Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a comedy writer based in Devon, UK. I graduated from university in 2009 with a 1st class HONS in scriptwriting and performance. I have gone on to write plays, screenplays and most recently comedy novels, featuring a madcap amateur gas and electricity meter reader named Walton Cumberfield. The first novel in the series is entitled ‘Dinosaurs and Prime Numbers’ and was released in December 2012.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A few months after ‘Dinosaurs and Prime Numbers’ was published, I was approached by a fan in Denmark who was putting together a collection of short stories by emerging writers. I contributed a Walton Cumberfield novella to this collection entitled ‘The Trojan Hearse’. It was a fantastic opportunity to revisit the character and has served as a fantastic warm-up exercise in preparation for the second full-length novel, as well as drawing new readers to my series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always dress as a monk during my writing sessions, but it’s just the usual plain tunic and hood combination.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Elements of my work have been compared to Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett and Robert Rankin, though I never set out to emulate those authors. In fact, as a reader I am not drawn to comedy fiction at all, but moreover to serious science fiction like Stephen King and Michael Crichton. My comedy writing has its foundations on the stage, in plays, sketches and stand-up comedy. Indeed, the character of Walton Cumberfield began as a one-off character in a radio sketch back in 2006.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second novel in the Walton Cumberfield series, entitled ‘A Debt to the Universe’. I have the entire thread for the second and third novels planned out on scraps of paper in my desk drawers, so now I just need to sit down and turn them into literary comedy gold (fingers crossed).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth is the most natural way to spread the reach of a book, and I am always overjoyed to hear from a fan that they have recommended my book to others. I have only just started dabbling in paid promotion and free listing sites, so I cannot pass comment on that side of things at present.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
When you’re at a party and people ask you what you do, don’t say ‘author’ or ‘writer’. They won’t be nearly as interested as you hoped, and the whole situation will become slightly awkward. I like to tell people that I’m an astronaut, and then excuse myself before they ask any more questions.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never try to make your own baked beans. They’ll never be as nice as the ones out of the tin.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading A Clash of Kings – the second book in George RR Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series. My wife and I have recently become obsessed with Game of Thrones on TV, so I’ve been getting into the books as well. They are exceptional.
I’m also reading The Mystery of Edwin Drood. It’s Dickens at his best, and I can’t wait to find out how it ends.
What’s next for you as a writer?
God only knows. I hope I’ll be able to carry on this series and continue to reach more readers around the world. I’d like to get back into theatre soon as well, and am currently resurrecting an old project for the stage.
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?
Outdoor Survival Handbook by Ray Mears (for obvious reasons)
The Complete Works of Shakespeare (because this counts as one book, so it’s really the best value I’m going to get in this deal)
50 Shades of Grey (because I’ve never read it, and could indulge my curiosity without anyone seeing)
War and Peace (mainly for kindling)
Author Websites and Profiles
Tom Moran Amazon Profile
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