Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have spent many years writing (and occasionally drawing) comic strips for several publications, both digital and print. This includes some work with my own creations, “Tales from my Mindverse” is a collection of a purely digital method of creating comic strips originally designed for distribution to phones prior to the smart phone boom. “Rubbernorc or… My Best Friend was Nazi War Experiment” is a much more traditional comic strip that was produced over a number of years, which very much shows the development of skill and style as it progresses, it also happens to be based not so loosely upon a selection of real people, retaining a cult following the characters have recently made new appearances just last year. I am also responsible for “Gonad the Barbarian”, who has had very limited and sporadic comic appearances over the years and is now stomping his way through the world of children’s books for grown ups.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Gonad the Barbarian and the Balls of the Dead. After many years of not doing an awful lot with the character I have finally been persuaded that I should pull my finger out and write him some tales. Gonad the Barbarian tales are inspired by and will parody the original Conan the Barbarian tales as well as the fantasy genre in general. In 2016 Mr. Testy parodied the Mr. Men series in a children’s book for grown ups, the Balls of the Dead is inspired by and parodies the the Hall of the Dead, a synopsis by Robert E. Howard.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, lots of scribbling down ideas and scripts on numerous notepads, but everyone does that don’t they? Oh, and coffee, biscuits and cookies, lots of.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Clearly currently I am influence by Robert E. Howard and those that followed him in writing Conan, including those in comic strips as I have spent much of my time writing for the medium. I am also influenced by Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett, as well as several comic strip writers such as John Wagner and Alan Grant.
What are you working on now?
The next Gonad the Barbarian project (several actually), a couple of science fiction comic strips, and a wholesome children’s book that is actually acceptable for children… Chee-Da and E-Damme, cheesy warriors from a dairy dimension.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, Twitter, and lots and lots of spreading the word.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. That’s what everyone says, and it’s right to write, otherwise you are not writing. We all have bad days where we are really not in the mood, but on those days when you are, scribble something down, and always carry a notepad.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up, continue to create when you can, you will only kick yourself later for not creating if you don’t.
What are you reading now?
About two dozen different books I should imagine, modern fiction and classics, and factual too, I like to bake and brew when not scribbling and doodling.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing.
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?
Tricky one, but I think criteria would be 3 or 4 different genres.
Author Websites and Profiles
Paul Eldridge Website
Paul Eldridge Amazon Profile