Here is a recent interview I did for Lovingthebook

When did you start writing, and was there a specific event or person who influenced you to become an author? 

I only recently started writing. It’s not something I ever thought I would be good at, yet, I had a story to tell so I gave it a go. Encouraging me along the way, were my friends and my amazingly supportive family, so you could say they were my biggest influence.

How many books do you have out, and do you have a favourite? 

The Heart of Escher is my first book I have written so by default it is my favourite.

How do you come up with character names? 

With difficulty. I never thought coming up with character names would be so hard! I mulled over the names for a long time and changed them a fair bit too.

Do you have a favourite author? 

David Eddings, I loved his fantasy series the Belgariad when I was younger. His five-part series, following, Garion, was the first series that got me into fantasy books and the fantastic worlds that could be created by a writer’s imagination.

I am also a big fan of Frank Herbert, as I loved his Dune series (original books). You can read his books over and over and find new meanings each time. The depth and exploration of human evolution via the Golden Path is very fascinating. It’s such a shame Frank never got the chance to finish the series.

What are some of your favourite or memorable books that you’ve read? 

Game of Thrones – Loved all these books with the exception of ‘Feast for Crows’ which, in my opinion, spent too long away from my favourite characters and too long in Dorne.  The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski, is a fascinating read which has a unique spin on old fairy tales.

All the Dune novels by Frank Herbert. So much depth, with such an intriguing storyline, which holds up through each book despite jumping thousands of years into the future in most instalments.

Do you have any pets? 

Me and my wife have one cat. Her name is Molly and she is a lovely, yet shy, Maine Coon. I have always been a cat person, in fact, the Heart of Escher features a couple of my childhood cats, Sweepie and Tufty, who were so important to me while I was growing up. Sweepie, had a knack for always being there for me whenever I had a bad day, and Tufty was so playful and funny.

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing? 

I like to draw and create digital art. My first instinct before I started writing the Heart of Escher was to illustrate the whole story, so it would be one great big graphic novel. I had to stop myself, however, as I knew if I did it this way I would never get it finished.

I find drawing to be very relaxing, and I try and draw something whenever I get the chance.

Recently, I have set up an Instagram account, where you can view some of my latest work:

https://www.instagram.com/thecatonthemoon/

What is the best vacation you ever went on? 

A recent trip to Canada in the fall was probably one of my best vacations. The weather was gorgeous, the trees were bright and a vibrant orange the like I have never seen before. The people were friendly, and the sights were truly spectacular, such as the sunrise over Niagara falls. That was one moment in time I will never forget.

If you could live anywhere else besides your current location, where would it be? 

Toronto, Canada, by a lake, outside the city. I have been there twice now and I have loved both trips. I can’t think of anything better than writing or creating some art by the lake.