Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been an avid reader, writer, and explorer of the natural world throughout my life which has been spent in England, Scotland and Australia. Just like Freddy in my first novel, Secrets of a River Swimmer, I worked in the global fund management sector for many years but realized it didn’t align with my values. In recent years, I’ve been focused on inspiring positive change through my writing (which resulted in my first novel Secrets of a River Swimmer), as well as trying not to laugh in unfortunate situations (easier said than done!). I now live in Australia with my wife, daughter, son, two cats, and ten chickens.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called Secrets of a River Swimmer.
My friend Matt and I used to jump into the River Tweed every few weeks, including in the depths of Scottish winters, just to see where it took us. Every time we immersed ourselves in the Tweed’s majestic waters we’d experience love, joy, and fun in more beautiful ways than we could have imagined on dry land. We’d laugh like kids at the silliest little things. We’d feel euphoric to be accepted and free and alive. We’d meet fascinating characters alongside the river who were shocked and amused that two crazy humans were swimming so close to the enormous salmon in the river. We’d have life-affirming conversations that put the world to rights, and that involved us speaking our truth to one another and to the universe. We always emerged from the river with newfound energy, clarity, and love for our lives. It was like pressing a reset button on life.
After a few years of swimming in the river once a month like this, Matt and I both noticed we felt healed. When we’d started, we were both lost in our careers. But each time we emerged from the river we were one step closer towards clarity of what we wanted from our lives. And after a few years, we were finally ready to make the career and other changes we needed to make. We were finally ready to take responsibility for all aspects of our lives.
And that’s why I wrote Secrets of a River Swimmer—to capture and immortalize the life-changing love, the fun, the joy, and the mysteries of the river’s world.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always listen to music when I’m writing. And I generally spend some time selecting the right music to match the scene and book I’m writing. For example, if it’s a peaceful introspective scene I may go with Max Richter or Laura Marling, while a more uplifting / energetic scene may call for All Hail the Silence or Gabriel and Dresden.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by many authors but I’d say Mark Twain has been a big influence, particularly Huck Finn. Twain’s ability to get inside his characters’ heads to beautifully express their emotions, motives, and real thoughts is so powerful. For me, this is the timeless beauty of writing, and it means we can all be transported back one hundred and forty years ago to when the novel is set to discover that people haven’t changed at all.
In terms of modern writers, Neil Gaiman has been an influence. I really enjoy the uniqueness of Neil’s story writing.
What are you working on now?
My next novel, The Connection Game, is a psychological thriller based in London.
A family of four, The Basilworths, have fallen on hard times after becoming victims to an online fraud. They are forced to move into welfare housing in London as they’ve been declared bankrupt. The flat they are allocated is located on the ground floor in a rough area, and the only light that enters the flat comes in through a tiny window which only provides a view of the feet walking past on the street above.
Benny, the husband and father, is angry about their downfall and starts ranting against the world. Then one day, he starts staring out the tiny window at the feet walking past on the street, and he calms down. There’s something about seeing people as nothing more than a pair of passing feet that’s therapeutic for him. However, watching the passing feet soon becomes a passion for him, and he starts noticing unusual patterns in the feet, patterns which deeply concern him.
The more he watches the feet, the more Benny believes the entire city is in serious danger. He convinces his children Will and Wendy to join his foot watching operation at the window, but his wife Belinda is concerned for his mental health. However, the more excited Benny becomes by the foot movements, the more Belinda is drawn into the mystery. She’s determined to discover if there’s any truth behind Benny’s inexplicable theories about the passing feet.
The Connection Game is due to be released towards the end of 2022.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Secrets of a River Swimmer is my first novel so I’m learning more about this as I go. I’ve been told by a few authors that the key is to stay positive and engaged in a wide variety of forums.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start writing a novel with a question rather than an answer in mind.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do your best and forget the rest.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Normal People by Sally Rooney. She’s been super successful so I’m enjoying experiencing her strong character creation skills.
What’s next for you as a writer?
This is a big year for me as I’m publishing Secrets of a River Swimmer in February and The Connection Game in October. These two books have taken a number of years to complete and I’m super excited to go to market with both of them. And the next novel I will be working on this year is a romantic comedy.
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 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Women in White by Wilkie Collins
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Mister God, this is Anna by Flynn
Author Websites and Profiles
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