1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I have spent many years building up a scenic theming business, by day I make and install the artificial landscapes that you see around theme parks and zoos. I started writing as a hobby until last year when a friend pursued me to publish. It took a lot of rewrites, bearing in mind that some of what I had written was at least 10 tears old. I am now setting aside regular writing time and I feel like a real author. That feeling of being a real author is giving me the confidence to go on and finish a second book as well as starting the sequel to The Odyssey of Daniel Bonner.
2. Describe your book The Odyssey of Daniel Bonner (The Odysseys) in 30 words or less.
The Character of Daniel Bonner explores to age old question; are people inherently good or bad and can they change?
3. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
In the beginning finding time to revisit my old manuscripts was the biggest challenge. At the end pressing the button to go live on Amazon was nerve wracking. No matter how confident you are in every other aspect of life, putting the culmination of so much of yourself up for public scrutiny is a huge step to take.
4. What books have had the greatest influence on you?
It is difficult to choose one author who has influenced me, I am an avid reader of all sorts of genres and they all have all had an influence on some level.
5. Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?
I was lucky enough to find a publishing house that bridges the gap between self publishing and traditional publishing. I paid them to 'self publish' my books, so that I keep control and royalties. They also provide the marketing and routes into book shops. The book will shortly be going on a virtual book tour which I believe to be an essential tool for independent authors. I do not have the time or resources for traditional tours and with the click and buy culture, online reviews and blogs are the best place for my book to be seen and achieve sales.
6. How do you spend your time when you are not writing?
My day job takes up a great deal of my time, closely followed by family and friends, all of whom inspire and encourage me to carry on writing. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank them publicly.
7. What are you working on next?
I have just finished a book called 'Runner of the Dukeing Days' based on one the message runners during the time of the Duke of Monmouth's campaigns. I have also outlined a sequel to The Odyssey of Daniel Bonner.
