Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a British author and scriptwriter. I’ve been writing fiction for two decades now – both my own stuff and work for tie-in worlds like Doctor Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures and Friday The 13th. I’ve also written a horror feature film called Stormhouse, which was released by Lionsgate US.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The most recent book of mine is A Sincere Warning About The Entity In Your Home, which is a 10,000-word short story available via Kindle. Quite simply, I wanted to write something scary and had the idea for a story which is set in the reader’s own home. I like things which are exclusive to each medium and which only one medium could do, and this is one of them! I like the way books are essentially a collaboration between author and reader. Authors give readers the information, then the readers put it all together in their heads. And I love the fact that everyone reading A Sincere Warning About The Entity In Your Home is imagining their own home.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. Everyone writes hanging upsidedown from the ceiling while chanting Satan’s name, right?
No? Okay. Wow.
Nah, I don’t think I do. I tend to spend hours on every writing day, trying to psyche myself up to write. And failing. I get more and more frustrated until finally I write intensely and furiously for a couple of hours. I think a lot of writers are like that. Word volcanos.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Let’s see now… Terrance Dicks, who wrote most of the Doctor Who Target novels. Chuck Palahniuk. Stephen King, who isn’t just a master of horror but of storytelling, full-stop. My favourite novel of his is probably Pet Sematary because it’s so dark and has the courage of its convictions. Funnily enough, King dislikes it himself. I also like his son Joe Hill’s work very much. And staying recent, I’ve been inspired by the work of Lauren ‘The Shining Girls’ Beukes and Sarah ‘The Three’ Lotz, who are both fantastic writers. And in comics, I love Warren Ellis’ stuff and Garth Ennis’ Preacher and Hitman series.
What are you working on now?
I have a new agent, Oliver Munson at AM Heath – who also represents Lauren Beukes and Sarah Lotz, which impresses the hell out of me – and we’re shopping a new novel around.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think Twitter’s pretty powerful if you have enough followers, but it’s vital not to do it. And especially when you have a new book out, that temptation is great! But you have to be strong and keep your self-promotion as part of the mix rather than the dominating factor.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t forget to read novels and lots of them. It’s important to practice writing, endlessly, but it’s also vital to know your medium and have a really strong feel for it.
What are you reading now?
Various non-fiction books about exorcism! Currently ones by Father Gabriel Amorth, a ‘real’ exorcist.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish this new novel, which I’m looking forward to. It’s important to be excited about your work – I’d really hate to feel like I was on a treadmill, pumping out words for cash. I also have a TV series idea on the go with a UK production company, so work will continue with that. Thanks for the interview, AwesomeGang!
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