Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from the UK but I live in Japan right now as an English teacher. To date I’ve written several books, but only one published by Quest Publications so far. I collect soft toys and I like to play video games when I should be writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Blood of the Fallen. I wanted a name that sounds interesting and also hints at darker themes like war and grief.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really – I always make sure I have my blanket and a cup of coffee. Everything except my laptop and light must be switched off, and the desk has to be clear of empty cups, sweet wrappers and cuddly toys.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the Darren Shan vampire saga. It has unexpected bursts of violence and shock twists that I wanted to imitate in my own work. Most of the fantasy related parts were inspired by films and video games, but I based a lot of themes such as heartache, loss and grief on older drama books such as Flowers in the Attic by Virginia Andrews and the Emma Grady trilogy by Josephine Cox. I’m a sucker for tragedy and romance, and I got a lot of inspiration from novels like those.
What are you working on now?
Blood of the Innocent, the sequel to Blood of the Fallen. I’m also working on a science-fiction set in Tokyo.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Twitter a lot. It’s a great way to connect with other writers and like-minded people, and build a very specific audience who will care about your book advertisements.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep doing what you love. Listen to constructive criticism. Be patient. Take an interest in other writers’ work and always expand your connections. Be confident, be kind, and of course read a lot.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever got was actually a quote; the author’s name escapes me now, though: “the first draft of anything you write is s**t.” It’s a great reminder that even if you write complete tat, it can be improved later, and it’s better than writing nothing at all.
What are you reading now?
The Harry Potter series again. They’re classics!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more, meeting more amazing writers, and enjoying life!
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’m guessing you’re not looking for answers like “a massive tome so I can use the pages to build a bonfire” or “useful how-to guides for surviving the wild”, so I’ll go with Outcast by Josephine Cox and the Hobbit by Tolkien.
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