Today
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Some writing answers
Here are some questions I've been asked lately.
What inspires me to write?
Everything and anything I suppose. Reader's especially inspire me, because the feedback they give, make writing such a joy. If I know someone has been so inspired by what I've talked about, and really enjoyed my work... and if it makes them want to read and write more - that's inspiration enough.
What do I write about?
Whatever comes into my head at any given moment. I was in Nottingham a while ago and the city is full of trams. I knew, there and then that I wanted to write about a sinister tram journey.
My washing machine gave me the idea for Crank Tech One (on a full spin cycle it would vibrate out of its slot) and I thought what if it continued to run - even after the wire and pipe broke off - it would trash the kitchen, and wreck the living room - smash its way down the street, crashing into cars and lorries. So, I turned my washing machine into a robot (in my head of course).
At the moment I've two or three projects on the go. If something unusual happens during my day - I'll find a way to write a story about it. I may take an everyday thing, or something strange, and twist it into an exciting story.
How did I become a writer?
Quite by accident really. I've always written stories since a child. When I got older, an English Primary teacher who used to proof-read and edit my stories (because they have to be perfect to send to publishers) called my wife and I into school one day for a parent/teacher meeting.
My youngest son Ryan, was falling behind in his English - he was nine. She said he wasn't reading enough (you have to read plenty of books for your writing and english marks to improve). I said what can I do to help him read more? She said, write him a book, he loves wizards. So, Wizards' Kingdom was born. All I did was write ten short stories, and linked the character's and plot - turning the stories into chapters.
How long does it take me to write a book?
The time it takes to write a book depends on many things. All authors are different. It'll probably take me about six months to write a novel of about sixty-thousand words. It has taken some authors ten years to write one novel. Stephen King for instance can write three or four books in a year. I try to write a thousand words a day, but it doesn't always happen.
I hope these answers give you some idea about me as a writer?