Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am UK born and bred, but I have lived in Ireland for almost 11years now. It is a wonderful country for anyone that aspires to the literary life, or even the artistic one. The people and the scenery are what makes it so special, especially the people. Inspiration dwells around every corner, and in every walk of life here. My debut novel UNHOLY ORDERS was published last October.
I was a travel writer and former journalist before deciding to take two years off to write my novel. I have been fortunate to have travelled a great deal, both as a travel writer, and former engineer. As an engineer, I specialised in the restoration of ancient and historical buildings, bridges and monuments. This took me to some really interesting parts of the world, from almost all of South America, to certainly most of Europe, and six of the continents in total.
Here in Ireland, when not busy writing you can find me out in the paddocks with the thoroughbred horses I breed, or out on the beautiful country walks, or perhaps the glorious beaches walking my Irish Wolfhounds. Occasionally you might even find me in one of the many excellent pubs locally, enjoying the Guinness, and listening to the craic of the locals. There is an abundance of future material for a writer available for free, in almost any Irish pub of an evening.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book UNHOLY ORDERS is based upon my experiences working for the Church of England back in the nineties whilst I was still an engineer. A temporary contract working on a project for this august institution led to my being offered a full time job with them. I was based in Church House, the administrative headquarters of the Church of England, which is situated right behind Westminster Abbey in Deans Yard.
All the events and all of the characters in my novel, are based upon real people that I met whilst employed there. All the events that I have included are also based upon events that actually occurred. I have had to change the names and dates to protect the innocent as well as the guilty, although there were certainly more guilty souls than innocent ones in evidence in my opinion.
From Archbishops, to political leaders, to Royalty, I met them all. Including the Queen and Prince Charles, and The Princess Royal. I was also fortunate to meet the late Princess Diana before her tragic early death. Being the second largest land and property owner in the United Kingdom after the Crown Estates, the Church of England has for years been mismanaged and exploited by those that could see it was an easy target.
My novel exposes some of these people, and some of the incidents that occurred whilst I was employed there. It is not a whistle blowing expose though, it is more of a love story in my opinion, that reveals the flaws in mankind, and those in all such charitable institutions where there are no safeguards in place. The anti-hero of my novel is based upon a real person, that re-invented himself, and gained a first hand knowledge of all the larceny, liturgy, and lustful practices that went on behind closed doors.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure that mine can be classed as unusual. I do tend to keep very irregular hours, which can be annoying for ones wife. It is not unusual for me to rise from our bed in the early hours, to begin writing something that has just occurred to me while I was laying in bed. I live in total fear that my failing memory will erase it if I do not get it down on my laptop straight away. This often leads to six or seven hours elapsing, so as my wife is getting up, I am going back to bed.
As for formatting my novel, I favour the get it all down at once approach. Write it as you feel it, and worry about correct formatting afterwards. This invariably leads to excessive editing, but it is the way that works for me. Other authors are able to format to a large degree as they write, and perhaps this will come with experience, I will have to wait and see. I firmly believe though, that every author should edit their own work at least six times, before seeking an expert editor to finally polish it for them.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hemingway is perhaps my most favourite author. I have often thought this was because I was familiar with his life, and how it ended so tragically. I find his style to be unique among authors, but still highly readable.
I have a rather eclectic taste in authors, from Hemingway, to P D James, and recently Robert Harris. I can also really get into Historical Fiction, as long as it is well written and researched.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a novel about looted Nazi art treasures during the Second World War. Hitler and his henchmen were responsible for establishing elite teams of specialist agents, to swoop into newly conquered countries and start stripping them bare of works of art.
Hitler had a dream of establishing the greatest art museum in the world in his native Austria. Unbeknown to him, his henchmen such as Himmler, and Goebbels had their own agenda’s too, and this did not include ensuring Hitler got the best artefacts
Consequently, when Berlin was liberated by the Allies at the end of the war, a lot of the looted works of art were discovered to be missing still. This probably had more than a little to do with the fact that it was the Russians that got into Berlin ahead of the rest of the allies.
This probably explains how these works of art came to finance the incredible rise to prominence on the world stage, of the Russian Mafia at the end of the USSR
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Web sites such as this of course. I have learned that you need to establish as large a presence as possible on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, preferably at least three months before your books publication date. I have found that interacting on book blogs gets your work a large audience too. There is only so much you can do on Twitter and Facebook, and you should try and expand your horizons past these two. Goodreads, now owned by Amazon of course is also a very important place to promote yourself and your work
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research your chosen subject thoroughly. Ensure that you do not make any Geographical, or Historical errors. Readers can be merciless in picking up on the most obscure error in any authors work.
Also, never underestimate the benefit of getting a good editor. Preferably one that can also assist with the formatting too.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Whether you are going the Indie route, or want a traditional publisher, it is important that your work is of the highest quality before you present it to them. Readers have over 2,000,000 books to choose from on Amazon alone, they can afford to be demanding, and they are. With traditional publishing, only a very few escape the slush pile, if you want yours to be one of those, then write something original, and ensure that it is as well presented as you can get it.
What are you reading now?
Emperor by first time author Conn Iggulden. Set in ancient Rome, I have found it very entertaining.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am considering an offer to do some freelance article writing for a national newspaper. I am not sure that I have the time to devote to it, but the regular pay check would be nice. I have also been approached by a new social media site that is starting up very shortly, to do some articles for them.
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?
Survive by author Les Stroud (Mr Survivorman) I think would be a good one.
Hemingway’s the old man and the sea would be another choice
The Times Crossword book would be my final choice
Author Websites and Profiles
Roger Bishop Website
Roger Bishop Amazon Profile
Roger Bishop’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile