Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi everyone! I am the author of the Cracklock Saga. I live in the East Midlands, right in the center of the UK, and when I’m not writing or working, I’m with the family or walking the dog in the local woodlands seeking those ever-elusive Fae. Or sitting, pint in hand with the good friends I grew up with. Some of them are hidden in the books themselves; quite a few characters are based on the people I know and love. All the books are set in our world but with an overlap with the world of the Faery, plus a few other worlds thrown in. I have published six books, with the seventh due to be released at the end of February 2024. This will be book 5 of the series, and the penultimate book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is "Dorcas"; a standalone from the Cracklock Saga. This book was not intended to be written when it was. It was one for the future. I was working on Book 5 of the Cracklock Saga, ‘The Coins O’ the Realms,’ when Dorcas started in on me. I kind of knew what had happened to her before she joined the Cracklock family, but it was almost like she wanted me to tell her story. Ideas were exploding like damned fireworks (which I hate; the dog is petrified of them), and I tried to ignore them. I really did. I wasn’t ready for her tale to be told; I had a series to finish. But that quiet, oh-so-familiar voice just wouldn’t let up. It clouded what I wanted to do in Book 5. So one Saturday morning, I thought, what the hell, and I started it. And finished it five months later, which is a record for me. I hope that I did her proud.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a hobby writer, so squeezing in a writing session early morning before 'real life' starts I suppose is not that unusual. Also, I cannot have any distractions whilst I'm writing - no musing, social media etc; I am too easily distracted!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a lifelong Stephen King fan, and the richness of his worldbuilding and descriptions are fantastic; I try to emulate these. I love the late Sir Terry Pratchett’s stuff (who doesn’t); I was hooked after I read “Mort” all those years ago. And for Zompoc (my guilty pleasure) you can’t beat either Christopher Artinian or Damien Lee. Both UK zompoc writers and brilliant at what they do.
What are you working on now?
I am finishing up the edits on Book 5 of my series, 'The Coins o' the Realms'. I have also started my book 6, currently untitled, which will finish up this series before I move onto the next one.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am most active on the Cracklock Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TheCracklockSaga . The website is also another good source of information on the Cracklock world. http://www.thecracklocksaga.com
Which Websites you like most to promote your book
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t worry so much about your story! Every writer in the world was once not a writer. The difference is that they had the guts to write that first sentence. I have met a lot of great authors on my writing journey and every single last one of them always has doubts about their scribbles. Everyone thinks their work is 'trash'. Everyone. But don't stop. Fix the bits you don't like, and have another look. You'll think 'Yeah, this is alright.' Get a second opinion of someone you trust. If they like it, you're onto something. Don't worry about what comes after the story; that's for later. Many people would like to be a writer, but only a few take up the challenge. Make sure you’re one of them. You’ll get there. If I can do it, then so can you!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
"If you don't have a go, you'll never know." I have always written short stories (never published them, too shy!) for pleasure; it just feels good to sit and type sometimes. But it was in 2019 really when I seriously started to wonder if I had a novel in me. I beta read for a number of authors, and wondered if I could actually do it. One of my author friends listened sympathetically and then told me to get on with it; there was no reason not to with those immortal lines above. So in May I finally started, and realized that I had no idea what I was doing! My first book was 210K long, and eventually became Books 1 and 2 of the series.
What are you reading now?
Lee Child - The Secret. One of my guilty pleasures....
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publish book 5 of my series at the end of February, and get the final book, Book 6 out by the end of 2024. Then its more of the spin-off books, plus my new series featuring Tobias - he hunts dark Fae.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. It by Stephen King. 2. The Secret History by Donna Tartt 3. Angry White Pyjamas by Robert Twigger 4. Out of the Pit - Steve Jackson / Ian Livingstone