Which is your most cherished childhood memory?
Growing up by the sea at St Andrews.
What made you feel drawn to bigger things?
I have never felt drawn to bigger things. In fact, I distrust bigger things.
At what age did you develop your passion for words?
Early secondary school, age 12/13. I wrote occasional verse which went down well with my classmates and our excellent teacher, Mr Rathie.
In what ways do you think a traditional Bachelor's degree education in English and Creative Writing helps in the writing career?
I have an M.A. in English Language and Literature, but it did not involve creative writing. I am unsure that such qualifications have any effect on a writing career other than meeting contacts who might prove useful. Shakespeare had no such qualification and turned out reasonably well.
Do your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?
When I was young, I published quite a few poems in a conventional manner. Then my work took over for a long time and I turned to fiction relatively late. By that time I reasoned that I might pop my clogs at any moment and couldn’t risk taking a couple of years out trying, and possibly failing, to get an agent. So of the four novels I’ve published, three have been self-published. The fourth was taken up by a small press with no agent being involved.
How was your experience in writing the book, Time To Talk?
I enjoyed it, and not just the writing. I enjoy editing as well.
What are the things you keep in mind while creating the woman characters of your stories to ensure they have an edge over the others?
Nothing conscious, but there have been more women in my life than men and that will have had an effect. Foremost among these women was my wife.
How did you begin writing "The Ears of a Cat"?
I can no longer remember, but looking round the world as it is today I can’t help being visited by negative thoughts, and this book enabled me to express them. In many ways it is a satire on modern society and also on aspects myself. That said, some months ago I felt a need to revise it, a process which is nearly complete. As of now, few first-hand copies will be available.
Which writing moment do you remember that gave you the best experience?
I remember no such moment.
What are the tips while making bubble gum?
Don’t do it! In the main room where we worked it was so hot our sweat dropped onto the trays where we cut it prior to moving it to the extruding room. And the mixture of saccharine and sugar we used attracted wasps, which also found their way into the finished product. So if you want a mouthful of rubber, sweat and wasps then bubble gum is for you.
What developed your interest in folk music?
I used to play the fiddle, but in truth the music I prefer is classical instrumental music.
Do you often play the flute?
Yes. So did Schopenhauer, but there the comparison ends.
What time of the day is your favorite time to write?
I don’t have one. When the mood takes me.
What books are you writing currently, or plan to write in the future?
I intend to write no more books.
How long have you been associated with AllAuthor? How has your experience been?
Seven months, maybe. My experience has been good, though I would say I have not fully exploited what it has to offer.
