The Interview - WallBriggs

Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?

My favourite creation has to be the character named Jimmy Crikey: the alien orphan born on Earth who overcame the bullies and rose to be the hero of the magical lands of Roombelow. Jimmy is the friend of witches and a Wizard, Lord Oron, who moves around the world in his weather cloud. All my characters need close attention to make them as realistic as possible and as relatable as I can make them for the benefit of the readers.

Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?

Some would say I am a pantsy writer. That is I don't plot out each chapter. I pick up the pen (figuratively) and begin writing. Usually the words flow so fast through my mind that my fingers cannot keep pace. The ideas just 'appear' out of the ether. Sometimes, everything dries up and I can't think of a thing to say and I have to recognise and acknowledge the brick wall. Then I put down the pen and go play my HAmmond orgen for as long as my fingers allow or I mix up the paints and start another scene on a china plate, fire it and then add a layer of lustre, if it's a fantasy scene. And then fire again in the kiln. that could be a 2 or 3 day job which clears my mind, ready to pick up the pen again and hope for that inspiration from out of the blue.

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

For adults my absolute favourite is Wilbur Smith (Where the Lion Feeds) followed by JRR Tolkien and JK Rowling. David Baldacci has begun to feature in regular bedtime reading. But going back 40 years or more my two boys loved Enid Blyton, CS Lewis, and Louis Caroll.

Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?

I hope my younger readers will learn about friendships and the prospects of overcoming bullying or any problem, by not giving up, by working together, by caring for others, by trying even when the problems look unsurpassable and realising that it matters not what you see when you look in a mirror; it's what is in your heart that will make you great.

Did you have any say in the cover design?

In general, I knew what I wanted to portray but I did accept suggestions for improvement from the cover illustrator. I had a series of 6 books and I needed a family resemblance.

Where do you like to write? In a coffee shop? In your home office? On the beach?

I don't often have the chance to write on a beach. I write at home, in a favourite armchair while my wife and sis in law watch day time TV, which doesn't distract me at all.