Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Now in my late seventies, I have come to self-publishing on Amazon rather late in life.
The flagship of my writing is a series of children’s MG/YA fantasy adventure stories and I am about to release the fourth in a series of stand-alone adventures of Jimmy Crikey.
In print are two short stories and another fantasy adventure. In addition, I have one finished memoir (Consorting with the Enemy) (needs editing) and another ‘in process’ is a YA fantasy in a medeaeval setting.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey in Parallel Worlds is the last book published and Jimmy Crikey’s Adventures: The Emerald Lake is a few short weeks from publication.
The inspiration arose from necessity about fifty years ago while on a family seaside holiday. A series of short afternoon showers brought my five year old son and his four new friends, scurrying for shelter in our beach tent. The noise levels were almost unbearable. My wife insisted, ‘read them a story, or something’. I hadn’t brought any story books down to the beach so I had to make one up, on the spot. I had earlier noticed that in this group of children was a redhead who was also the smallest. He was being made to do the carrying and fetching for the bigger boys. Which he did willingly, to fit in. That boy became the hero of my story: a red headed boy who was bullied because he looked different. Jimmy Crikey has the disadvantage that he was born with large feet, but he overcomes the bullying and his true hero self shines through. He goes on to overcome every obstacle that arises in his path often saving his friends into the bargain. Any story for youngsters needs an element of magic, and so the four witch guardians were created along with Lord Oron. the Weatherman, who had a tendency to fall asleep at the controls
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am sure I am not the only author who just picks up his pen, figuratively, and just writes. Mostly the words flow and on the rare occasion of writers’ block, I try not to ‘get in a sweat’.
I give up for an hour or so, or even a day or so, and turn to some other activity. Usually a session on my Hammond Organ. I enjoy the noise and don’t worry too much about what other people think.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Without a doubt the originators of the Bible, Old and New Testaments.
Thereafter Enid Blighton in particular The Magic Faraway Tree.
Latterly I have devoured Wilbur Smith’s almost everything he wrote from When the Lion Feeds. Baldacci is in the same class. And then a plethora which includes J Patterson for light holiday reads. I read around a book per week or two. My wife Pat sometimes hits a book a day but more usually a book every two days,
What are you working on now?
Completion of the fourth Jimmy Crikey adventure: editing and rewriting where my Editor has made suggestions.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Face Book is my primary promotion site, followed by Book Goodies, Book Bub, All Author
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Develop a thick skin for the inevitable rejects and negative vibes.
If you have story to tell keep writing until it’s down on paper, then edit and rewrite and start again.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your family and friends are not your best critics,
What are you reading now?
J Patterson – 21st Birthday
What’s next for you as a writer?
Complete one of two projects: my memoir or a YA fantasy adventure. All subject to God being willing.
My first JimmyCrikey is available as a complete audio version but there are minor technical issues to be resolved before ACX will accpet the files. Unfortunately the original producer is unable to tidy up because of health issues. Further audio specialist assistance is too expensive at this 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?
The Bible, Gibbon Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, Lord of the Rings
Author Websites and Profiles
Wallace Briggs Website
Wallace Briggs Amazon Profile
Wallace Briggs’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile