Francis : Where were you born/where did you grow up, did you have an easy childhood?
I was born and grew up in rural West Wales. It was a generally happy childhood.
Francis : Give some background information about yourself, are you generally an optimistic person or pessimistic?
I try to stay positive, although it’s not always easy in todays world.
Francis: Tell us your latest news, what are your current projects?
I’m surprised and gratified that my debut novel: White is the coldest colour, has become an amazon.co.uk # 1 best seller. I’m currently working on a second book, which is a sequel.
Francis:When and why did you begin writing? How does your present day work compare to what you wrote then?
I wrote a multi agency good practice child protection manual, and articles relating to child protection for news-papers and a national social work magazine during my career, but White is my first novel.
Francis : What genre do you consider books to be? Have you ever thought of writing in another genre, for example if you wrote a Children’s book, how would it turn out?
I write dark psychological suspense thrillers. I can’t envisage writing anything else.
Francis: Have you ever been flattered by a comparison to a well-known author or by a review?
I’ve had some wonderful reviews, although White is not a book for everybody. It addresses difficult issues, and contains material that some readers will find distressing from the start.
Francis: What inspired you to write your first book?
I guess, given my child protection career, White is the coldest colour, was the book I had to write.
Francis : Do you have a trademark writing style, what makes your work recognizable?
I have developed a recognizable style that the majority of readers seem to appreciate.
Francis : Do you write short stories? If so how do they differ to your novels?
No.
Francis: How did you come up with the titles of your books?
Coming up with a title I liked was harder than writing the book! I think titles really matter. It was a case of rejecting numerous ideas, and finally coming up with White when listening to favourite Album.
Francis: Are there any messages in your novels, if so what?
Primarily the book is intended as an entertaining psychological thriller, although it will, I hope, serve an educative purpose. If the book communicates just how manipulative and devious sexual predators/criminals have the potential to be, I will have achieved something worthwhile.
Francis: How much of your books are based on reality, how much are based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
The book draws heavily on my experiences as a police officer, child protection social worker and manager.
Francis : What books have most influenced your life the most? Are some of these books, different to your own genre of writing?
Like most people I have favourite books.One that stands out is: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s an incredibly positive book with a positive message. I’ve read it several times over the years.
Francis: Are you sometimes shocked by some of your own writing/ideas?
No, but some readers find aspects of my book shocking. It should be shocking. The subject matter is shocking.
Francis: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, I retired from my job heading up child protection services for Carmarthenshire a few years ago, and have time to write.
Francis : Is there a character in one of your books that really stands out for you? Could he or she be compared to any well-known literature character?
Dr David Galbraith is a key character who stands out to many readers. Some have said they hate him, some that they will never forget him. Unfortunately monsters like Galbraith really do exist.; that’s what makes him frightening.
Francis: Were your parents avid readers, have your family played a part in your writing career? How do they feel about your work?
My dad read avidly, as did my paternal grandfather. My family have been supportive and positive. Even my father-in-law was imposed by one review, which was almost certainly a first!
Francis: What makes you proud of your books/life as a writer?
People seem to like the book in the main; and that’s good enough for me.
Francis: How do you come up with the initial concept of a book?
The book draws heavily on my working life.
Francis: Who is your favourite author and what is it about them that you admire?
Kurt Vonnegut, so original, so groundbreaking! Slaughter HouseFive is a marvelous novel.
Francis: Who designed the covers for your books, were you happy with result?
Spiffing Covers, who did a brilliant job.
Francis: What was the hardest part of being a writer?
Editing!
Francis: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write and re-write, show don’t tell, and trust your instincts.
Francis: Other than writing do you have any other interests, do they connect up with your writing?
Reading!
Francis: Are there any films that have influenced your writing? What kind of films do you like?
I can’t say it influenced my writing, but The English Patient is a particular favourite.
Francis: If your books were adapted into being films, which director dead or alive would you want to direct them? Which actors would you like in the films? What would be the overriding mood of the film?
If only! Any dramatization of the novel would be dark by its very nature. I’d love Michael Sheen to play Galbraith, Sheridan Smith to play Molly, and Keira Nightly to play Cynthia.
Francis: Do you socialize with other writers or creative people? Do you know any obscure or up and coming authors/or perhaps other creative people who deserve recognition?
We have creative friends, but none that are writers.
Francis: which theme (for example death, misery, and torture) is most prevalent in your stories?
The abuse of power.
Francis:Which method of death would you choose out of the following
A being ripped apart by lions
B facing a firing squad made up by shadowy figures, who you suspect you have had major altercations with, during the course of your life.
C you find yourself in a hospital, in a country far from home, with doctors and nurses you can’t communicate with, attached to devices that indicate you are in a critical condition. You don’t know how you got to the hospital/country. Death is inevitable however.
What an unexpected question! I didn't see that one coming. Can I say none of the above?
Francis: Do you have a blog/website? Or other important links?