Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Whilst I have only written one book, I have worked extensively for newspapers and magazines. I’ve always enjoyed writing and have always aimed to write a book, ever since my mum bought me a typewriter for my 7th birthday. Aside from print, I’ve also written a short, independent film which was ultimately produced and played in a local festival.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called When Kingdoms Collide and it was inspired by my friend who questioned why people literally interpret the bible, despite it originated 2000 years ago. This got me thinking about what might happen if people discovered books thousands of years from now, with no prior knowledge, and treat all of them as being entirely true – developing their entire civilisations and customs around fictional books such as Dracula and the Phantom of the Opera.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Although I doubt it’s an unusual habit, I do actually like to write the book out with minimal description and dialogue, so it’s very much just a skeleton story. From there, I flesh out the story and add any bits I feel improve it as I go.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favourite author is James Herbert and I thoroughly enjoy the way he builds tension in his books. I also enjoy reading books that have been developed into movies (oddly enough I prefer to watch the movie first) and I think I like to try and imagine how my book might look if it was adapted for the big screen, so I think writers such as Peter Benchley and Michael Crichton, who have made very visual books, have had a big influence on my writing style.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a little side-project that I’m writing just for fun. It’s inspired by books such as Jaws and Beast (Peter Benchley) and the computer game Tomb Raider. It’s about a group of archaeologists who are exploring a mysterious temple and, once inside, they trigger a mechanism which floods the corridors and unleashes a monstrous crocodile into the tomb – leaving them to fight for their lives as they avoid the creature and several elaborate traps scattered throughout the temple.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As I’m quite new to the self-publishing game, I’m not too sure what to write here if I’m totally honest. I have been researching and the Kindlepreneur website is a good resource, but otherwise I’m just using social media at the moment.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write!
I know it might sound obvious, but so many people (myself included for a long time) begin to write a story and focus on adding wonderful descriptions, interesting dialogue and huge set-pieces and then lose interest because it’s taking so long to get to the end. To counter this, I simply write the story out and then flesh it out.
I’d also say to just keep plugging away and focus on the enjoyment you get from writing rather than the potential rewards. Writing should be something which helps you to relax and flex your creative muscles, not something which is a major source of stress.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The character of a man can be judged by how he treats those who can’t harm him.” It’s a mantra I live my life by, and I feel that it’s important to treat everybody equally and with warmth.
However, if you’re asking specifically about advice related to writing, the best I’ve ever received was to avoid “chasing butterflies.” Basically, if you have a story, make sure you finish it before jumping onto another idea.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading The Relic, which the movie was based on. I’m enjoying the book and hope to finish it over the school holidays – whilst sitting in my garden with a cool glass of cider!
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish my pet project, I plan to write the sequel to When Kingdoms Collide. It’s a series I feel passionate about and hope that I can continue to evolve the story in a unique and exciting way.
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?
Domain by James Herbert, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton, Moneyball by Michael Lewis and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alxander Dumas.
This would give me my fix of horror, dinosaurs, sport and classic literature – four things I love!