Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in south west England in a small town. I graduated with an MA in analytic philosophy from Cardiff University. I have always written since my childhood, short stories, poetry and songs. I have had a few short stories published in literary magazines, but Disfigured Liberty is my first published book. I currently live and work in Japan.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is entitled “Disfigured liberty”-it’s a collection of short stories all written in the summer of this year. The book itself was inspired by the excruciating wait for responses from literary magazines. The average response time being six months for the magazines that I was submitting to. The stories themselves came from some place deep within-themes of love, loss, and death run through them all.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual but it’s my process. I always write for two hours, morning or evening, the only difference being the morning session is accompanied by coffee and the evening session is accompanied by whiskey. The first hour is spent rereading and rewriting. I always listen to classical music.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m not sure I would say they influenced me but authors whom I love are Iain Banks, Ian Mcewan and Robert Olen Butler. The latter had a profound influence on my writing process.
What are you working on now?
I am working on promoting this book and moving house right now. Next month I plan to start work on my new novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m hoping it will be this one.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write from the heart. Don’t plan. I can’t wait to sit at my PC each day to find out what happens next. The characters decide the story not the writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From Robert Olen Butler. He wrote a short story real time over about 30 hours on camera. He changed the way I write. Don’t plan, listen to classical music, begin each session reworking the previous day(s) writing.
What are you reading now?
I am reading a collection of short stories by Ron Rash entitled Burning Bright.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A new novel.
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 Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R Tolkien (I’m counting that as one book!) I’m not a fantasy writer but I have loved this story forever.
Atonement by Ian Mcewan–beautiful writing .
A Long Way Down Nick Hornby–one of the best character writers I have read.
Author Websites and Profiles
Neil Brown Amazon Profile
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