The internet is stranger than a fantasy novel. I’ve been working hard to publicise the release of Second Sight, digging under the surface of fantasy book review sites, turning over fantasy/sci-fi blogs to see what’s underneath, blinking into the bright lights of international obscurity on YouTube. I remember a pizza with mushrooms, I remember a glass of red wine … I woke up today, and found that I had been interviewed… by Toad.
TOAD: When did you know you had it in you to be a writer?
Many, many years ago, I wrote a letter to Richard Bach, praising his work but also insisting that his ideas seemed to come from my head. He wrote back, full of wise understanding, telling me that only I could write the stories I needed to write to my people and my time.
TOAD: What’s the most difficult aspect of your craft?
Not owning that villa overlooking the sea with all those minions and endless celebrations in champagne-Jacuzzis. If I worked at any other profession for this long I’d have earned all that, by now. They tell us we get royalties, so if it’s any consolation to aspiring writers, it’s a noble profession. No really, I’m not that shallow, I’m happy with my cosy life. What’s really hard, with writing, is holding on to the singular vision of your story world, as the demands of the real world try to intrude. Hold on, I’ve got to go make a cup of coffee…
Read the full interview in Toad’s corner >
