Cafe Three-Zero Take 7 Author Interview – with Kelly Bird

Each week we are featuring a couple of our now published authors, and inviting them to answer 7 questions about their writing and inspirations. They have all contributed to our first eBook, Tales From The Cafe: Vol 1, details of which are posted on our home page, along with where you can purchase. Our latest interview features Kelly Bird.  Be sure to check out  her author page for more information…

Q1  Give us some background on yourself?

I’m married with three children and two dogs. Along with looking after all of my dependents (husband included), I run a home based office supplies company which allows me some time to read, write and run, my three favourite things!

Q2  What was the basis for your story in Tales from the Cafe, Vol 1?

It was a dream, actually it might have been a nightmare!

Q3  Why did you want to become an author?

It’s great to get your thoughts out on paper and if someone enjoys reading it, it’s even better.

Q4  Any advice for fledgling authors?

Go on a course, there is so much to learn; keep in touch with other writers to critique each other’s work.

Q5  What authors do you like and admire?

So many authors; Anita Shreve,David Nicholls,Marian Keyes, Emma Donoghue, Cecilia Ahern.

Q6  What do you do when you’re not writing fiction?

Apart from running, I play the piano, I do spin classes, I walk my dogs and I run my children EVERYWHERE!

Q7  What will you do if you become famous?

Ask Phil from Relocation Relocation to find me a ‘Forever’ home!

Cafe Three-Zero Take 7 Author Interview – with Phil Wilson

Each week we are featuring a couple of our now published authors, and inviting them to answer 7 questions about their writing and inspirations. They have all contributed to our first eBook, Tales From The Cafe: Vol 1, details of which are posted on our home page, along with where you can purchase. Our latest interview features Phil Wilson.  Be sure to check out  his author page for more information…

Q1  Give us some background on yourself?

I live in SE London with my family (wife, two kids, and the cat from next door since my own cat passed away). I work in a job in healthcare that I love. I am doing an open BA with the OU (mainly in English and Creative Writing). I aim to retire in four and a half years and to walk the Camino de Santiago and then to see where this takes me.

Q2  What was the basis for your story in Tales from the Cafe, Vol 1?

I wanted to explore the act of remembering by a quiet hero.

Q3  Why did you want to become an author?

I love telling stories. I love the effect words can have on the reader.

Q4  Any advice for fledgling authors?

Just write, and if you can, write and show to others and listen to what they say. Then write again. And read. And don’t listen to me; what do I know?

Q5  What authors do you like and admire?

Ernest Hemingway (early), John Irving, Douglas Adams (all), Stephen King, F Scott Fitzgerald (TITN), Jonathan Meads, Chris Claremont, Milan Kundera, John Steinbeck, Frank Miller, Georges Remi (Herge), and loads of others.

Q6  What do you do when you’re not writing fiction?

I love taking photos, watching movies (from the classics to art house independents and some Woody Allen) and progressive rock bands (Porcupine Tree), drinking real ale and walking.

Q7  What will you do if you become famous?

Duck and cover.

Cafe Three-Zero Take 7 Author Interview – with Michael Jan Gibas

Each week we are featuring a couple of our now published authors, and inviting them to answer 7 questions about their writing and inspirations. They have all contributed to our first eBook, Tales From The Cafe: Vol 1, details of which are posted on our home page, along with where you can purchase. Our latest interview features Michael Jan Gibas.  Be sure to check out  his author page for more information…

Q1  Give us some background on yourself?

I run a graphic design company in Hertfordshire and I once used to write and draw comic books.

Q2  What was the basis for your story in Tales from the Cafe, Vol 1?

L’Amour Fou. Infatuation. Losing the people you really love.

Q3  Why did you want to become an author?

Always created characters and stories and then just got distracted by life. Time to rediscover that creative spark and prove it’s never too late.

Q4  Any advice for fledgling authors?

Write. Write. Then write some more.

Q5  What authors do you like and admire?

Jack Kirby. John Irving. Willie Vlautin.

Q6  What do you do when you’re not writing fiction?

Worry.

Q7  What will you do if you become famous?

Worry some more.

Cafe Three-Zero Take 7 Author Interview – with Claire Mitchell-Tsamados

Each week we are featuring a couple of our now published authors, and inviting them to answer 7 questions about their writing and inspirations. They have all contributed to our first eBook, Tales From The Cafe: Vol 1, details of which are posted on our home page, along with where you can purchase. Our latest interview features Claire Mitchell-Tsamados.  Be sure to check out  her author page for more information…

Q1  Give us some background on yourself?

I am 25 years old (and about to have my next birthday). I live with my beautiful 7-year-old daughter. I work as a EFL teacher and writer, and I am currently studying for a BA (HONS) in English language and literature.

Q2  What was the basis for your story in Tales from the Cafe, Vol 1?

Strangely enough I just tried not to write in my usual Victorian high romance style. I wanted to try something different, so with that as my only aim (and trying to stay as far from it as possible) I came up with this ‘A Little Extra Revenge’.

Q3  Why did you want to become an author?

Writing was just something I have always done. I’m not sure where else I fit.

Q4  Any advice for fledgling authors?

Just keep at it and never give up.

Q5  What authors do you like and admire?

Josephine Cox, Freya North, Stephen King, Maeve Binchy, Barbara Taylor Bradford and many, many more.

Q6  What do you do when you’re not writing fiction?

Spend time with my daughter.

Q7  What will you do if you become famous?

I have no idea. The same as now I guess, but maybe with a bigger grin!

Cafe Three-Zero Take 7 Author Interview – with A.C.Fullwood

Each week we are featuring a couple of our now published authors, and inviting them to answer 7 questions about their writing and inspirations. They have all contributed to our first eBook, Tales From The Cafe: Vol 1, details of which are posted on our home page, along with where you can purchase. Our latest interview features A.C.Fullwood.  Be sure to check out  her author page for more information…

Q1  Give us some background on yourself?

I studied theatre design in Liverpool and now try to work as an artist/designer as my day job.  I’m married to a musician, so my life is mad and unpredictable to say the least.

Q2  What was the basis for your story in Tales from the Cafe, Vol 1?

It stems from the character Squirrel and a conversation my husband and I had about surviving after a disaster.  We often talk about dark and weird subjects late at night.

Q3  Why did you want to become an author?

I always wrote stories alongside drawing – the two went together for me.  I used to tell ghost stories to the kids on our street and make them cry (something that I’m not proud of). The passion stayed with me.  I still want to live in that childhood dream world and make a living from it one day.

Q4  Any advice for fledgling authors?

I’m a firm believer in never giving up.  If you have dreams – follow them, no matter what people say!

Q5  What authors do you like and admire?

The list is endless.  Tolkien for his vast imagination and ability to draw on the past.  I like Katherine Kerr and Trudi Canavan for their believable worlds and characters. I admire Stephen kings approach to writing; he’s a hard worker who has boundless energy and ideas.

Q6  What do you do when you’re not writing fiction?

I mainly paint, so I am a starving artist as well as a starving writer.  I love spending time with my husband and walking the dog, being with nature or in the garden.  I’m a big traveller too and when I find the time I like to visit art galleries and cultural locations. I try to live a holistic life and recently began dabbling in aromatherapy and growing herbs.

Q7  What will you do if you become famous?

Buy a place by the sea, with hills or mountains close by. Somewhere with lots of open space around it where we can have animals and live the good life.

Cafe Three-Zero Take 7 Author Interview – with Vayla Berry

Each week we are featuring a couple of our now published authors, and inviting them to answer 7 questions about their writing and inspirations. They have all contributed to our first eBook, Tales From The Cafe: Vol 1, details of which are posted on our home page, along with where you can purchase. Our latest interview features Vayla Berry.  Be sure to check out  her author page for more information…

Q1  Give us some background on yourself?

I studied drama at Manchester Uni and somewhere along the line realized my imagination was stronger than my acting… so here goes…

Q2  What was the basis for your story in Tales from the Cafe, Vol 1?

I wanted to explore the thoughts and feeling of someone who wasn’t like me, someone who had a story to tell.

Q3  Why did you want to become an author?

Because I love stories, stories led me to writing and writing led me here.

Q4  Any advice for fledgling authors?

Being one myself I would say, believe, if you don’t no one else will.

Q5  What authors do you like and admire?

Stephen King and Ray Brabury, to create such vivid and colourful landscapes and characters with seemingly effortless abandon is something I admire hugely. There are hundreds more but I fear I am already becoming boring….

Q6  What do you do when you’re not writing fiction?

Spin stories for my beautiful daughter Lyra who is three and irritate my husband with endless ‘what ifs..’ I am addicted to vintage dresses and can often be found lurking in thrift stores hoping for a bargain.

Q7  What will you do if you become famous?

Hide.

Cafe Three-Zero Take 7 Author Interview – with Joyce Moyes

Each week we are featuring a couple of our now published authors, and inviting them to answer 7 questions about their writing and inspirations. They have all contributed to our first eBook, Tales From The Cafe: Vol 1, details of which are posted on our home page, along with where you can purchase. Our latest interview features Joyce Moyes.  Be sure to check out  her author page for more information…

Q1  Give us some background on yourself?

My father was Scottish and my mother English. I was born in London, brought up in South Shields and now reside in Scotland. You could say I am bit of a mongrel, having an accent, which is a mix of ‘Geordie’ with a Scottish ‘burr.’ Mind you it does mean I can roll my ‘R’s’

Q2  What was the basis for your story in Tales from the Cafe, Vol 1?

Relationships, and their influence’s, Nature versus Nurture. What makes a person a killer, his genes or his upbringing, or both?

Q3  Why did you want to become an author?

I always have stories in my head; characters develop and need a voice. Either that or perhaps I am mad, who knows!!! I did live in the next street to Catherine Cookson, maybe that count’s for something.

Q4  Any advice for fledgling authors?

I would love to be able to give loads of advice but I am not there yet, I haven’t got my wings yet. Perhaps believe in yourself, read lots and write.

Q5  What authors do you like and admire?

I like Edward Rutherford and Sebastian Faulks, and I have been known to read the occasional Catherine Cookson novel if I am missing the Geordie twang. I like to read about people who I can perceive as ‘real’

Q6  What do you do when you’re not writing fiction?

I like travel and take photographs, especially wildlife.

Q7  What will you do if you become famous?

Just what I do now, I would do a bit more of the things which I enjoy, and less of other things which stop me from doing them. I would probably upgrade on flights when I was travelling, apparently you get proper cutlery and free wine, and you get to jump the queue when you book in, bliss…..

Cafe Three-Zero Take 7 Author Interview – with Richard Kefford

Each week we are featuring a couple of our now published authors, and inviting them to answer 7 questions about their writing and inspirations. They have all contributed to our first eBook, Tales From The Cafe: Vol 1, details of which are posted on our home page, along with where you can purchase. Our latest interview features Richard Kefford.  Be sure to check out  his author page for more information…

Q1  Give us some background on yourself?

I have always enjoyed writing and finally decided to take a creative writing course with the Open University. Now retired and I feel I can put my life experiences to some good use. I am proud to be part of Café Three Zero

Q2  What was the basis for your story in Tales from the Cafe, Vol 1?

I met a lovely old lady on Dartmoor one day. We talked for about an hour and I just wrote her life story as she told it to me with fictional inserts and necessary changes.

Q3  Why did you want to become an author?

I enjoy writing so it seemed logical.

Q4  Any advice for fledgling authors?

Write, then write some more and then keep writing.

Q5  What authors do you like and admire?

Robert Heinlein, Terry Pratchett,  Zenna Henderson, Lee Childs, Graham Hurley

Q6  What do you do when you’re not writing fiction?

Life writing, travel writing and poetry. I also enjoy field geology and wood-turning.

Q7  What will you do if you become famous?

Hide, I don’t want to become famous

Cafe Three-Zero Take 7 Author Interview – with Neil Stevens

Q1  Give us some background on yourself?

I am a hyper-emotional, over imaginative non realist who uses fantasy to take the edge off everyday reality.

 

Q2  What was the basis for your story in Tales from the Cafe, Vol 1?

 

 I used to watch a lot of westerns as a kid stuff with Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.

Q3  Why did you want to become an author?

I have always wanted to be good enough at story writing to have a book published.

Q4  Any advice for fledgling authors?

When I’m not one my self I will something like “Don’t give up, write all the time”

Q5  What authors do you like and admire?

David Gemmell, Anne McCaffrey, David and Leigh Eddings, Raymond E Feist, Bernard Cornwall, Stephen Donaldson, Rober Jordan, Terry Goodkind.
Most recently ; Robin HoBB and J V Jones.
Also read some of the dark tower series by Stephen King

Q6  What do you do when you’re not writing fiction?

I work and spend time with my children and girlfriend as well as catching up with friends and family.

Q7  What will you do if you become famous?

Publicise cafe three zero, buy a cottage and a pot-bellied pig

• Jump to: Parent

Cafe Three-Zero Take 7 Author Interview – with Clair Evans

Each week we are featuring a couple of our now published authors, and inviting them to answer 7 questions about their writing and inspirations. They have all contributed to our first eBook, Tales From The Cafe: Vol 1, details of which are posted on our home page. Our latest interview features Clair Evans.  Be sure to check out  her author page for more information…

Q1  Give us some background on yourself?

I am a fairly ordinary single mum of 3 sons (2, now grown-up). I used to be a groom but I’m now concentrating on finishing my degree and writing. Originally from Somerset, I now live in the beautiful Cotswolds.

Q2  What was the basis for your story in Tales from the Cafe, Vol 1?

I decided to combine my love of graveyards and nature. I wanted to give that real sense of escape from the pressures of life that I experience when I visit one, and show that they are places of peace, not sorrow or danger.

Q3  Why did you want to become an author?

I think it was purely admiration for the work of authors whose books I read when I was growing up. I longed to be able to create something as good as they had. It also appealed to me as a peaceful existence; sitting cosily at home, tapping away. The reality, of course, is rather different – especially if you have children.

Q4  Any advice for fledgling authors?

You know that little nagging voice in your head that says ‘I can’t do this, I’m no good at it, who will want to read this stuff anyway’? Gag it. Believe in yourself. Thousands upon thousands of people have become successful authors. They are people, just like you. So why not you too?

Q5  What authors do you like and admire?

Tolkien, for creating such an amazing and memorable world in minute detail, including several different languages. Stephen King, for sheer determination after that horrible accident. And Jane Austen, just for giving us Mr Darcy.

Q6  What do you do when you’re not writing fiction?

Hang around in graveyards. OK, not really that often. Most of my time is spent with my youngest son, doing what 4-year-olds enjoy. I read a huge amount of non-fiction, particularly history, science and natural history. I watch lots of documentaries, and have an addiction to Time Team. I also walk a lot around my local nature reserve, potter in the garden, and cook.

Q7  What will you do if you become famous?

Live a comfortable, quiet life in an ancient country cottage. Take violin lessons, buy a horse. Keep writing. Most of all, be thankful.