Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is P.J. and I am a writer. I am quite an eclectic writer. My work ranges from horror to haiku to high fantasy. I live in Devon, England with a houseful of teenagers, a rescued dog called Fizz who thinks he’s a cat and a feral cat called Sammy.
I have a BAEd from Canterbury Christ Church University, an MA from Bradford University and I’ve dabbled in psychology with the OU. My work can be found in many anthologies, journals, Zines and writing guides.
I have written several haiku collections including:
‘Haiku Nation’, a magical collection of powerful modern haiku.
‘Frozen Haiku’, a thought-provoking collection of imaginative, visually stunning haiku. This collection explores the magical transformations, discoveries, and interactions with nature as winter tightens her grip over the sleeping landscape.
‘Haiku Yellow’, a breathtaking collection of stunning images captured and written in haiku verse. This collection explores the excitement and drama as the yellow of springtime bursts through the bleakness of winter, throughout the Devon countryside in a series of dramatic moments captured forever in her fresh, crisp verse.
For those who prefer the darker, deadlier side of writing, I have also written a collection of dark romantic and Gothic horror poetry entitled ‘The Wicked Come’.
‘The Wicked Come’ is my best-selling, dark poetry book featuring a variety of people you only meet once including Bloody Mary, psychotic ex-lovers, murderers, witches, ghosts, vampires and bloodthirsty ghouls. Sometimes they win.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My next book is my high fantasy novel entitled, ‘The Torcian Chronicles’, it is a magical tale of two warring countries. Torcia is a green land, which has forbidden the use of magic. Her magic users and creatures are confined to the fringes of society and their actions carefully monitored by the Protectors. Mivir, their neighbour, has embraced the magical properties of their land and created a magically enhanced army. However, their country’s natural awesung resources, the foundation of its magical energy has been depleted s they looked west to their sleeping neighbour. Torcia was ill-prepared for the invasion and city by city their land was conquered and burnt by the invading army. In a desperate attempt to save his land, the King of Torcia, met the last remaining warlock in Torcia and asked him to go on a suicide mission to enter Mivir and destroy the country from within.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write late at night listening to horror tracks from Youtube.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favourite authors are Matthew Reilly, Patricia Cornwall and Kathy Reichs. They influenced me in the way their stories are exciting, full of action and contain real characters which you can relate to.
What are you working on now?
Now I am working on 3 books.
‘The Murders of Thorny Ridge’ which is a horror/ mystery book based in Thorny Ridge, murder capital of the US.
The Torcian Chronicles: Book 2 which is entitled ‘Resistance’
and a book of senryu poetry entitled ‘Sensual Senryu’ which I will leavve to your imagination.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best way to sell books is talking to people about them either at literature festivals or Book Talks.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish the book and then start editing. The most important thing is actually finishing your story. Once it’s complete then start slowly editing until it’s the book you want to read.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just finish it!
What are you reading now?
I am reading ‘Scarecrow’ by Matthew Reilly.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish the re-edits for The Torcian Chronicles.
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?
Desert Survival Handbook : How to Prevent and Handle Emergency Situations by Dennis Smith
Desert Survival Tips, Tricks, & Skills by Tony Nester
and a massive empty manuscript for writing in.
Author Websites and Profiles
P.J. Reed Website
P.J. Reed Amazon Profile
P.J. Reed’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account