To celebrate the release of his new book The Silent Girls, author Dylan Young tells us a bit more about the man behind the books.
Dylan Young
This is not my first book!
I began writing a long time ago. Back in the nineties I had a couple of thrillers made into TV films writing as Dylan Jones. I fell out of love with the genre for a while but then found Anna Gwynne as a new voice.
I have a day job.
Though I officially retired from full time work in 2015, I’ve continued to work a couple of days a week so that I can remain in touch with the real world – something I think is pretty important for a writer. And it is true that when your brain is occupied with the normal day to day, ideas can pop up.
I have a writing space.
I work in a garden office. OK, a garden room. OK, a shed. But it has power and light and is a cave. At various stages of a book, it can look like an explosion in a library. But there is a settee for much needed thought sessions (PM kips), and the dog has a bed in there too for company. Oh, yes, us authors know how to live.
I get up EARLY
I usually write first thing in the morning. In that sense, I am a lark, not a nightingale. Like a lot of people, I find my brain most active then and little plot problems can sometimes simply sort themselves out as you wait for the morning kettle to boil for tea.
Usually, I’m a mental dishcloth by 10 pm. We now have some recliner sofas with foot rests that extend. They do not help with trying to stay awake in the evenings. FATAL!
I write in other genres.
Though crime fiction is pretty serious stuff, I love the absurd, usually sprinkled with the darker side of things. League of Gentlemen, Pratchett, Alan Partridge, Vic and Bob etc. To that end, I also write contemporary fantasy with a very humorous twist as DC Farmer (or is it humour with a fantasy twist?). I also write for teens—again fantasy, as Rhys A Jones. Like many authors, I’ve had books published and had the rights returned. More opportunity to take control is what I say.
I am a hybrid author.
No, I don’t run on electricity. As well as having a traditional publisher, I have my own imprint and self-publish some of my own work, too. Though it sounds indulgent, it’s a great way of learning about the business, especially the promotional side.
I don’t enjoy publicity.
Though my work (as a surgeon) brings me into contact day to day with lots of people, I consider myself to be an opportunistic introvert. I’m not a big fan of crowds or parties, but can cope with both in bursts, until my battery runs out of juice. I suspect that’s why the publicity aspect of it all tends to make me squirm. Online is great, of course, but I have been in situations where newspapers have asked for contrived photographs that have been more cheese than image. Oh, and my favourite question of all time? Where do you get your ideas from?
Things I can’t do.
Play basketball. I’m too short. Being Welsh I played rugby in my youth, but I’m definitely more scrum half than back row.
Read your manuscript. Quite apart from the lack of time – Bookouture want 3 books in 12 months – there’s a plagiarism issue. It’s hard, because a lot of people want help, or tips, or reassurance, but it’s always no.
Go up Kilimanjaro of a climb of self-discovery. I already know who I am.
I find writing hard.
Every time I start a new book it’s as if I’ve never written one before. But because I know it’s like this, it bothers me less and less. And yes, I have ton of books on ‘how to’ and will dip in and out all the time because it’s nice to know that most people are in the same boat. Trying to be efficient is a challenge. The internet is the devil when it comes to distraction. Sometimes, there is no substitute for a piece of paper and a pencil. Taking breaks is hard, too and a big fault because I find I can get exhausted –hence the settee.
Best thing I ever did?
Marry my wife. Hands down. None of what I do now would be possible without her support. And by that, I mean accepting not seeing me for hours on end as I indulge myself in the office, erm, garden room, erm, shed.
