Interview With Author Archie Turpett
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Archie Turpett, a.k.a. Itchy Armpit. I write absurd fiction that explores the misaligned priorities of humanity. Some might say it’s satirical, others; stupid. I say, it’s just my ADHD talking. I’ve written several books under a different name, but I’m in the process of scrubbing them from the internet as a result of a sensitive career change. You wouldn’t know them, anyway. I’m not very successful. And perhaps I’m shooting myself in the foot, but I’ve decided never to publish on Amazon again.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Nuclear Potatoes: The World Might have Stopped, Your TV License Hasn’t. It’s hard to say what inspired this book, it hit me like a £1000 fine (it’s possible I forgot to pay my TV license). I often find that my ideas come when I least expect it – it’s called diffuse thinking. While I don’t remember the exact moment I had the idea, I do remember the moment I resolved to write the book. I was drinking wine one night with my wife, we were listening to my old record collection. We got into a conversation about what I’m doing with my life and, while I’m very satisfied, I needed to get back to my creative self. The next day I got to work on Nuclear Potatoes.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sorry, I’m just not that quirky. I do, however, like to write in silence. I used to write to music but found it influenced my writing too much. If I was writing a fantasy, for example, I’d have to listen to fantasy music.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The big T. P. is the one for me. That’s Terry Pratchett, to be clear. I started reading the Discworld series as an adult and fell in love with the humour. The first proper book I read as a teenager was “Sex, Drugs and Sausage Rolls” by Robert Rankin. I still think back to it when I’m writing.
What are you working on now?
Nuclear Potatoes. It follows TV License Enforcement Agency Lee Sense and his side-kick William Sox. They detect a TV signal 230 miles away from their nuclear bunker in Wiltshire, England. As dutiful enforcement agents, the pair set out across post-apocalyptic England to serve a penalty notice to those watching TV without a license.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m terrible at promotion. In the past, the only thing that’s worked for me is crowdfunding platforms, but they’re not always a long-term solution. Interviews and social media works well. Get reviews if you can.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stop thinking about writing and just do it. Also, make sure you read daily.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“I’d rather have a bottle in front of me, than a frontal lobotomy.” – Tom Waits
What are you reading now?
Jon Ronson’s The Castle.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Nuclear Potatoes launches in June 2027, so I’ll be working on that for a while. I’m working towards making writing my full time career.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Charles Bukowski’s Ham on Rye. Bob Mortimer’s The Long Shoe. Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment.
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