Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written two novels and also published a non-fiction book. I’m a rare British fan of “American” football and actually started blog writing on the NFL (UK) website. That led to writing for a British website (Football Diner) and most recently Huddle Notes.
For many years I had an idea for a Sci-Fi novel bouncing around in my head. In 2014, I decided after my NFL Draft work, to write it. So, “Ten” was born. The main character deals with anxiety – suffering from it for most of my life, I wanted someone like me to be the focus. I hope others like me connect with him and those that aren’t understand people like me a little more.
My second novel was written in the summer, this time I went to WWI and a local Hampshire connection. Albert Slater serves in the Royal Hampshire Regiment and deals with the war and then a return home.
My non-fiction effort was a guide to the 2015 NFL Draft, rating players after (too much!) film study.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
From the Mud was inspired by the 100 year anniversary of World War One. I studied history at school and college, so had a solid general concept of what went on. I did some more detailed research for the Royal Hampshire Regiment’s movements, which I followed in the novel. Really, this novel is my small effort to keep WWI in thoughts. I can’t imagine going “over the top”, so it is written with respect for those who did.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to listen to music when I write (not unusual), but sometimes I get song titles in my work. The a “close your eyes for this” reference in Ten (Parmalee) and in From the Mud “The Long Way Back Home” (The Wreckers). I’m not sure people will pick them up, but I like having them in there.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Terry Goodkind and the Sword of Truth series for sure. I like how with Richard and Kahlan you have strong male and female characters. In Ten I have Dan and Rachel; while in From the Mud it’s Albert and Alice. I love how Richard is always thinking (of the solution not the problem) and in Ten, Dan tries little things to help Rachel out of her post neck injury depression. I only realised how much Mr Goodkind influenced me when I read his latest release – it must have impacted me without me being fully aware.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just started my third novel. It’s back to Sci-Fi with a space opera kind of thing. Working title is “Maya”. I’ve only written about 3,500 words, but it’s going to feature a fourteen year old Princess. She’s third in line to the throne, but after her brother and sister are killed, she’s suddenly number one. It will follow her as she tries to become comfortable in her own skin and lead. I’m planning on some aliens in this one as well!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have to admit marketing is the part of being an Indie author that I struggle with the most. Ereader News Today was my best marketing result, which launched Ten into the Sci-Fi Exploration top 50. I find most marketing sites need your book to be discounted or free – I guess it might be I permanently make both novels 99c…
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Before you press Publish, make sure you have a good cover and book description. I didn’t when I first published Ten and sales were very slow.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Dream Big Word Hard (JJ Watt)
What are you reading now?
Kingmaker: Broken Faith by Toby Clements.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll finish off Maya and see where that journey takes me.
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?
I would say the first 3 or 4 books in Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series.
Author Websites and Profiles
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