A Little More

Some of the Interview questions I’ve been asked over the years, in no particular order.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I’m not sure I knew, and sometimes still don’t feel like I am one, despite working many hours at it every single day. It kind of crept up on me all of a sudden. You go from having a dream about a story, to ignoring it for months, to suddenly trying to bring it to life, to completion. For me, the first book took ages, with life, two small children and everything in between, constantly trying to get in the way. But eventually I got there and the feeling was well worth the wait. Stupidly though, I spent far too much time (weeks, if not months) sitting back, patting myself on the back, waiting for the knock at the door from all the major book companies. I mean…..how stupid? How would they even know that I’d completed my work of art? I’ve learned a lot since then.

What influences your writing?

My dreams and life experiences more than anything. Oddly it started with a dream. Sounds a bit crazy really, but one night, when my elder daughter was just a baby (she’s not far off 11 now) I had the single most realistic dream I’ve ever had. I didn’t remember it until the following day, but when I did, I swear it was just like watching a movie in my head…..so graphic, so intense, so…..mesmerising. Anyhow, I told my wife, who was gobsmacked to say the least. And so was what she said to me, “You have to write it, you just have to.” At the time I just laughed off her idea, bearing in mind that at the time I could only type with two fingers. But over a period of I suppose months, I kept getting more dreams, flashbacks into the story…….sometimes little details, sometimes insights into the characters, sometimes twists and turns to do with the plot. In the end I suppose it was inevitable that I would write it. First I taught myself to type properly…..3 months, and then, well………..I began. At first I needed complete silence to be able to write, something there wasn’t a lot of bearing in mind I was taking care of one young child, with another on the way. But over time I’ve learned to filter it all out and can now write with the kids playing around me if I need to, but I still think I do work more efficiently in total silence. It has taken a long time, and I was surprised how hard and crucial the editing process was. But in the end it was most definitely worth it. The life experiences part is more about the human sport mentioned in the book. I’ve played field hockey for well over three decades now, and it’s changed my life beyond recognition. I have a great affection and admiration for the other sports mentioned as well, hence the reason they’re included.

What was the most exciting thing about publishing your book?

The best thing without a doubt is when someone you don’t know, and have never met, gets in touch with you to tell you just how much they like your book/books. On those occasions, nothing feels better. Not only can it turn a bad day good, but it brightens your whole week, no matter what’s going on.

What have you learned as you continue to write?

That it’s really a process of evolution. It and you are never standing still, never stuck in one place. The process of putting the story into words from your head gets easier at times, but the actual writing, the words on the page, never stay still, not even for a moment, currents in the wind or sea, rearranging everything on a day to day basis. I don’t doubt what, or how, I write changes every day. My mood, concentration, if I’m feeling unwell, worried, how busy I am, all change the way in which the words come out. Sometimes it’s even possible to look back after the event and see a quite dramatic change.

Where’s your favorite place to write?

Normally at my computer at home. But once a week I play squash with a friend who, despite never actually being busy, always insists on making me wait about fifty minutes for him. In that time, I sit in the entrance to the local sports centre and, with a pen and notebook, lose myself in the world of The White Dragon Saga without any other worries. It’s about the only time I ever find to do this.

Did anyone in particular inspire the character of Peter or his friends?

The main character, Peter Bentwhistle, is loosely based around me. The lacrosse playing dragon called Richie Rump is based on one of my best friends who was captain of the England lacrosse team and is also a fantastic hockey player. A dragon shopkeeper who sells the best mantras in the world shares the same name with one of my best friends. An important human businessman who is duped, is also named for one of my best friends. Other more minor references feature other friends and acquaintances. When looking for some of the character names I used references from everything around me at the time, while sitting working at my desk. There’s a dragon called Axus….his name was gained from my Canon camera at the time, with just a tiny amendment. Also one of the bad characters is a combination of one of my favourite author’s first names and surnames combined. I now have a long list of dragon names tucked away in my computer somewhere, that I can use whenever I need.

In the book you spend a lot of time building up dragon culture. How much time did this take you and what helped inspire it? Also, what’s your favorite part of this dragon world?

I suppose it’s a coming together of everything in my mind. The books I read, the films I watch, the fact that I like playing RPG’s on my computer…just everything. I go to bed at night and, as previously mentioned, my dreams seem to take over. Not all the time, but I would say one out of three nights, I dream about dragons. Sometimes I won’t remember until much later on the next day, sometimes I wake up and remember instantly. The dreams can be about anything…..the overall plot of the books and the way forward, or just some tiny little detail that I’ve missed and that matters so much. And if I ever find myself stuck with something in the plot, all I have to do is think really hard about it just before nodding off, and more often than not, I’ll have the answer the next day. Strange, but true.

If you have to sum up your book in six words, what would it be?

Fresh Original Young Adult Fantasy DRAGONS

What’s your favorite snack food?

Crisps. I find it very hard not to crave them. Especially during the evenings.

If you could see any artist perform live (living or dead) who would it be?

I’d be very keen to take in my favourite band…..Genesis. But on reflection, to have such a chance and just do that, given that I’ve seen them a few times, would be wasteful. It would have to be a choice between the Beatles and Elvis. The Beatles probably win. It would be amazing to see them at the Cavern club in Liverpool during their heyday.

You have to live in one fictional place, where is it?

Ankh-Morpork from Terry Pratchett’s Disc World. I think I’d fit in just right and would probably just wander around gawping at all the amazing characters, when not working for Sybil at the dragon sanctuary. If not there, then probably anywhere in the Star Wars universe.

Where do you live?

I live in the beautiful city of Salisbury in England, famed for its stunning cathedral and wonderful water meadows. Also, it’s only about nine miles away from Stonehenge.

Your family and status?

I’m happily married to my beautiful, kind and wonderful wife Rachel who works so hard, not only at her day time job, but at editing my books for me. Without her, none of this would have been possible. I have two fabulous children, and I’ve been lucky enough to look after them as they’ve grown up, right from when they were born, and I still do, even now.

When did you decide to become a writer/where did the passion for writing start?

I can remember having a distinct passion for writing around the age of nine or ten. I used to be glued to comic books, and let my love and imagination for the Star Wars universe, then quite new, run away with me. But it was at about that time that I found my love of hockey, and so from then onwards all I ever wanted to do was chase the stupid ball about with the stick as part of a team. Much as I still do now, despite my age. As for my current writing, the dream came to me in the form of one long story in my head. I told my wife, and she insisted I must write it. At the time I just laughed her off. But over a period of months, I would dream little updates, or amendments to the story, so much so that in the end, I had little choice but to put it all down in words. First I taught myself to type, and that took about three months. After that, it was finding the time to get the words down on the page, which is still pretty much the same challenge today. Thankfully my family are very understanding, but really the only time I get to do much writing is in the evening.

How did you come up with the story? All the detail of the laminium ball games, mantra’s, grotto’s, dragon cities, etc.

Most of it comes to me while I’m asleep. I think a lot of the influences are just based around my life…….all the crazy things that zip in and out of my head. Hockey obviously plays a big part in the book…….who’d have thought, dragons playing hockey…..unreal. But the rest…I like to read a lot, so influences there are Terry Pratchett, the Harry Potter books, the Star Wars universe – I’m sure a great deal of what’s in my book can be traced back to all of these and more in some way, shape or form. I have a love of gaming, when I have time. I’ve played some online games in the past……..again, most have dragons and those kind of figures in them. Haven’t played for many, many, many months due to time constraints, family life and trying to get my next book finished. As well, on occasion, the writing, or the words, who knows which one, just suddenly takes over. It’s happened on a few occasions, I’ve sat down to start to write, and the words just flow out. You think half an hour’s passed, and you look up to see that it’s been nearly three, you’ve written three or four times what you’d hoped, and the story has either gone off at a tangent, or gone briefly in a different direction all together. Not once have I disliked any of the work that’s come out when this has happened.

How did you get into writing?

Oddly it just happened. Sounds a bit crazy really, but one night, when my elder daughter was just a baby (she’s not far off 11 now), I had the single most realistic dream I’ve ever had. I didn’t remember it until the following day, but when I did, I swear it was just like watching a movie in my head…..so graphic, so intense, so…..mesmerising. Anyhow, I told my wife, who was gobsmacked to say the least. And so was what she said to me, “You have to write it, you just have to.” Initially I just laughed off her idea, bearing in mind that at the time I could only type with two fingers. But over a period of I suppose months, I kept getting more dreams, flashbacks into the story…….sometimes little details, sometimes insights into the characters, sometimes twists and turns to do with the plot. In the end I suppose it was inevitable that I would write it. First I taught myself to type properly…..3 months, and then, well………..I began. At first I needed complete silence to be able to write, something there wasn’t a lot of bearing in mind I was taking care of one young child, with another on the way. But over time I’ve learned to filter it all out and can now write with the kids playing around me if I need to, but I still think I do work more efficiently in total silence. It has taken a long time, and I was surprised how hard and crucial the editing process was. But in the end it was most definitely worth it.

What inspired you to write Bentwhistle The Dragon In A Threat From The Past?

In the story that I’d dreamt, the main character when in his dragon form, had a marking on his scales that looked just like a bent whistle. This is where he derived his name from, and I think I was desperate to include this somewhere in the title. As for the ‘threat from the past’…………..it just seemed so obvious, given how it starts and ends. Those were two parts of the story I knew in my head in graphic detail, long before I’d completed the book. Originally I’d intended just to write the story for my kids……….for when they were a little older. But the more I wrote, the more seemed to spring forth from inside of me, far exceeding how long I thought the book would be. About halfway writing that one, I started dreaming about what would happen in the next book and beyond. The whole thing seems almost to have a life and will of its own.

If made into a film what would be your dream cast?

The three friends, because they are all in their late teens, would have to be played by unknowns, for me. But the aged owner of the mantra emporium would have to have the voice of Morgan Freeman. The mysterious and devious Major Manson would be played by Jason Statham, who I think would play a fabulous main villain.

Who was your favourite character to write and why?

Difficult question to answer as I love them all for different reasons. The main character, Peter Bentwhistle, is loosely based around me so I suppose I should really say him. But whenever I’m working on the next book, or one of my children asks me a question about any of the characters, each stirs a different memory and emotion in me. Some are based around people I know, and my thoughts turn to them. The lacrosse playing dragon called Richie Rump is based on one of my best friends who was captain of the England lacrosse team and is also a fantastic hockey player. The dragon shopkeeper who sells the best mantras in the world shares the same name with one of my best friends. An important human businessman who is duped, is also named for one of my best friends. Other more minor references feature other friends and acquaintances. When looking for some of the character names I used references from everything around me at the time, while sitting working at my desk. There’s a dragon called Axus….his name was gained from my Canon camera at the time, with just a tiny amendment. Also one of the bad characters is a combination of one of my favourite author’s first names and surnames combined. I now have a long list of dragon names tucked away in my computer somewhere, that I can use whenever I need. I think as it’s my first book, everything, and in particular every character, will always mean a lot to me. So sorry, it’s a bit of a cop out, but they’re all my favourite characters.

What genres do you prefer to read?

My preferred genres to read would probably be fantasy, sci-fi and thrillers, in that order.

Who is your favourite author and book?

When in my late teens, I mistakenly ordered a Tom Clancy book…..Debt of Honour. I was too lazy to return it, so it sat on my bedside table for weeks. Until one evening, when I picked it up and started to read it. Many hours later I put it down, only because I needed a few hours sleep before I went to work. I was hooked. After finishing that, I went out and bought all the other Tom Clancy books I could find. It was also about that time that the Star Wars expanded universe books started to appear. I caught sight of the first one while working in a book shop in my role of service engineer. I can remember it clearly: Star Wars Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn. It had a striking blue cover with some of the Star Wars characters on it, and I had to buy it there and then, in the middle of doing my job, much to the amusement of the owner of the bookshop. My love of the expanded universe has continued ever since, and as soon as the next book comes out…………..I have to have it.
It seems my love of books goes in phases. If I have nothing to read, I wander around a bookshop until I find something I like the look of and then read it. If I get hooked, I go back and find other books by that author. Examples of this for me are Terry Goodkind and Christopher Paolini…………I love all of their books. The detail, the plot……the characters….are just all amazing. I can only dream of writing as well as they do. Other authors I’ve found and loved this way include Robin Hobb, J.V. Jones, David Gemmell and Trudi Canavan, to name but a few. I love the way they use their imaginations and the worlds that they create on the pages of the book. They’re all very easy to visualize.
My favorite author of all though, is the wonderful Terry Pratchett. If you haven’t read one of his books you really should. While I love pretty much all the books he’s written, the ones about the guards of Ankh-Morpork, Captain Carrot, Sam Vimes, Corporal Nobbs, Angua and of course the Lord Vetinari, are easily my favourites. The characters themselves are described in magnificent detail, all with their own funny little ways. The plots twist and turn like a raging river, and the humour……….well, let’s just say that is exactly on my wavelength. I’ve cried with laughter on many occasions reading some of Terry Pratchett’s books, and I can’t recall doing that for any other author I’ve read. If you’re a reading fan, you really must try one of his books.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing I like to either spend time with my wife and children, or play hockey. A day at the beach down in Swanage or Hengistbury Head followed by a meal out on the way back sounds perfect. If not that, a family bike ride somewhere or a walk in the New Forest. I do love a game of hockey with my friends , but as I get older it’s much harder to do on a regular basis.

If you had to describe yourself in three words what would they be?

Husband, Father, Hockey Player (I know the last one takes it to more than three words, but please let me have it.)

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?

To make sure all kids everywhere grow up happy and loved, mine included. Working as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school, which I’ve been lucky enough to do for a few years now, you see some things that just break your heart on occasion. My wife and I work incredibly hard to make sure our children grow up in a happy and loving environment. All kids should have that, no matter where they live.

Tell us a bit about your main character? Is he fictional or a historic person?

Events in my book revolve around the fictional main character called Peter Bentwhistle. In part, his personality and many of his traits are based on me, and although he spends a fair amount of his time posing as a human, he is in fact a dragon, something, I can assure you, I’m not. (Although at times, I deeply wish I was.)
The name Bentwhistle comes from the fact that when in his dragon form, he has the markings of a ‘bent whistle’ splashed across his scales. He cares deeply for his friends and always tries to do the right thing in any circumstance but often fails because he’s afraid to stand up for himself. He is more than a little naive, maybe because of his dragon nature and the fact that only a few years have passed since he completed his education in the nursery ring, (fifty years in a dragon school) and was then, like most dragons, thrust out into the human world above ground to help guide the course of humanity.
His gentle nature and love for his friends are traits that I find endearing in him, but which have a tendency to endanger those around him. Recently introduced to the team sport of hockey (field hockey), by one of his best friends, he’s fascinated to the point of addiction by the intricacies of the game, the feeling of being part of a team, and the love, freedom and excitement that flow through him when he plays, provoking feelings similar to that of flying and using mantras when in his dragon form. The typical reluctant hero, with a heart of gold, willing to die for his friends, seemingly enjoying the human world more than the dragon one (something that would be more than frowned upon by the dragon hierarchy), with a love of hockey, who would like nothing better than an easy life. Unfortunately for him…….NOT GONNA HAPPEN!

When and where are the stories set?

They are set in the present, where dragons and humans live smack bang alongside one another, without of course the human population knowing. The dragons are committed to fulfilling an ancient prophecy from ages past which sees them protecting, nurturing and guiding the human race because the futures of both races are so inextricably intertwined. The first book introduces the secretive underground dragon domain, visiting the stunning Purbeck Peninsula enclave, situated directly below a beautiful part of southern England. Dragon London features, deep beneath the real thing, as well as the intricate and slightly outdated enclave of Salisbridge. Above ground, Salisbridge once again features, the beautiful seaside town of Swanage, as well as a brief visit to a very chilly, and very deadly Antarctica.
The second book covers much more of the world, both above and below ground. Opening in Egypt, the focus once again remains on events in Salisbridge, but with action covering as far and wide as Antarctica, Perth, Australia, London, New York, Montreal, Chicago and New Zealand, and many other places in between.

What should we know about him?

A dragon in a human shaped body, Peter works at Cropptech’s head office in the fictional city of Salisbridge. Peter’s introduction sees him as part of the security team, but at different points in the story, he ends up as head of security, as well at some point, as losing his job entirely. The importance of him working at Cropptech is that they extract and procure rare minerals, in particular a rare metal the dragon community below ground value because of its unusual properties (something the humans aren’t aware of) ….laminium. His position there is more for the good of the dragon community, than that of the humans, but ultimately combines both roles to good effect.
Peter and I share a love of team sports, in particular hockey, appreciating its ability to help people bond with others, the sheer thrill of helping and/or being helped by a team mate and the fast paced action that you find yourself caught up in. When the moment catches up with Peter, he certainly has the potential to step up and be the dragon other dragons are. But with a lack of self confidence, and an all encompassing fear……….can he?

What is the main conflict? What messes up his life?

Suspicious changes above his position at Cropptech start to make his life, and the lives of those around him, intolerable. This leads to a deadly chase for the truth, with the valuable laminium at stake. A mysterious stranger, that only he can see as something other than he appears, cause rifts between friends, and set off a catastrophic chain of events that could not only affect him, but in fact the entire planet. As he struggles to put the pieces of the puzzle together, with and without his friends, he finds new allies in the strangest of places. A master mantra maker long forgotten, and more eccentric than the maddest of professors, provides invaluable help along the way, and more than a few laughs, along with an unknown dragon **SPOILERS** if I tell you anymore about him. From a desperate race to save the laminium in the first book, to a growing global threat from something long in the past, in the second.

Blackmail, intrigue, forbidden love interests, a near fatal mantra gone wrong, a highly charged rugby match in which Tank (one of Peter’s best friends) takes a beating, combined with enough laminium ball action to please dragons the world over, stretch the bonds of the dragons’ friendship like never before. New friends and ancient enemies clash as the planet braces itself for one of the most outrageous attacks it has ever seen. Lost secrets and untold lore come to light, while sinister forces attempt to steal much coveted magic.

Explosive exploits, interspersed with a chilly backdrop and unexpected danger at every turn, make for an action-packed, electrifying adventure.

What is his personal goal?

Peter’s personal goals are about being happy, fitting in, doing his job to the best of his abilities, and really just having an easy life. His recent introduction to hockey (field hockey) is almost an addiction to him…..that’s how happy it makes him to play and stand alongside his teammates and fight as one, not just on the pitch, but off it as well. From a social point of view the hockey has been a revelation to him, particularly given that both his best friends play different sports (lacrosse and rugby) at the same sports club, enabling him to hook up with them more often, and learn more about their sports and the effect it has on them, as well as making new human friends within the hockey team.
He’s known Richie, (one of his best friends, the other being Tank) ever since his first year in the nursery ring (dragon school) and deep down has harboured strong feelings for her ever since. But Richie’s wild, never one to play by the rules, and has had many dalliances with humans (something strictly forbidden) and something Peter just can’t understand her obsession with. Will he get together with her? Does she even want to? What about dragon and human relationships? Everything changes as the story progresses, with the three friends almost becoming addicted to everything it means to be human, despite their dragon DNA.

As a writer, father of two children and also a teaching assistant working in the education system [yes I used to be a TA], what is the best way to introduce children to books and creative writing at home and school so that the next generation of authors is developed?

Start young with an array of picture books, and get into the habit of reading at least every day, if not a few times a day. I’ve been lucky enough to be a stay at home dad and house husband as I was made redundant just after my elder daughter was born. I made sure we read at least once a day, even when they were still babies. Books that have different textures, colours and mirrors are fantastic at that age, and really speak to the child. As well, I found they tended to love the sound of a familiar voice reading the words. From there, it just carried on, well, even to this day. I don’t listen to my oldest read, but I know that she does every day, but I still try and listen to my youngest read. I know that she too reads at least once a day; it’s one of her favourite things to do. We often go book shopping, which they both love. I’m so proud of their reading skills. Both are graded much higher than their actual age when it comes to reading.
My experience at school has been wonderful when it comes to reading. Both schools I’ve worked in have had a very different and mixed array of books that are perfectly capable of capturing the children’s imagination. The one thing I would say, is that some of the very young children have never been read to by their parents, making it very difficult for them when they start school, and once they do, their parents never seem interested in listening to them read daily, which really seems to be a requirement. When that’s not done, it makes it so much harder not just on the child, who would develop much quicker by his/her parents listening to them for just 20 minutes a night, but on the school as well. So much time is then wasted by teaching assistants and teachers trying to catch those children up to the level of the others in the class, whose parents have taken the time to do just that. Parents should spend more time listening and helping their children to read. I honestly can’t understand why parents wouldn’t want to do this anyway, because it’s so rewarding.

Most of the literary classics are only available in print. Is there a danger that over the next few decades that these will become lost as we embrace the new technology and if so what should be doing to preserve them for the future?

I have to wonder how much the next generation will care about the classics with so many books available to them. Given that if you walk into a book shop, head to the children’s section, and take a look around, you would seem to be able to buy a book that covers pretty much any subject your imagination can dream up. In some ways it’s great. The choice is almost unimaginable. I so wish that it were like this when I was at school, as very little that I read there inspired me. I’m sure if I had all of these books filling my imagination, I would have got into writing, long, long ago. Will some of the books out now become the new classics? I guessing some probably will, in which case what will happen to the books we regard as classics? I suppose it’s impossible to tell. Will the next generation even see the much older books as classics? That’s the question that bothers me. If they don’t, then I suppose they could be lost forever. The world of books seems to have taken on the properties of a whirlwind. Where it will stop, or even slow down, who knows? Ebooks, reading on phones, tablets, computers: it’s all very different, and getting more so with each passing day. Small book stores seem to be very much a thing of the past. I remember many that I would visit on my travels as an engineer, but now as I sit and write this, I can barely think of a couple that I could visit in and around my area. In my humble opinion it won’t be long before the big high street books stores disappear, with virtually everything being done online. Book bloggers will be the next big thing, with people following their favourite, and buying books recommended by them. In some ways I’m fascinated to see where we’ll be in twenty years time. In others, it certainly is a worry, none more so than the classics that you’ve mentioned above. Clearly they’ll always be part of history, but how we promote and encourage people to read them with the vast choice that is already out there is quite beyond me.

Your dragons that you have created are not the traditional winged mythical monsters but take human form and live amongst us. Since you are a Star Wars fan do you believe that there might be other life forms out there in the universe and why?

With the dragons in my books living underground in their natural form, and above ground amongst the humans, guiding, nurturing and protecting with the aid of their magic, it will come as no surprise to you that I truly believe there are other life forms out there. What shape they’ll take, who knows. But only now do we seem to be discovering just how big the universe is. With so many galaxies, stars and planets, surely the odds favour life either as we know it, or not, inhabiting one of the billions of planets out there. It has to, and I hope it will be found in my lifetime. And if it’s anything like the world of Star Wars, so much the better. ( A ride in the Millennium Falcon for me please!)

The third book in The White Dragon Saga, A Twisted Prophecy is imminent and perhaps you could give us a summary of what to expect in this latest adventure and when it will be available?

A Twisted Prophecy continues on from where the second book in The White Dragon Saga, A Chilling Revelation left off. Chaos and turmoil shroud the planet after the devastating attacks that have left the world in pieces, and the dragon domain fearing their worst nightmare: global terrorism by an unknown force of magic users. Against this backdrop of fear, the friends’ relief at having Richie back from the jaws of death is quickly tempered when they discover the price she has paid, and exactly what she will have to forfeit. With the malevolent dragon Manson’s deadly scheme in full swing, events quickly turn from bad to worse. An army of nagas controlled by the threat to their king, help the evil dragon storm the kingdom, capturing Peter, Tank and Flash in the process. A fierce lacrosse match on the surface sparks the tiniest hope in a lost dragon. She in turn finds the unlikeliest of allies, risking not only their lives but the future of the planet, as she leads them into the mysterious dragon domain, deep below ground in what can only be described as the most unconventional rescue attempt in history. What they find there rocks their world, quite literally. Facing murder, mayhem and destruction on an almost industrial level, a chance encounter, or not as the case may be, guides them to the master mantra maker Gee Tee. With his help they set off to save two of their captured friends, from being tortured by a nursery ring comrade. An underground battle of epic proportions follows, with dragons falling all around. With one friend seemingly dead, and the other using his unique skill set to alter the course of the battle, the tide of action ebbs and flows, until Richie’s life comes under threat in a fate altering moment. With her life, and the planet in the balance, her friends must act. But can she be saved? And what about Tank, swinging lifelessly from a precarious metal monstrosity? And just how big is the naga army, and where on earth have they got to? Last but not least, who is this mysterious stranger clouded in history, familiar and yet distant from the dragon domain? What will her role be in the outcome of events?

With the success of movie franchises such as X-Men and Captain America that are comic book and superhero focused, do you have any plans to pitch The White Dragon Saga as a film project? If so who do you see playing the part of Peter Bentwhistle?

What author wouldn’t want their work turned into a film? Much as that would be one of my dreams, I do have reservations. While there are a handful of franchises that have turned out brilliantly on the silver screen, for the most part, fantasy books have not fared so well. The biggest example of this, and let down for me, I might add, is the Eragon movie from the series of books by Christopher Paolini, one of my favourite series of all time, and writing that I admire beyond belief. I think if I wrote for another hundred years, I still wouldn’t be able to capture detail in such clarity as Christopher Paolini does in his books. Anyhow, at some point I discovered there was an Eragon film, which must have passed me by when reading the books, so I duly found it and watched it. I have to say that it was the biggest let down film wise in my entire life. It barely resembled the book in any way, shape or form, and even with that taken out of the equation, and the film judged solely by its own performance, it was rubbish, and a really poor reflection of the wonderful series of books. Would I want something like that to happen to me? I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t, and so I would need much persuading to hand over the film rights. I would have to be one hundred percent certain that someone was going to do it justice. As for who would play Peter Bentwhistle. I think the majority of the cast would have to be unknowns, due to their youthful appearances in human form. Maybe a famous face for the master mantra maker Gee Tee, or Manson the deceitful dragon.

Apart from this current series what other projects have you planned for the future?

Currently I’m working on a short non-fiction work, of which I can’t tell you any more I’m afraid. As well as that, I’m writing a short story about one of the characters in my series, with a few to offering it free as an incentive to sign up to a monthly email newsletter. It will all centre around a name.

You have said that like most of us, you would love to make a living as a writer. There is lots of advice on the Internet and blogs that promise to help you sell books and reach a wider audience. What do you consider to be the three key elements needed to sell books in today’s market?

Your own social media presence (ie, Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest, etc), belief in your books, and luck.

What is your view on the necessity to have a social media presence to sell books?

In this day and age it’s a must, but you have to find the right balance between writing and social media. My time is always limited, given that I look after both my children (one of whom is very ill at the moment, having been diagnosed with a very rare condition), do all the housework, and then try and write. Social media is a must, and that therefore knocks the writing back to last place. If the lack of time prevents me from doing anything, it is the writing that suffers. Given that I am a writer, that all seems really wrong, but you have to be out there promoting your work, even if that means limited time writing, at least that’s how it is for me.

If you met an aspiring writer and wanted to give them the best advice you wish someone had given you… What would it be?

Three things really. One. As you start writing, build up a social media presence. Don’t wait until you’ve finished your first book, start straight away. Two. Get your work out there. Use Smashwords, Kindle, all the sites you can to get your book out to the public, even if that’s not your intention. Once it’s finished, unleash it in all its forms, even if you’re still sending it off to publishers and agents. Who knows how many great reviews you’ll get in the meantime? Three. I can’t take credit for this piece of advice, as I read it in a writing magazine many years ago, but at the time it really helped me out and I suppose shaped my books to some degree. Make your second chapter your first, and the first chapter your second. Think about it for a while, and it might start to make some degree of sense.

Now time for the central theme of the Sunday show, which at the moment is ‘A funny thing happened to me……’

(Here is the brief for this segment)

Unless we are housebound we are on the move. From local trips to the supermarket and other neighbourhood shops, business trips, weekend breaks and to exotic holidays many thousands of miles away.
I know that I have met extraordinary people while on my trips and have had some adventures which made the travelling or visit memorable. Many were very funny and certainly added that extra special element that ensured my holiday or journey stayed in my mind for ever.
Other times you find yourself talking to a person the other side of the world and discover that you have a connection that proves how small our world really is.
The choice is yours in this part of the interview and you may take as much space as you need to tell the story… Well about 500ish words or so anyway. You can also attach images to illustrate your story if you wish but please attach to the email rather than embed as I will need to adjust size and position once posted.

A funny thing happened to me on my travels at work. It would have been the winter of 1999. I’d just bought my first house, and was living happily in squalor with my beautiful girlfriend, who is now my adoring wife. At the time, I was working for Canon as a service engineer, fixing photocopiers, fax machines, printers. As per usual, instead of being any type of local to where I live in Salisbury, I had been sent miles away. But this time, it was somewhere different. Good in as much as it’s a change of scenery, bad because you don’t know the roads (a time before sat nav, in which you had to use……MAPS!) and of course the quickest way to all of your calls. On this particular day, I’d been sent to what I would regard as the outskirts of London, in and around Watford, Borehamwood and Hatfield. Typical ridiculously early start, and then flitting around places I didn’t know, trying to get office equipment working. Absolute madness. Three things from that morning stick out in my mind. One. It was a Friday. Two. It was pouring with rain. Three. I was having a really bad day, and fed up beyond belief, something that very rarely happened to me as a service engineer, because for the most part I used to really love the job. Anyhow, late morning I was given my next call, (some company I’d never heard of, in a place I’d never heard of, and didn’t know how to find), and duly drove off in the rain to find it. After many missed turnings, and more than a little cussing on my part, I arrived at the entrance to Elstree studios. The company, unbeknown to me, were located inside the studio itself. After much checking of my identification, and phone calls to Canon, I was given directions and duly set off to find the office I needed. As you can imagine, after all that I was deeply disappointed. But still I struggled on, windscreen wipers going like the clappers, my face almost pressed against the steamed up window; I trawled the tiny streets inside the studio, hunting desperately for my destination. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a group of six people stepped out onto a zebra crossing in front of me from building to building. I slammed on the brakes, only just managing to slide to a halt. One of the six turned to face me as he crossed, a scowl etched across his face, no doubt due to my lack of attention. It took me way longer than it should have done to realise exactly who had crossed in front of me…. none other than George Lucas himself, a hero of mine, and legendary creator of everything Star Wars. Suddenly my very worst day had been turned completely on its head, just because of a chance encounter with the great man. And despite my final call that day being at Hatfield hospital, and despite it taking me three hours to get home, and not arriving there until gone 9pm, I was still at that time grinning from ear to ear. I wonder if he ever thinks of that moment? I doubt it, but I know as an avid Star Wars fan, I certainly do, even now.

What/who got you started in wanting to be a writer?

Oddly it just happened. Sounds a bit crazy really, but one night, when my elder daughter was just a baby (she’s not far off 11 now) I had the single most realistic dream I’ve ever had. I didn’t remember it until the following day, but when I did, I swear it was just like watching a movie in my head…..so graphic, so intense, so…..mesmerising. Anyhow, I told my wife, who was gobsmacked to say the least. And so was what she said to me, “You have to write it, you just have to.” At the time I just laughed her idea off, bearing in mind that at the time I could only type with two fingers. But over a period of I suppose months, I kept getting more dreams, flashbacks into the story…….sometimes little details, sometimes insights into the characters, sometimes twists and turns to do with the plot. In the end I suppose looking back it was inevitable that I would write it. First I taught myself to type properly…..3 months, and then, well………..I began. At first I needed complete silence to be able to write, something there wasn’t a lot of bearing in mind I was taking care of one young child, with another on the way. But over time I’ve learned to filter it all out and can now write with the kids playing around me if I need to, but I still think I do work more efficiently in total silence. It has taken a long time, and I was surprised how hard and crucial the editing process was. But in the end it was most definitely worth it.

Who are your favorite authors today and who were your favorite authors when you were younger?

What would you be doing if you weren’t writing gripping dragon tales (pardon the pun!)?

Well, writing dragon tales is just one of two jobs I have on the go. The first is I look after my children. I’ve done this since they were both born, because I was made redundant from my job as a service engineer at exactly the same time. Both are now at school, but I drop them off, pick them up and look after them in the holidays. My eldest daughter has a rare neurological condition which means currently she doesn’t attend school on a full time basis, but she’s incredibly courageous and is working her way back to a full curriculum. As well as that, I try to do most of the housework, cooking, etc. My wife likes her job, works incredibly hard at it, and I think together we make a pretty good team…….in my mind, the basis of a good marriage, and a solid family base.

In The White Dragon Saga you write about dragons obtaining human form. How did you come up with that idea as it is not exactly common?

Most of it comes to me while I’m asleep in the form of dreams as I’ve previously mentioned. I think a lot of the influences are just based around my life…….all the crazy things that zip in and out of my head. I have a love of gaming, when I have time. I’ve played some online games in the past……..again, most have dragons and those kind of figures in them. As well, on occasion, the writing, or the words, who knows which one, just suddenly take over. It’s happened on a few occasions, I’ve sat down to start to write, and the words just flow out. You think half an hour’s passed, and you look up to see that it’s been nearly three, you’ve written three or four times what you’d hoped, and the story has either gone off at a tangent, or gone briefly in a different direction all together. As for dragons being able to take human form, I suppose originally it was all a twist on the ‘George and the Dragon’ story. I can remember being told the story as a child, and whenever I see a dragon, whether it’s a toy one, or in a game, or book, (there’s one made up of plants, about eight foot high in Salisbury city centre that I pass regularly that has his own twitter account) that’s what has always sprung to mind in the past. Turning the tale back on itself so that things weren’t quite one sided really appealed to me. So in my book, the real story of ‘George and the Dragon’ is recounted, from the dragon perspective. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

You put quite a lot of contact sports in your work. Were you or are you a hockey/lacrosse/rugby player?

Hockey plays a big part in the story, and the plot, and has probably been the biggest influence on my life. I started playing when I was eleven years old (old by today’s standards, but young back then). I’m hesitant to tell you how long ago that actually was. But through that sport I have met some of the most amazing people, most of whom I can count as friends, and had the best time on and off the field.
I feel that playing hockey has also taught me valuable life lessons. Playing a team sport shows you how to work as part of a team. How you can accomplish more together than on your own, how to pick people up around you, how to inspire and be inspired. These are valuable lessons that can be picked up from any team sport.
As for the lacrosse and rugby, one of my best friends was England ladies lacrosse captain for some time. I once had the honour to go and watch her play for England at the lacrosse world cup when it was based here. The pace and skill needed to play the game in general and particularly at that level astounded me at the time, and still amazes me to this very day when I think back. I should also mention that the person in question is an amazing hockey player, and I have played alongside her in a touring team many times. And she was always one of the best players. Choosing rugby wasn’t hard. I only ever played at school, but when I watch it on the television, I admire the strength, power, commitment and passion with which it is played. The players are all so professional, not least towards the referee, which is much the same in hockey and is as it should be. It wasn’t difficult to want to add it as a sport to my book. As for the hockey, I still play when I can, despite being more than a little long in the tooth, and I’m proud to say both of my children play. I help coach them every Sunday during the hockey season.

Why dragons? Out of all the mythical creatures why did you choose them?

I don’t think I chose them, I think they chose me.

In many novels, dragons are portrayed as killers who are either indifferent or hate humankind, but you make them into creatures who took a vow to protect them. Why did you stray from the norm in that aspect?

I’m not really sure it is the norm. In a lot of the books I’ve read, and I suppose my imagination, I always think of dragons as a friendly race. When you think of the Eragon series of books by Christopher Paolini, the dragons are a fabulous race, revered by all, and the most powerful of species. Terry Goodkind paints this kind of picture, albeit a little darker than the Eragon series. Other little pointers in this direction include the Harry Potter books and the television series Merlin. As for why it was this way with me, I think again I wanted a little twist on a story…..as you’ve mentioned mostly they are portrayed as killers, but twisting things round and making them protectors of human kind appeals to my sense of humour, as well I think for making a great and unusual story. As for how, and why, they are the protecting the humans……..you’ll have to wait for all to be revealed in the later books.

The dragon friends become “addicted” to their human lives and human sports. What is it, do you think, that draws us humans so much towards sports?

I think it’s probably the friendship. When you think of all the solo sports……….golf, tennis, squash, etc, playing in a team is very different. In some way it makes the achievements of all the golfers, tennis players all the more impressive. It’s their mental strength alone that sees them through. For me, playing in a team means friendship, camaraderie and all the banter that goes along with it. First and foremost it has to be fun, and if it’s fun, you’ll try harder, and therefore be better at it. But as well, when things aren’t going your way, you can turn around on a windswept rainy day, look at all of your soaking team mates and give that little bit extra, not for you, but for them. And how good is it to be able to give encouragement, put an arm around a shoulder and support one of your friends if they’ve made a mistake, and for them to do it to you if you’ve lost the ball. Aside from all of that, there’s the excitement of balls and sticks flying in everywhere during a hockey match, the physical contact and danger sending your adrenaline sky high. What’s not to like? Playing in a team is the best thing, and if you haven’t tried it, you really should. It could change your life just like it’s changed mine.

You created an entire world full of dragons. How hard was it to come up with the varying details or did it flow on the page as you wrote?

Your characters vary in personality and looks. Did you base them on anyone you know in “real life” or are they purely imaginary?

One of the characters you simply call “Old Man”. Was that intentional to throw off the reader to his true purpose in the novel?

Ahhhh…….yes, the ‘old man’. It was kind of to throw you off the scent, but you do discover who the ‘old man’ is, right at the end of the book, and I think it all fits into the plot seamlessly, and hopefully surprises as well as entertains.

The book is labeled as “Young Adult” but I find that a lot of your readers are over the age of 18. What do you think it is that gives it such crossover appeal?

I think it’s probably the humour. While I’m not sure you’ll need a surgeon to stitch up your sides, I do hope there’s enough of my warped sense of humour in there to make you smile occasionally as well as keep you entertained. I’d like to think that the twists and turns of the plot keep readers of all ages on the edge of their seats, not knowing which way things are going. Also, the dragons are leading young adult human lives, albeit in a very naive sort of way. I think pretty much most of us can relate to that at some time during our lives – perhaps that has something to do with it.

The story has a lot to do with DNA. Is science and/or biology of an interest to you?

Where possible I have tried to be factually accurate. For instance, in the opening chapter I had to work out the route dragons would fly from England to Antarctica underground. Not only did I have to work out which way they’d go, but at what speed they would fly, and how long it would take them. Never thought I’d be calculating how fast a dragon could fly. Then there’s the dragon transworld monorail network. How far it stretches, which cities it reaches out to, the routes, the stations. For the second book, ‘A Chilling Revelation’, I’ve had to study up on Antarctica, and part of Australia, to mention but a couple of things. A combination of fact and fiction. But I’ve learned an awful lot about science in the process of writing these books!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I’d really love to say earning a living from my writing. I don’t mean rich and famous, just earning a good enough living to look after my wife and kids comfortably, doing something I really love would be tremendous. If not that, then I’d like to be working with kids in some sort of environment. I love working as a teaching assistant. It is easily the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. Oh……….and living by the sea somewhere.

Can you please leave the readers with three things that may surprise them about you?

1. I don’t drink alcohol. That’s why my blog is called thesoberhockeyplayer……….it sums me up perfectly. I’m the only sober hockey player I’ve ever met….and I’ve met loads, on tours, playing alongside and against. It makes me unique and is something I’m very proud of. I’m not against people drinking by the way……it’s just not for me. As well, I think this is up there with my sense of humour as one of my best character traits.

2. I once got the words pottery, and hockey mixed up……………..and in that instant, it totally changed my life, forever.

3. I always endeavour to treat people how I would hope to be treated, but more than you would expect, find myself let down.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in Southampton, Hampshire, in 1968. As a small child I moved to Salisbury, and as a much older child (12) developed a fanatical interest in playing hockey – something I’m still obsessed with to this day, or so my elder daughter claims, as she’s dragged to hockey training on cold, winter Sunday mornings. A photocopier, fax and printer engineer up until a few years ago, redundancy allowed me the privilege of becoming a full time house husband, watching and shaping my two fantastic children as they progress in life. Married to a beautiful wife, I like nothing more than days out with her and the children. On the odd occasion that free time presents itself, I like playing hockey, taking computers apart (sometimes even putting them back together again, occasionally successfully) and of course, writing. Since the start of 2011, I have been working as a teaching assistant while my children are at school, a job I enjoy more than any I have ever had.

Give us a five word synopsis about your latest work.

Dragons, nagas, explosive, betrayal, adventure

When you’re finished with a piece, do you find that it tends to differ from your original idea, or does the original idea remain more or less intact?

I find the original idea remains more or less intact, but all the smaller, more detailed parts have been filled out, with some even added during the writing process. Sometimes the writing seems to go off at a tangent, as I get so caught up in getting the words out. I tend to look back on those parts, and most of the time include them. It mainly revolves around the main character’s thoughts or opinions, and since he’s loosely based on me (apart from the fact he’s a dragon in human form most of the time), I tend to keep those parts in – my thinking being that if he’s like me, he’ll think in pretty much the same way.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

I love the freedom that it gives you to use your imagination how you see fit. Just the thought of a blank page makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up on end. I see additions and amendments to my books in my dreams, and the words just have to come out. When they do, it feels so good. Sometimes it’s possible to lose yourself for hours, when you think only minutes have passed. Just the thought of someone reading your work and liking it makes it all feel very rewarding.

Worst thing?

Probably for me……….the marketing and promotion. Not that I don’t like doing it, just that it’s so time consuming. I look after my kids all the time…….when they’re not at school. After dropping them off, I go to a different school to work as a teaching assistant, and then when I finish there, I go and pick the kids up, do all the household chores, as well as most of the cooking. Fitting in the writing alone takes a massive effort from me, let alone all the time on promotion.

What writer’s blogs make your Top Three list? Why do they stand out above the other flobbity-jillion out there?

I love the Vandal by Derek Haines http://www.derekhaines.ch/vandal/ His no-nonsense approach, subject knowledge and sometimes tongue in cheek approach really appeal to me. I find Books.Blog.co.uk just great to have a browse through, with a view to checking out what other people are reading, picking up ideas and tips along the way. It also rekindles my love of books, and how I caught the reading bug myself. The Book Smugglers would be my next blog of choice, because I like all the things they feature, and find the way that they do it so appealing.

What is your writing-time beverage and snack of choice?

A pint of lime and soda, and an apple.

What changes do you see taking place in the publishing industry over the next couple of years?

More and more ebooks being sold, less in print. It already seems to be dying out…something that makes me sad, because I much prefer holding a printed book in my hands when reading. But it just seems to be the way of things. And if that’s going to happen, then the book shops will start to die out, even the great big chains in the high streets. I also think more and more people will scout around on places like Smashwords and Amazon for cheap or even free books to read, finding authors and selected genres that are ideal for them.

Who would win in a fight–a ninja-pirate robot or a zombie werewolf? Why?

The ninja-pirate robot would win, because its body would be made up of all sorts of exotic metals, making it virtually immune from most biological attacks. Being a ninja and a robot, it would be able to attack with speeds far greater than any living thing could even see, let alone stop or form a defence against. It would be able to slash its foes in the blink of an eye with its glistening deadly sword, while at the same time, unleashing its deadly comrade……the razor sharp beaked, ninja, robot parrot, whose sonic screech can render opponents unconscious from one hundred metres away. In the end, no contest.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’m not really sure. I suppose it all started about eight or nine years ago. One Friday night I had the most incredible dream about a story. It was like watching a high definition movie in my head. I didn’t remember it for almost 24 hours, but when I did I was blown away. I told my wife, and she said, “You have to write it all.” I just laughed at her, as I could only type with two fingers. But strangely I kept getting amendments to the story, in the shape of dreams. Not all the time, but often enough. Sometimes it would be some small detail, sometimes it would be an addition to the storyline, but it kept on happening. Eventually, not being able to get it all out of my head, I taught myself to type properly (two months of spare time that took) and then I started. I had it all planned out………..it would be ten chapters long, and each would be ten thousand words long. It didn’t take me long to realize how naive I’d been. The first chapter turned out to be about thirteen thousand words long, and the second to last was nearly twenty-two thousand words long. I suppose you only learn by doing these things, but looking back it seemed such a stupid thing to do.
The dreams still keep coming, so much so that recently I’ve written over forty thousand words for the third book, despite having not quite finished the second in the series. I’ve written over one hundred and seventy thousand words for that, and figure it’s going to be a touch over two hundred thousand words……nearly finished. If ever I get stumped about something related to my book, I make sure it’s the last thing I think of before I drop off to sleep, and nearly always I wake up with the answer. Sometimes I’m not sure whether it’s a blessing or a curse.

How long did it take you to write your book?

It took over three years from when I first started. At first I could only type and work in complete silence, something very rare in a small house with two kids, so things progressed slowly. But I suppose after many, many months I got to the point where I could block most of it out and write whenever. Also, because I was looking after my kids full time, actually finding the time to sit down and write proved very difficult.

What was your favorite part of the book to write? Why?

My favorite part to write was easily the second to last chapter……….’Fawking Hell!!!!!’ As you may have gathered from the chapter title, it has something to do with bonfire night. This whole chapter had been in my head for years before I started writing it, and given that it’s around twenty-two thousand words long, I absolutely whizzed through it. It was a pleasure to write, and the words just zipped out of my head and on to the screen. I could genuinely see every little detail of what happens. Twists and turns abound in that chapter, and it includes a graphic fight scene, which ends in a most unexpected way. It’s easily my favorite part of the book, and just thinking about it sends goose bumps down both of my arms.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

Currently I have three jobs. The first is I look after my children. I’ve done this since they were both born, because I was made redundant from my job as a service engineer at exactly the same time. Both are now at school, but I drop them off, pick them up and look after them in the holidays. While they’re at school, I work as a teaching assistant at another school. So I drop my kids off and then shoot off to work. As well as that, I try to do most of the housework, cooking, etc. My wife likes her job, works incredibly hard at it, and I think together we make a pretty good team.
So the writing unfortunately always seems to take a back seat to everything else. I sometimes get the chance to do an hour or so in the afternoon, but mostly the writing takes place in the evening. I always aim to do a thousand words a day……sometimes it’s possible, sometimes not, but that’s my aim. You’d be surprised how quickly that adds up in to quite a substantial amount. In the holidays it might be that I do more than that, but a lot of my free time, like most other authors seems to be spent trying to market my book in one form or another.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I suppose the fact that the story, and lots of the intricate details within it, all seem to come to me while I’m asleep. Sounds a bit odd I know, but that’s the way it happens. Whether it’s the title of a chapter that I’ve struggled to come up with, part of the plot development, or just being able to describe something that happens properly, I find eventually it will show itself to me while I’m asleep. As I read this now, it does look a bit odd…………but honestly, that’s what happens. I’m not a NUTTER…………………….HONEST!

How did you choose this particular writing genre?

As I’ve previously mentioned, the whole story and the follow ups all show themselves to me while I’m asleep. But I’m guessing the whole story is part of everything that makes me who I am. Hockey plays a big part in the story, and the plot, and has probably been the biggest influence on my life. I started playing when I was eleven years old (old by today’s standards, but young back then). I’m hesitant to tell you how long ago that actually was. But through that sport I have met some of the most amazing people, most of whom I can count as friends, and had the best time on and off the field. I still play when I can, despite being more than a little long in the tooth, and I’m proud to say both of my children play. I help coach them every Sunday during the hockey season.
As well as the hockey, I suppose the other influences come in the form of the books that I read, and the computer games that I play. I love the Harry Potter books, I’m a great fan of the Star Wars Expanded Universe and love the books of Terry Goodkind. But my favorite author in the whole world has to be Terry Pratchett. His books are fantastic and I’ve been an avid reader of them for as long as I can remember. The worlds and the characters he creates are amazing and can easily be pictured in your mind. The twists and turns are something akin to a whirlwind, but most of all it’s the humor that I find most compelling. I can name three or four books that have made me cry with laughter at what’s been written, and just thinking about one book, The Fifth Elephant, is making me laugh as I write this. All of these things zip through my tiny little mind, and in so doing are responsible for everything that fills the pages of my book. If you want to know all about me as a person……..read my book.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Not very often. When I wrote my first book, I found that even though I knew the ending in great detail……….I had to write the book in the order that it read. I did get writer’s block a couple of times I think, but only for a day or two. Now if that happens, I just move on and write another part of the story. It might be something further ahead in the second book, or even as I’ve explained previously, something from another book, much further ahead in the story.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family thinks it’s cool. As well, if not for their support, I’d never have completed it. My wife is the best proof reader and editor in the world. I can’t tell you the number of times she read the book when it was supposedly complete. Without her, it would have been a mess, and not worthy of putting out into the public domain. As it is though, I think the whole Cude family are proud of what has been achieved. My eldest daughter has read it and really likes it, and although she’s a great reader, she is only ten and I think it’s right at the threshold of what she can understand. My youngest daughter, again a great reader, is really proud of her signed copy, but at seven years old, she’s a couple of years away from being able to read it.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

I think: how much I actually enjoy writing. When I started, I’d have never thought that I would enjoy getting the words out of my head and on to the page so much. At times, and it’s not often, the words just seem to flow. I’ve sat down and started writing, looked up and thought I’d written a few hundred words in perhaps twenty or so minutes, only to find that a couple of hours have passed and I’ve written many thousands of words. You just get so caught up and engrossed in what you’re writing about………it’s quite surprising, in a good way of course. I just wish I could write like that all the time.

Have you written any other books?

Currently I’m writing the follow up to this one. It’s called A Chilling Revelation. It features the same character as in the first one, as well as some new ones that I have to say are quite compelling to read and write about. As it stands, it’s considerably longer than this book, which in itself is just over 155, 000 words. I would estimate that this one will be a touch over 200,000 words. I’ve enjoyed writing it, and think that I’ve improved as a writer in the way I transfer what I see in my head, down on to the page. As well, I have recently written part of what will be the third book in the series. That I have to say was a blast, as the part I was writing is a massive battle featuring an all star cast of characters.

What do you think makes a good story?

For me a story has to have great characters, twists and turns galore that are hard to predict, and something that evokes emotional responses, whether sadness or laughter. I must say I do like a lot of great humor, as in Terry Pratchett’s books, but one of the things I like the best about them is the word play. I’d love to meet him and get a little insight into how his mind works.

Do you think most authors understand the importance of marketing their own work?

To be honest, I’m not sure they do. I know that I didn’t when I started. I remember finishing the last few sentences and sitting back thinking…………”Yippee……..I’m all done. Can’t wait for the phone calls from around the world to coming in with offers of fame and riches.” Again………..how naive. You have to have a strategy, and you have to work hard at it, pretty much like anything. As well, I think it’s possible to change strategies and take a different tack with things. If one thing doesn’t work, try something else. With all the authors out there, I think you have to try and think a little differently, in the way you try and appeal to your reading audience.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing I like to either spend time with my wife and children, or play hockey. A day at the beach down in Swanage followed by a meal out on the way back sounds perfect. Or a game of hockey with my friends at Salisbury hockey club would be great. Currently I’m lucky enough to play every other Saturday in some friendly mixed games…..absolutely fantastic.

Who would you say has been a major influence in your life? (Writing or otherwise)

Roy Polkinghorne: a teacher at my middle school who taught me to play hockey and introduced me to hockey at club level. It changed my life for the better and I’ve never looked back since.
My wife and children need a mention here. My wife is the kindest, loveliest and most caring person I’ve ever met. Without her my life would have no meaning. And my children are just the best. They’re good mannered, kind, caring and considerate. I know that they spur me on to things that otherwise I wouldn’t be able to do. Together they make me happier than I ever dreamed I could be.

Do you ever use friends, family members or acquaintances as character models?

Oh yes! The main character, Peter Bentwhistle, is loosely based around me. The lacrosse playing dragon called Richie Rump is based on one of my best friends who was captain of the England lacrosse team and is also a fantastic hockey player. A dragon shopkeeper who sells the best mantras in the world shares the same name with one of my best friends. An important human businessman who is duped, is also named for one of my best friends. Other more minor references feature other friends and acquaintances.

How do you deal with criticism?

Ultimately there are only three people’s opinion that matter to me……that of my wife and two children. That said, I always try and listen to constructive criticism and take something positive from it to try and move forward. But criticism just for the sake of it………….doesn’t bother me at all.

How much time did you spend researching information for your book?

Ahhh……….tricky. Most of it I have to say comes from my somewhat twisted imagination. But where possible I have tried to be factually accurate. For instance, in the opening chapter I had to work out the route dragons would fly from England to Antarctica underground. Not only did I have to work out which way they’d go, but at what speed they would fly, and how long it would take them. Never thought I’d be calculating how fast a dragon could fly. Then there’s the dragon transworld monorail network. How far it stretches, which cities it reaches out to, the routes, the stations. A combination of fact and fiction.

Do you have a blog? If yes, do you think it’s been a helpful marketing tool?

Yes I do, at www.thesoberhockeyplayer.co.uk. I was a little skeptical at first as to exactly what I would write, and as to whether I could find the time to add things on a regular basis. But it didn’t take long for it to become very enjoyable. I love writing about the different hockey experiences I’ve had, the players I’ve met, tours I’ve been on, etc. Adding the author interviews has been fascinating. It’s great to see what other authors are up to, as well as gaining the satisfaction from helping others in a similar position to me, promote their hard work. It also acts as a great way to get something off your chest. It can feel very liberating to write something and then just send it off into the ether. So all in all it’s been very useful and I can definitely see a correlation between the visits to the site and those that have either bought or downloaded my book.

Has any book (or movie) influenced your life?

I suppose I have to say the Star Wars movies. At the time when the first one came out I was eight, and I can remember my grandfather taking me to the cinema to watch it. I’m pretty sure we both sat there in awe at what we were seeing. I’d never seen anything like it, and I’m pretty sure he hadn’t either. It was a fantastic experience and something that I became hooked on………..I was just about to say for a very long time, but I’m still hooked on it today, with the books, and my children buy the toys, so I get to help them and see them play with the Star Wars lego and action figures. At the school I used to work at, the very end of the week the kids would be able to choose what they could do for an hour. I’d have at least half a dozen of them pestering me to build lego space ships, in the Star Wars style, for them to play with. I loved every minute of it. I’m just a big kid at heart.

Who are some of your favorite authors? Why?

When in my late teens, I mistakenly ordered a Tom Clancy book…..Debt of Honour. I was too lazy to return it, so it sat on my bedside table for weeks. Until one evening I picked it up and started to read it. Many hours later I put it down, only because I needed a few hours sleep before I went to work. I was hooked. After finishing that, I went out and bought all the other Tom Clancy books I could find. It was also about that time that the Star Wars expanded universe books started to appear. I caught sight of the first one while working in a book shop in my role of service engineer. I can remember it clearly. Star Wars Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn. It had a striking blue cover with some of the Star Wars characters on it, and I had to buy it there and then, in the middle of doing my job, much to the amusement of the owner of the bookshop. My love of the expanded universe has continued ever since, and as soon as the next book comes out…………..I have to have it.
It seems my love of books goes in phases. If I have nothing to read, I wander around a bookshop until I find something I like the look of and then read it. If I get hooked, I go back and find other books by that author. Examples of this for me are Terry Goodkind and Christopher Paolini…………I love all of those books. The detail, the plot……the characters….are just all amazing. I can only dream of writing as well as they do. Other authors I’ve found and loved this way include Robin Hobb, J.V. Jones, David Gemmell and Trudi Canavan to name but a few. I love the way they use their imaginations and the worlds that they create on the pages of the book. They’re all very easy to visualize.
As well as those already mentioned, I enjoy reading the Harry Potter books. I like the films, but getting lost in any one of those books is a fantastic experience. And I enjoy the books of Dan Brown, and only this morning when I took my children on the weekly shop, I bought his latest book Inferno. Already thinking about when I can find the time to read it.
As mentioned previously though, my favorite author of all is the wonderful Terry Pratchett. If you haven’t read one of his books you really should. While I love pretty much all the books he’s written, the ones about the guards of Ankh-Morpork, Captain Carrot, Sam Vimes, Corporal Nobbs, Angua and of course the Lord Vetinari are easily my favorites. The characters themselves are described in magnificent detail, all with their own funny little ways. The plots twist and turn like a raging river, and the humor……….well, let’s just say that is exactly on my wavelength. I’ve cried with laughter on many occasions reading some of Terry Pratchett’s books, and I can’t recall doing that for any other author I’ve read. If you’re a reading fan, you really must try one of his books.

What would be your best word of advice to aspiring writers/book authors?

To write about something you feel passionate about. All the things in my book are the things that swim around my head, day in, day out. Hockey, friends, dragons, and some of my views on life in general. They’re all there, and rolled up into one, hopefully great, story in my book. Write about something you love; you’ll find it easier and more rewarding.
One last thing on this question. I do seem to be waffling on a bit…..sorry! I once read a writing magazine, and in it was a piece of advice that has proved for me to be quite useful. In it, a writer…..sorry can’t remember who, said that the best advice he could give to anyone starting to write a book was to start your book on chapter two. Sounds a little bizarre, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. And that’s exactly what I did. I swapped what was originally going to be chapter one, for chapter two, and I think my book is so much better for it.

Have you always had an active imagination? Has it helped you write your book?

I’ve had an active imagination for as long as I can remember. I recall playing with lego, Star Wars figures, model planes and cars when I was a kid and inventing all sorts of scenarios around the toys. Action man was another favorite. Those were some of the happiest times of my childhood, engrossed in imaginary worlds. When I got a little older I can remember starting to read comics. I think my imagination really kicked off then. I can remember writing stories and copying some of the pictures from the comics to go with it. I think for a time I really had a passion for the drawing, the scripts and the stories. But alas, just at that time, I found the thing that would change my life forever…………..hockey! So all of that faded into the distance, for the love of my sport. But I don’t think I’ve ever really lost my imagination. Writing my book has bought it to the fore, and that wouldn’t have been possible without an active imagination. Sometimes I sit and watch my kids from a distance, and see the wonderful worlds they invent, with their lego, action figures, soft toys, etc…..and it makes me so proud when they do all that.

Quite often, people think writing for children is easier than writing for adults. Although your book appeals to both children and adults, what do you think about this belief?

I’m not really sure it’s easier. I suppose it depends on the skill set that you have. I love the Eragon books by Christopher Paolini. The detail in them is stunning in every way. I’d truly love to be able to write like that. But I think even if I continued to write for the next hundred years, I still wouldn’t be able to match the intricacies and the descriptiveness in those books. For me, I work as hard as I can to put what I see in my head, down on to the page. I know that my writing has improved immensely since I started, because I can see that in all of the second book that I’ve written. But I think I have my own style, a style that suits the genre that I’m writing for. It might not be as intricate as the more adult fantasy writers, but I know that kids and grownups alike can enjoy a great plot, some twisted humor and likeable characters, in a world where dragons live all around us.

Your novels deal with human social issues through a “dragon-like” perspective. Can we know a little more about the kind of issues that will be addressed?

Bullying is one of the main issues. Peter Bentwhistle, the main character has been bullied during his time in the nursery ring (a school where dragons spend the first fifty years of their lives) and we get an insight into just how much that affected him, and just how it impacts on his life today and how he chooses to deal with it. Needless to say, his friends play a big part in all of this. As well, fitting in is a major theme throughout the books. It sounds odd when you think of dragons, disguised as humans, having trouble fitting in, but it’s more than that. They have vast amounts of training to fall back on, but still suffer the same problems that everyday humans face, and still have the same worries and insecurities that any normal member of our society would have. Greed and criminality feature, showing up deep within the dragon world below ground, somewhere supposedly free from these kind of issues, highlighting the fact that the dragons and humans are not so different after all, despite what the prehistoric creatures think.

I noticed that the characters on the cover are each holding a type of sports equipment; will sports be playing a role in the lives of these characters?

Peter and his two best friends all partake in human team sports. Richie Rump the superstar lacrosse player introduced Peter to playing field hockey, and Tank to playing rugby. Unfathomable to almost every other dragon on the planet, both Tank and Peter soon come to appreciate everything there is to love about playing in a team, something that strengthens the bonds of their friendship even further, if that is at all possible, as well as providing inspiration for some of the unusual and life threatening situations they find themselves in.

Fire-breathing beasts. Protectors of the human race. Why dragons? Was there ever a time where another type of mythical creature roamed through the pages of your story?

For me, it always seems to have been dragons. I’m not sure if it’s because of their power and magnificence, or because they are instantly recognisable, but always dragons. That’s not to say I don’t have a love of all things mythical. Nagas feature heavily from book two onwards, with book four (my current work in progress) feature a whole host of unusual and bizarre creatures, going on a complete and utter rampage in exacting detail. Nifoloa, Skrikers, Camaheutos, Echeneis, Gaki, Pixiu, Asena, Conaima, Myrmecoleon, Asag and Ra-hoon just to name a few. Anger knows no bounds when it comes to scorned magical creatures that quickly come to the realisation that not only have they been trapped, but completely and utterly fooled for a very long time. Revenge is certainly on the cards. More than that, I just couldn’t say.

What was your favourite part about writing your novels?

I suppose for me it was the last two chapters of the first book. From writing the very first words, I always knew in exacting detail just what would happen in those last two chapters. And whether it was because it was the first time I’d written a book, or just my naivety, I had to write it all in order. So there was no going ahead and writing something, and then coming back to a part I’d got stuck on. That’s the only time I’ve done that. But it was a total and utter relief to suddenly reach the point where those two chapters began, and the words just came flowing out of my like a dam that had unexpectedly been breached. When you think that the second from last chapter is over twenty thousand words long….it took me very little time to write that. A few days at most. I remember feeling very satisfied once all of the words had found themselves onto the pages.

Apart from The White Dragon Saga, do you have any other stories you plan on writing one day?

I do and they’re something far removed from the YA fantasy genre that I love so much. Stand alone books with just a hint of a connection, that although fiction, are based very much on real life events. Whether I’ll get round to writing them is something else entirely. Perhaps something to keep me busy in old age. e

A Little More

Some of the Interview questions I’ve been asked over the years, in no particular order.

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