Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Semi-retired (from the sea that is) and enjoying a coastal lifestyle whilst writing bits of history (unpublished non-fiction) and now on third contemporary piece of fiction. I keep myself occupied with a local volunteer fire brigade and tend to relax in front of the the laptop or out in the fresh air harassing garden weeds.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Flawed Silver is something of a sequel to Flawed Diamond, with the main characters still in play although a quite different story. Still plenty of action and in a regional tropical setting but is seemed a shame to “retire” the characters that were having so much fun (not!). The key inspiration in terms of the theme lies in current events such as drug supply and modern slavery which constitute the underbelly of our “civilization” and warrant more airing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Our Covid-19 pandemic has forced more time at home with travel so constrained and with evening television so universally tacky and banal I tend to write in the evenings.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading historical fiction. It has been difficult to go past Bernard Cornwell in that genre although his works are getting a bit expensive and I have taken to reading (and enjoying) Hector Miller and KM Ashman.
What are you working on now?
At the risk of being regarded as predictable – which is an element I try hard to avoid in my story-lines – I am attempting a piece entitled “Flawed Gold”. Some of the previous characters may become involved but I sense a greater danger arising to them!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My books are too newly published for me to have a good handle on the promotional aspects yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
To kill time, try working it to death!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write!
What are you reading now?
“Pendragon” by James Wilde.
What’s next for you as a writer?
With life so unpredictable I wouldn’t dare forecast more than a day or so ahead – and even that seems risky these days.
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?
The Anglo Saxon Chronicle, The Histories (Herodotus) and maybe an omnibus of George Orwell.