Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Peter from the U.K
Apart from my day job, which sometimes includes nights, I am an indie author.
Having an interest in Hindi and Urdu, I helped a friend write their book to help beginners learn the Hindi Alphabet. That was last year during the outbreak of Covid-19.
When I get time, I try and update my Hindi learning channel on Youtube under Peter Flashman’s name.
Other than that, the last book I released was The Ultimate Horror Thesaurus back in 2018. I class myself as a 100% Indie author as I’m learning to do everything for myself, and I’m still getting to grips with publishing and formatting, so after a few revisions and amendments to that book, I’m now concentrating on completing several stories I’ve had on the back burner for a few years.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Ultimate Horror Thesaurus came about from an epic brainstorming session. Having gathered research on various horror-themed topics and then listed hundreds of prompts, I thought maybe my ideas could help others who needed a push to get over a bout of mental block.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a few, which may be weird to some writers—having worked in several jobs where investigation and information gathering is key to role, I have brought some of those habits to my writing.
On my desk, I have a series of prompt cards; they act like a checksheet for each scene. For example, one covers the setting, including atmosphere, daytime, night time, etc. Another identifies the characters and their objectives. Even the senses get their cards to include emotional state and even smells.
Other habits include rules which I try and stick to with mixed success-but I am getting better. The number one rule is don’t edit as you write.
Next would be don’t research when writing. To stop this habit, I’ve stopped writing on my laptop. Now, every detail of the initial drafts goes inside a notebook until completed. I did use a writing pad, but the sheets came loose and got out of order or lost, so I tend to buy several notebooks at once.
Another quirk is dating my writing. Seeing how much or little I’ve written day-by-day by pages gives me a boost to get the draft completed.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ive always like anti-heroes a few of my favourites include.
George MacDonald Fraiser for bringing to life Victorian Britain’s worst cad, Flashman.
Don Pendleton’s pulp, Executioner series from 1960s to present day. In the original stories he is a vigilante waging war on the mafia and is often said to be the model for Marvel’s Punisher stories.
I also enjoy reading Warhammer stories and look forward to new works from William King, C L Werner, Nathan Long. When I was younger I also enjoyed the Dragonlance series by Margaret Weiss and Tracey Hickman. I need to see what they have done recently.
In the world of horror there are some great British authors, Will Hill of the Department 19 series and Iain Rob Wright.
What are you working on now?
I have a series of horror books in the works which I hope to start releasing by the end of 2021.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method is whatever gets you to sit down and concentrate on writing. I think ensuring you have a dedicated couple of hours a day is key.
For promoting books I recommend Awesome Gang, they have a huge following and a genuine interest in Indie authors.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never step away from your writing and do a little each day. Make sure you keep going at it until you get it all down, because if you don’t it will always be at the back of your mind. Plus once you have done your dedicated writing for the day you can relax and concentrate on other things-at least until tomorrow.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep on going. Its very hard to take on board especially when you feel low or tired but pushing to do a little a day is a good habit and will help you reach your destination.
What are you reading now?
When I was younger, I would only ever read one book at a time. If I wanted to read a second book, I had to finish the current book I was reading. Nowadays, I find myself flitting between several books on my Kindle. At the moment, I’m reading a very mixed bag, including the Necroscope vampire series by Brian Lumley. The heroic tales of Doc Savage and Devolution by Max Brooks.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my current list of stories. Have a break for a couple of weeks then get them all edited and released on Amazon.
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 Warriors by Sol Yurick. A favourite since my teens and nothing like the film produced by Walter Hill. Think Lord of the Flies mixed with A Clockwork Orange.
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. It’s been years since I last read it but it really captivated me at the time.
Third I guess out of necessity would have to be, How to Stay Alive by Bear Grylls.
Author Websites and Profiles
Peter Hughes Amazon Profile
Peter Hughes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile