This month I have the pleasure of introducing you to my friend and fellow author Chris Turnbull. Let’s see what he has to say for himself:
1. Do you write as a full-time author or do you have to squeeze it in around a full-time job or looking after the children? If you don’t write as your main job what are your aims for your writing?
Writing is not my full time ‘paid’ job. For that I work at the University of York as the deputy manager of a research lab. I get to work closely with academics, PhD students and PostDocs in their projects. I really enjoy it as every day can be completely new. My writing is something that started as a hobby in my teenage years and went on and on until I was at a stage of being fortunate to publish. As of right now I am really enjoying my current situation, there is no pressure on me to produce something to deadlines (except the ones I give myself) and I am able to write what interest me.
2. What inspires you to write? Anything and everything.
My first book ‘The Vintage Coat’ came from a physical military coat I bought in 2013 at an antique shop, and my Whitby book was inspired mostly because of my sheer love of Whitby. There are so many things that we encounter in life, be it an object or place, that could easily adapt themselves for writing material…it’s just a case of having the eye to spot their potentials
3. Tell me about your writing process, when and how? Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Yes…and No. I always start with my initial idea. I then like to write out a few brain storming ideas of what this idea could flourish into. I don’t like to over plan a book, as I think as a writer it is often just as fun to see where the story takes you. But I do need to have a general idea.
4. How much of your life experience goes into your books if at all? I think that as a writer you need to make sure your writing feels as real as possible. I believe that one way of doing that is through emotions. Although I can’t say I have had the exact same experiences as my characters I try and think about how the situation would make them feel, and I try to think of my own personal experiences with similar feelings.
Describe your ideal writing location if money were no issue. I like anywhere as long as it was peaceful. My garden is usually my ideal place…anywhere else in the world would probably distract me too much as I would want to sight see
5. What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The initial writing I really enjoy and even going through the editors report/edits I can find enjoyable. But before sending anything to the editor I like to go through it myself a couple of times…this is the bit I find the most difficult, the first ‘self-edit’ I find difficult, the second I find exhausting.
6. What one thing would you fix about the whole world to make it a better place?
Hatred and anger.
7. What is your favourite review from any of your books?
For me it has to be the first review I got that wasn’t from a family member or friend. I was so overwhelmed that somebody who had never met me actually enjoyed reading one of my books.
8. When you’re not writing, working, looking after the kids what else do you enjoy doing?
I spend a lot of time with friends and family. I also have a Jack Russell named Olly who I love taking on walks, or cuddling up to on the sofa.
9. Can you tell me what you’re working on now?
I’m just finishing up the sequel to Whitby’s Darkest Secret. It is entitled Revenge Hits London. It will be out in October.
Check out Chris’ Books:
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Maria Gibbs 