Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in 1950 I grew up with James Bond thrillers and Asimov sci-fi. As a 60’s child, I couldn’t settle into a steady job and have lived the life of a nomad only settling when love took hold. As a result, I have met many interesting people which I now use to flesh out my characters. Now settled in a remote part of Thailand I have the time and inclination to turn some of my adventures into stories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Broken Fingers. Inspired by 6-week stay in a Moroccan jail where the punishment for trying to steal from another inmate was a broken finger administered by another prisoner/enforcer.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in spurts. For days things go round in my head until one day I open the word doc and it all comes flooding out. I wish I could discipline myself and set daily targets but they just don’t work for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John le Carré, Gerald Seymour, Asimov (still!), Dwight V. Swain, Frederick Forsyth, Ken Follet
What are you working on now?
A sequel to Broken Fingers provisionally titled Broken Promises
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far done no promotion but soon to start with Booksgosocial.com They help me publish and I liked their style.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join an author group where you can get advice and encouragement because you are 100% going to need some. Litopia.com is my home where I hang out.
Read Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain, take notes then read it again. It spells out step by step the craft of writing. Written ages ago, all later books just regurgitate his wisdom in bits and pieces.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up
What are you reading now?
The Cobra by Fred Forsyth
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my sequel and publish it by the end of the year
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?
Lord of the Rings, Ken Kollet’s Pillars of the Earth, Both nice and long.
Spike Milligan’s – Adolf Hitler – My Part in his Downfall for when I need cheering up 🙂