Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
To date I have only written one book which is available on Amazon through the Kindle store. For nearly a year I had been writing a detective story which had been building momentum and then fell by the wayside. Another story blending Sci-Fi and religion also gained a full head of steam before hitting a brick wall. I know that I had several good crime stories in me after working with the police for thirteen years. However I never thought that I would write a LGBT book, let alone a true account of my own experience.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Not long before I sat down to write the book I had been called out to a domestic disturbance in Alum Rock a predominantly Muslim and Asian area of Birmingham. There I encountered two gay students from Pakistan that had been subjected to abuse. Both men were young at twenty-two, they intended to get a civil ceremony in the United Kingdom. They hoped to remain together in England as partners and both were very career minded.
As things turned out they did get the civil ceremony and even returned to Pakistan. I remember thinking how brave they both were to break all of the conventions in Pakistan to be out gay men and risk religious and sexual persecution.
It was something that I just kept thinking about and eventually I started to record my experience on paper and that was how my book came about.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For some reason I only get the urge to write at night, often when I very tired and need sleep the most. During those times I write using any pen to hand. After several days I usually have various post it notes and random thoughts written down. Eventually I gather all the information up and start to form a story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have never read a LGBT book before or watched a film where the central characters were gay. However I enjoy reading pulp fiction crime. The older the better and I enjoy the Hard Case Crime novels that are being republished on Amazon.
What are you working on now?
No one thing at the moment but I hope to publish another book within the year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomengang have been recommended to me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Promotion is key for getting your book out there to a wider audience.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Something I was told years ago by a family friend. “No matter what you think of someone or how they may seem, you can learn something from everyone. Instead of focusing on the negative and what you think of them, find out what you can learn from them.”
What are you reading now?
James Patterson, Private India. So far it has been a nice easy quick read
What’s next for you as a writer?
As a policeman to keep my head up during such crazy times. As a writer to find time to write and enjoy doing so.
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 Game by Neil Strauss
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Monster by Kody Scott
SAS Survival, for practical reasons and get off the desert island.
Author Websites and Profiles
William Portlock Amazon Profile