BIO:
I started writing seriously around four years ago. But essentially I am an actor, on TV and big screen, and in fact, have narrated my own audiobooks. I am also CEO and Developer of my own fitness company called KETTFusion, which is now a leader in the fitness world in the UK and it is also in four other European countries.
But writing has taken over, to a large extent, and I really enjoy it.
I’m a genre hopper, writing a comedy, a true-life story, an epic fantasy trilogy and have just self-published my own children’s book.
We all have moments in our lives that will change us, 13 years ago my wife was attacked and murdered and I was left with 4 and 6-year-old boys. I put it all down into a book called ‘Just Five More Minutes’ and in fact, the audiobook won this year’s Independent Audiobook Awards held in Kansas City in July. (It is published on Amazon) The book is important to get across how being positive can turn things around, and will leave anyone with a feelgood factor. It has and still is traveling around the world!
AUTHOR Q&A:
- When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
MR: Well, it was a visit to a clairvoyant seven years ago who kept insisting I write? I decided to act on it three years ago and haven’t looked back.
- How long does it take to write your book?
MR: It all depends on which genre of book The Wand Chronicles Trilogy is 360,000 words in total, that took me 5 months in total from beginning to end, but the children’s book, half an hour, if that!
- What is your work schedule like when writing a book?
MR: I’m pretty industrious. But don’t write like many Authors. In other words, I type straight onto my laptop. In the early days tried writing out chapter headings, then detailed plots within the chapters and so on, but found it very difficult. It was stifling my creativeness. I work much better by having a few ideas and sitting down and creatively writing a chapter until I have finished. I will research as I am doing it, but so far this works very well for me.
- Where do you get your ideas or information for your book?
MR: I’m afraid to say, I have an overactive imagination, and certainly for non-fiction, ideas will fill my head and I can sit and write for hours.
I am very lucky so far, the idea of writer’s block is unknown to me. Of course for the children’s book, since it is one explaining ecological and green facts, I needed to research that.
But for my epic fantasy I find images on Pinterest, and if I come across an unusual character, could be an elf, I find a story builds up in my head as I look at the image.
- When did you write your first book?
MR: It was a comedy about local shoppers where I live in the UK. It is called Memoirs From The S.B.C.
That first book wasn’t that good with formatting and English grammar etc but it has done surprisingly well. I wrote that in 2016.
- What do you do when you are not working?
MR: With my youngest at home, I am chief washer-upper, cook, house cleaner, and then I still have work to do with my fitness company. I also play piano to relax and all the other time is spent on my book writing.
- What does your family think of your writing?
MR: I have three sons, and epic fantasy is not their thing! They are very helpful though when it comes to making decisions on book covers I get back from my illustrator. The true-life story they have all read because that affected them directly and they ‘enjoyed’ the book if that is the right word.
- What was the most surprising thing you learned in creating your books?
MR: The fact that I didn’t have to follow the normal Author rules. You know, plot out everything, the synopsis, the characters, the storyline the chapters and so on. It was only a well-known author who works as I do and convinced me to simply write and be creative and let your imagination work its magic. It was worrying at first, but once the great reviews started pouring in, I knew this worked for me.
- How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
MR: I have written 6 books so far.
I suppose my epic fantasy trilogy The Wand Chronicles is my fav. I could let my imagination run amok!
- Any tips /suggestions on getting started?
MR: I’m an indie publisher, so publishing your first book can be absolutely free!
I do hear a lot about new Authors finding it difficult to getting started. All I would say is, de-clutter yourselves with all the rules on how to write, let your mind free, sit down, and write and remember to enjoy it. Don’t worry too much about the grammar at this stage, let it flow, you can always tidy it all up later. Have fun with it!
11.What do you think makes a good story?
MR: We all like reading a particular genre. Certainly, write a story within a genre that you like yourself. For my true-life story, that is one lots pf people wanted to read. It was a true story after all. Being a ‘story-teller’ helps. Imagine sitting around a campfire, with lots of friends and they are riveted to the story you are telling. Your imagination is your best friend.
- As a child. What did you want to be when you grew up?
MR: You mean besides being a spaceman, train driver or truck driver? I really didn’t know. What I did know is that I had a vivid imagination. My Mom used to lay a place at the dinner table for my special friend called John. I wouldn’t eat my meal unless a place was laid for him. Of course ‘John’ was my fictitious character in my little world. I’m surprised my Mom didn’t take me for some therapy counseling! But she nurtured the little world I lived in. Part of me still lives in that little world, even at 66!
LINKS:
My website is www.thewand.me
Just Five More Minutes: https://amzn.to/35y59FE
The Wand Chronicles: The Prequel (a permafree book and introduction to the trilogy) https://amzn.to/2QXAugP
Is My World Happy? A children’s book for 4 to 8-year-olds https://amzn.to/2OUApbs
Published Works:
cristinaisabelauthor.com 