I have always wanted to be a writer; but not because I have a dream of pots of money or fame, I am not interested in either but because it is what I enjoy doing, and if it could be my ‘real’ job then that would make me very happy indeed. It feels like I have always been writing, but in my younger days I had way too many other things to do.
North of the Rock
Originally I would always write black comedies; which I love doing but I discovered I could never actually finish a novel. I could write about 75% or more then realise I had totally written myself into a corner, with the only solution being to completely change what I had already done, and this would always take the shine off. I switched to thrillers after coming up with an idea which grew and cultivated into the whole story as I wrote it, and that is how I work today. But I still harbour a desire to complete a black comedy, so hopefully one day I can be back here talking about that!
I am a qualified electrician; among other things! In a career which has mostly centred around computers and IT I always kept that going and now while I do have a ‘real’ job I do a lot of work in that trade. So if you live around the south west of London and need a sparks please do give me a call. No job too small, as they say.
I am proud of John Smith; John is the hero, actually more of the anti-hero of the desert thriller novels. I like him because he is so ordinary. Nobody ever looks at him twice; he isn’t muscle bound, isn’t big, doesn’t drive a supercar, and isn’t bristling with weapons. I keep his past a bit of a mystery and I don’t really give away too much of him personally but I believe him to be a good man, and I hope my readers feel the same way.
My wife is my fiercest critic; she always listens to my first draft proof reads, and does not hesitate to tell me when I have not done a good job. This could be a roll of the eyes, a deep sigh or very plain speaking. My feelings are never spared, but it does make me try harder to write well.
Never give up; never ever ever. Ever. When I completed my first novel ‘The Handsome Man’ I was pleased with it, and the fiends and family that read it told me that is was good. Well, probably they would say that. So what next? Not having any idea what to do next I trawled the Internet and found several sites with publisher and agents contact details, and submitted a section to some. Those that replied rejected it, which I had expected but left me floundering. My first stint at self publishing got ‘Lost In Vegas’ published and it was great to have the paperback but they did nothing at all other than that so I was back where I started. I am with people now that believe in me and I am enjoying it again so, here’s hoping.
I can play the guitar; not particularly well, admittedly, but I have been in several bands and played in pubs to three people and a dog on more than one occasion. I don’t think rock ‘n roll stardom is around the corner.
I have a passion for motorbikes; these are my weakness, I love them. I completed the ‘Ride for Life’ a few years ago which is a ten day cross country journey from Port Elizabeth to Pine Lodge in South Africa. It is all off road riding through deep ravines and gorges, crossing rivers and cliffs and was the hardest thing I have ever done, every day I faced something I thought I couldn’t do. But I did it, and that charity has raised millions for UNICEF so it was worth it. My plan is to do it again one day.
I love Las Vegas; Yes, I did write about the place in fact I have two books based there but I have been lucky enough to visit on many occasions, several times for work. I know what people say, but I really like it there.
My father died when I was young; and I think of him all the time. I always wonder if he would like my books, and this is a another factor in me trying so hard to write well.