Tell us a little about yourself
I grew up in a small seaside town in Suffolk, England. I am a divorced, devoted father of two lovely boys, Paul and Marcus. I started writing short stories at ten, of various genres from children’s stories to a naval Napoleonic war story and since have expanded his genre to World War Two. I have family connections in both the Allies and Axis during the war. This is the reason for my extended interest in this era. I have grown to have great respect for resistance groups who, with no military experience, took up arms for their country.
Why Do you write?
The short answer is that if I did not write, then I would most likely go mad. I have always had a big imagination and all the ideas which rattle around in my head have to come out somehow.
What genre do you write and why did you pick this genre?
I write World War Two historical fiction. I have always had a deep interest in this era and have family connections in both the Allies and Axis during the war. One on my grandparents was in the Wehrmacht and the other was in MI6 and MI11.
Tell us about your book
With Europe in turmoil because of the tyrannical reign of Germany, a small group of brave resistance soldiers fight from the inside to save France from being taken over completely. Together this ragtag group of individuals, including an English SOE, band together to form an alliance, this band of brothers is a family thrown together through necessity. Hiding in plain sight, they form a bond that no one, not even Hitler, can break. They even have the support of Pablo Picasso, but will it be enough to get through the war unscathed? With their black market supplies and bought weapons at the ready, these men and women will fight for their country, for their freedom, for their lives.
How much time do you dedicate to your author career?
I do around thirty hours a week of research, that does not include my writing, which can take between one and twelve hours a day.
How long on average does it take you to write your books?
Most of my books take between eight to twelve months, to complete.
What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career?
Well, to catch the attention of the audience, you need an eye-catching book cover. You can find many book designers on Fiverr, the prices vary from £5-£50 and many are brilliant, yet you must be careful who you choose.
What is the toughest part of being an author?
It is a rather solitary career and there is a risk chatting to people about your book without boring them.
What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors?
This is a common question, all I can say is put pen to paper and be determined. I find it helps to buy a small item related to your book as a promise to yourself to complete the manuscript; it helps. As I write WW2 fiction, I buy decommissioned hand grenades for each book I start and display them on my writer’s desk.
What is your favourite book?
This is a hard question, as there are too many books to choose from. Some of my favourite authors are Mario Puzo, Chris Ryan, Guy Walters and James Holland.
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