Where have you spent most of your childhood?
I spent most of my childhood in the outer part of East London, where I live to this day. I'm not a Cockney or an 'Eastender' but the people of that area have strong cultural ties to it.
Do you remember the first book you picked up to read? What was it about?
I've been reading since primary school and so can't remember the first book per se. I do remember my primary school library and a book on the Soviet Union (somewhat out of date by that point) that sparked an interest in all things Russian that remains to this day. I can even speak a bit of the language.
What challenges did you face while publishing your first novella?
The problems faced with any first-time author - actually getting someone to publish the thing in the first place. The fact that I was writing an uncommon format (a novella) in a relatively uncommon genre (science fiction) meant I had a smaller selection of potential publishers/agents. Many of whom get huge numbers of submissions in general, so you need to keep trying and eventually you will succeed.
What sparked the idea for your book, MURDER PLANET?
The main inspiration is the classic British science fiction series Blake's 7, which involves a rebel against an authoritarian regime being convicted of child sex offences and sent to a penal planet. There's a number of differences between that and Murder Planet though.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
Avoiding excessive waffle, checking your work, getting someone else to check your work (because you will miss stuff) and having a coherent overall world.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
It will take you around 20 years to get published.
What is the best age to write your first book?
There isn't one. You write it when you're ready - and it may take multiple goes to actually write the one you get published.
When are you most satisfied with a book or piece of writing? Do you often edit things OUT of your books?
When I come back to an old piece of writing and find myself thinking "wow, that's good work". I do often edit things out during the drafting process; for example, if a scene is tonally wrong or has arguably gone too far. You need to ultimately feel comfortable with your own work.
Are you a paper note taker? What is the best thing about writing ideas down on a paper?
Most definitely! I have multiple folders of notes, drawings and various printouts that I extensively add to when I am watching TV, for example. In fact, I am currently scanning my old notes onto my computer so I can recycle the paper. I also have drawings of my main starship stuck to a cupboard door so I can refer to them at any time and keep a notebook with me when on the train in case I get ideas.
What kind of cultural value do you think reading and writing have/brings?
I'd need a full dissertation to cover that totally, but I'd definitely say that it has helped keep cultures and languages alive. For example, many countries in Eastern and Central Europe had strong literary traditions during their days under the rule of the Russian Empire that meant they were able to avoid having their languages disappear under a policy of Russification - and it kept the nationalist sentiment alive.
What books are you writing currently, or plan to write in the future?
I have a sequel to Murder Planet due for publication this year entitled Generation Ship, which involves the crew of Tulyar finding a long-lost vessel from 21st century Earth. The third book is currently being written and I have ideas for several other works; both in the current series as well as outside.
How has your experience working with AllAuthor been?
Finding it a very useful service; your Tweets in particular. Raising awareness of your book even existing is rather hard when you're a first-time author, so your work is much appreciated.
