Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
‘Writing’ and ‘completing’ are two very different things! I have written five novelettes. I have completed two. The other three are going through the interminable redrafting process
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book – DEAD lines – came to me whilst hosting a dinner party with my wife. I won’t go into too many details as it will reveal the twist at the end of the book. Suffice to say that what happens in the story isn’t what happened at our dinner party!
My current book which is almost ready for release is titled ‘The Refugee’ and its inspiration comes from the TS Eliot poem Ash Wednesday.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think there’s anything unusual about writing styles. I think whatever is right for the individual is the right style. Personally, I tend to write the story entirely in narrative format and then revisit it to incorporate the dialogue.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dean Koontz, Ira Levin, Stephen King, JRR Tolkein.
What are you working on now?
I’ve published DEAD lines and am following it up with two further instalments: DEAD heat and DEAD end. All are stand-alone novelettes but, when combined, will also lead to a seamless single novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to this game so am very much still finding my feet and I wouldn’t dream of being in a position to recommend a method to other aspiring writers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do it for the enjoyment, not the money. But, most of all, just do it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write for yourself. If others like it, fine – but you’ll only ever produce a great book if it’s the one you want to write.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To build up my portfolio of novelettes, establish some die-hard (or foolhardy!) followers, and develop into an author of epic full-length novels.
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?
Lord of the Rings (Tolkein)
A Kiss Before Dying (Ira Levin)
Canterbury Tales (Geoffrey Chaucer)
Oh – and Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Olsen!!