Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Until recently, I have largely written for film and theatre, including the feature film “A Dozen Summers” which I also directed, and the play “The Public Interest”. I have written short stories for various anthologies in a variety of genres and will have a novella published in a science fiction charity anthology in November. Bisection is my first published long-form prose work.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Bisection is my current book and it was an attempt to come to terms with my experience as both a parent of twins and a survivor of bipolar disorder. So many mental health books take either a po-faced or “gee whiz” approach to the subject that I thought I could contribute something different to the conversation. I approached it as if Douglas Adams was writing about mental health – albeit without the benefit of his genius.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write almost everywhere. As one of my jobs is as a working actor, I’ve written on coaches, trains, in bus stations and street corners. As long as I have a laptop or, failing that, a cocktail napkin I’m working. I have to leave the house though. I’m useless in my own home. Again, being a single Dad, there are too many things in my eyeline that need cleaning to work in the house. As much as the thought of writing sans trousers appeals.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I mentioned Douglas Adams, but also Joseph Heller, Margaret Atwood, Philip Roth, Jeanette Winterson, Dorothy Parker, O Henry, Toni Morrison, Damon Runyan, Charles Dickens, Walter Mosley… It’s a long and rather complicated list.
What are you working on now?
The next work after the novella – which is due… oh dear – I’m juggling a pair of novels that are competing for my attention. In pole position at the moment is a comic fantasy about how we view disability and difference. There’s a horse in it. That’s all I’m prepared to say at the moment.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like grassroots promotion – I like to talk to people, put the social in social media – but I’m still experimenting. My current project is one of which I’m inordinately proud, so I’m trying a bit of everything. I have a lovely small publisher behind it, which is helpful, but these days, an author really has to be in the thick of it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish something. Even if you throw it on the fire (don’t throw it on the fire), the very act of typing “The End” or “Fin” or “Go Home Now!” is incredibly rewarding and teaches you a lot about structure and discipline.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Market what you write, don’t write for a market.
What are you reading now?
March Violets by Philip Kerr and My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The usual mixture of creative flights and financial despair.
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?
Catch-22 – Joseph Heller
Long Dark Teatime of the Soul – Douglas Adams
Alias Grace – Margaret Atwood
Devil in a Blue Dress – Walter Mosley
Author Websites and Profiles
Kenton Hall Website
Kenton Hall Amazon Profile
Kenton Hall’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account