Q. Where were you born and where do you live at the moment?
I was born is a small village in Buckinghamshire, in a small two up two down cottage, opposite a pub. Now I live in Bedfordshire, after living for most of my life in Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire.
Q. Have you always lived and worked in Britain or are you based elsewhere at the moment?
I have always lived in the UK, though in my mind’s eye I’ve wandered around a bit.
Q. Which is your favourite part of Britain?
The West Country, particularly Exmoor. Love the scenery, the walks and the peace. Also have a fondness for the west coast of Scotland….and the west coast of Ireland.(not exactly Britain, but near by)
Q. Have you ‘highlighted’ or ‘showcased’ any particular part of Britain in your books? For example, a town or city; a county, a monument or some well-known place or event?
As my book is fantasy I haven’t showcased any City, although Gornstock has a remarkable similarity to London………..!
Q. There is an illusion – or myth if you wish – about British people that I would like you to discuss. Many see the ‘Brits’ as ‘stiff upper lip’. Is that correct?
If you mean by ‘stiff upper lip’ as being resourceful in adversity, the ability to pull together in difficult times, and application of the Great British sense of humour, then yes, it’s still there. However, the class thing…..Well, in my working life as a paramedic I once asked a nob what I should call him, and he said Sir. I replied that ‘that was a strange christian name to be given, my name by the way is Clive, but you can call me Mister.’ It didn’t go down well….but he learnt pretty quickly that I was the one who could relieve his pain….if I wanted to….
Q. Do any of the characters in your books carry the ‘stiff upper lip’? Or are they all ‘British Bulldog’ and unique in their own way?
My characters have a bit of everything in them, but most of all they are vulnerable. Even though I write in a fantasy world, they are in essence brits, with all the faults and foibles associated with us.
Q. Tell us about one of your recent books
Banker’s Draft is my first published book, a fantasy detective story based in a world not dissimilar from our own, albeit without modern technology. I was planning to write an historical detective story, but sort of got sidetracked. The M.P’s expenses scandal hit the headlines and I wanted to highlight their, and of course the bankers, greed and ineptitude.
Q. What are you currently working on?
The second Gornstock novel, with the working title of Gornstock, the return. The name for the book will become apparent as I write it, but it will feature many of the characters you have already met.
Q. How do you spend your leisure time?
Family, sport, pub…..nuff said?
Q. Do you write for a local audience or a global audience?
I write what I would like to read, and I hope that the audience, wherever and whoever, will share my likes. Irony and cynicism are the glue that seems to join it all together though, but I hope that my writing will appeal to anyone with a quirky black sense of humour.
Q. Can you provide links to your work?
