Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.

I am a first time novelist from Essex, England. At the moment, I have written just the one book, but I am working on the sequel, as well as a standalone book and several short stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

My first and latest book is a heroic fantasy called ‘Exile.’ I have always devoured fantasy books, yet never really considered writing something of novel length. I always used to write short stories, a chapter of something here and there. It wasn’t until I wrote one particular chapter (the second in the book), that I realised I wanted to go somewhere with it. I had some other short stories of about a chapter’s length, and I realised that they could be made to fit together. I had unconsciously created characters who inhabited the same world, and so I began to stitch them together and the story went from there. ‘Exile’ is inspired by my favourite authors and everything from video games, to horror movies — anything I thought had a place in my world, it’s in there.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

I am unusual in that I write predominantly by hand with a fountain pen. I find it makes what I write more fluid, maybe because it gives me time to think. I know that typing would be quicker and easier, but it feels a bit too clinical for me, and I always end up binning half of what I write. With my method, I still discard bits and change things, but by writing it in ink and then typing it up, I allow myself an early edit. Often the prose that ends up on the screen is quite different (and hopefully better) than what is in the notebook.

What authors, or books have influenced you?

George R.R. Martin (what modern writer of fantasy can say he is not an influence?), Wilbur Smith, probably the greatest action writer ever (‘When the Lion Feeds’ is an incredible read), Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden, princes of historical fiction both, and finally my favourite, David Gemmell. Mr Gemmell’s simply told stories stayed with me through my childhood and teenage years and if there was ever a writer who I wished I could emulate even slightly, it’s him.

What are you working on now?

I am working on the sequel to ‘Exile,’ a short story tentatively called ‘Tomb,’ and a novel that I keep coming back to about a man on a desert island.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?

I’m not really sure yet. I gave a lot away during a free promotion and I have been getting some very kind reviews. Still waiting for the snowball effect to kick in. I try and offer people free copies of my book, promote other writers where I can, etc. Marketing is very much a work in progress for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Read. Stephen King said it better than me but the sentiment is the same. If you want to write then read. Chefs eat, sellers buy, and artists observe. You have to be a consumer if you want to understand how to be a producer. Also, have a thick skin. Some people are going to hate you, and the internet has all of the accountability of the Asphodel Fields, so don’t take everything to heart. You will though, because you’re a writer 🙂

What is the best advice you have ever heard?

Do you really want to be sitting here in a year’s time wishing you had started today? If you want to be something, get on with it.

What are you reading now?

‘King of Thorns’ by Mark Lawrence. Very good.

What’s next for you as a writer?

The next book. Hopefully more people will read the first one and I can start making some waves. One day I hope to be able to make a living as a writer. Until then, it’s squeezing it in around an 11 hour work day, food, fitness and sleep.

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?

‘Legend’ and ‘Waylander,’ both by David Gemmell, and the ‘Codex Gigas.’ It’s so big, I could make a boat out of it!

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