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Interview – Clayton Graham
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When did you start writing novels, what moved you to start writing?
I have written since my late teens, inspired by ‘old school’ masters such as HG Wells, Jules Verne, Isaac Asimov and John Wyndham. I found myself penning short stories when I could find a rare quiet moment amidst life’s usual distractions. They were an escape from the backstreets of Stockport, UK, where I grew up.
However, my first novel was only written five years ago as retirement approached, and I had more time to ponder on things other than work.
In what genres do you write? Do you plan writing in other genres?
My genre is primarily Science Fiction, though not the really hard Star Wars type. My work usually combines Sci-Fi with a hint of the paranormal. I love writing about different worlds and how people would live and interact within them.
It’s an escape, but it’s also an infinite universe, so anything is possible. I also write Mystery short stories.
Tell us about your novels. Why should everyone buy them?
‘Milijun’ and ‘Saving Paludis’ are Science Fiction stories which deliver futuristic technology, alien political intrigue, and high-octane, paranormal action. What would alien interaction really be like? What exactly happens when a subjugated alien race plots over centuries to regain their planet?
The books deal with many issues but conflict, camaraderie, coexistence, love and tragedy reign supreme.
What is your all time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
Of all the books I have read, ‘The War of the Worlds’ by HG Wells stands out. This author was a visionary with a remarkable insight into the future.
A close second would be ‘Treasure Island’ by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is still a favourite of mine – a wonderful adventure in a world far from our own.
Tell us a bit about your writing process.
I write when time permits and am lucky enough not to be lost for words on too many occasions. In my writing, I like to keep the action treadmill turning, but always have contemplative moments to let the reader mull over the plot and perhaps have a coffee or tea or whatever.
What author would you love to have dinner with?
A ghost. Definitely HG Wells. Main question – where did you get your ideas from? It would be fun to compare today’s technology with his writings.
Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
Outside writing I love travel, walking, reading and gardening. I also love animals and am a member of Australian Geographic.
We have many followers who would like to start writing a book or are already writing their first novel, any advice for these brave people?
Keep everything that you write, even if it’s only a sentence or two, or a basic idea. It’s amazing how things can come together in the future.
How often do you write, daily, every other day or?
At length, on average three days a week. But I usually scrape together an idea or half a page most days.
Do you keep a notebook with ideas for your novels? If so do you carry the notebook with you so you won’t forget any ideas?
No. I have a pad by my bed as I often awake with an idea, or a solution to a problem. Everything else goes on the computer ASAP.
How important is it to have your facts right and are there any instances when you bend history to fit your story?
My histories are mostly in the future so facts are only a myth to be born. Thus, I never bend history, only time and space – which is probably the same thing.
What are you reading at the moment?
‘Blood and Bone’ by Nora Roberts. Part two of her trilogy. Dystopia turned into ‘Magick’ of all imaginable kinds.
How is it to be an author in your country? Do you have a good support from the local public?
Good fun! With the advent of the computer there are no international boundaries, except with some of the on-line stores who pedantically will not share reviews across transnational borders!
Locally, very mixed, as I suspect it is for most authors.
Certainly you have had some interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
Winning awards out of the blue always takes my breath away. ‘Saving Paludis’ was an award winner in the 2018 Readers’ Favorite International Awards and ‘Silently in the Night’ has just been nominated for a 2019 Top Shelf Award. Always great to get these.
A final message for our circleofbooks.com readers.
I invite all lovers of Science Fiction and Mystery to join the interstellar adventures and enter the new worlds represented by all three books I have written so far. They represent First Contact with a difference. To quote a reviewer of Saving Paludis: “By the end, I felt as if I’d witnessed an interstellar adventure of truly epic proportions.” Barnsey’s Books.
Best Wishes to all readers out there, on Earth or elsewhere.
Thank you Clayton Graham. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
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