Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in London, but currently live in rural Surrey. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I also make music. I’m the author of Spell, Skin, Belong, and – in collaboration with my friend Simon Lewis – Jack Palmer & The Unspeakable Thing, and the spoken-word-with-music albums God Thing, Future Ghosts, Uforia, Open The Dog, Left At The Luna Mansion, and All Things Left On Earth. I was a member of the industrial band Cubanate in the mid-1990s, and have recorded six albums with the band Logos.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recently published book is Belong. It’s a tale of alcoholism and loss set in contemporary London. Though it’s fictitious, it was inspired by my days of heavy drinking while living in London in the 1990s. Here’s the blurb:
I was born to epiphanise. Soared heaven blue and drank deep of life. Alcoholism was never meant to be an option. But when my best friend Ridley died, my boozing was already insane. And now? Drink myself to death, or save the world?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best at night, surrounded by cats, and accompanied by exceedingly loud music and a great deal of coffee.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think I’m more influenced by music than by writing, though authors who have had an affect on my work include T S Eliot, William S Burroughs, William Gibson, J G Ballard, Michael Gira, F Scott Fitzgerald, Allen Ginsberg, Patti Smith, Philip K Dick.
What are you working on now?
I’ve recently finished another two novels, both of which should hopefully be published in the next six months or so. I’m also working on a collection of all my spoken word texts in book form, and a novel set in the 1990s goth/industrial scene.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably my own website, as I have absolute control over what goes on it and how it is presented to the reader. Other methods seem very hit and miss to me, though Twitter seems very popular with some writers I know. I tweet regularly, too, though I’m uncertain how much of an impact it has on book sales.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write as much as you can, and read as much as you can. Live life, too; get out there and do new things. Your writing will be better for it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t listen to other people’s advice. Write what the heck you want.
What are you reading now?
I get through a couple of books a week, and usually have at least two on the go at once. I’m currently reading The Egg by Michael Gira, and Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have two more spoken word with music albums on the horizon; both are roughly recorded and need finalising and mixing. As mentioned above, I should also have another two novels coming out in the next six months or so, plus a collection of the texts to all my spoken word albums. I’m very busy!
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?
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