the Enid Blyton Famous Five and Secret Seven books. I also enjoyed Dennis the Menace, Beryl the Peril and the Lewis Carroll series.
Did your reading habits as you grew up?
My choices changed as a teenager. I read Agatha Christie novels and the classics, Jane Ere, Wuthering Heights, The Mayor of Casterbridge, and other Dicken’s, Bronte and Hardy novels. My favourite classics are Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre and A Christmas Carol.
What’s next for you?
I have plans to make The Invisible Agent into a series and I’m currently working on book two.