by 
Interview Paul Walker
William Constable Spy Thrillers
 |  |
– When did you start writing novels, what moved you to start writing?
I’m now a full-time writer of fiction. My previous working life was split roughly 50/50 between universities and business where I wrote a lot of non-fiction – academic papers and business writing (although some may classify my consultancy reports as works of fiction). When I retired from a post at the University of London about 3 years ago, I decided to try my hand at creative writing. I got hooked after a few months and now wish I had started earlier.
– In what genres do you write? Do you plan writing in other genres?
I write historical fiction. I think I inherited my love of history and historical fiction from my mother. She was an avid reader of the genre and her enthusiasm led me to it. When I felt ready to start writing historical fiction, the most difficult decision was which period in history to choose. In the end I picked Elizabethan England. It’s a popular period for readers and writers for good reason; full of intrigue and fascinating real characters to weave into a story. I’m writing the third book in the William Constable thrillers and there will probably be more. I have also started a contemporary mystery/thriller and plan to finish it in the next couple of years.
– Tell us about your novels. Why should everyone buy them?
I believe history adds a sense of wonder and mystery to a story. I try to immerse the reader in the period through the style of writing and take them on an adventure that will leave them wanting more.
– What is your all time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
I love the Patrick O’Brian books about the Aubrey and Maturin adventures in the early nineteenth century English navy. I haven’t come cross any other author to match his superb writing, which capture an essence of time and place. If I had to choose one it would be the first in the series – Master and Commander.
– Tell us a bit about your writing process.
There’s a small building in my garden that I’ve converted into my writing retreat. It’s a place I can get away from children, grandchildren, pets and household chores to concentrate on writing. Mornings tend to be the most productive. I take a break in the afternoons and return to review the day’s work in the evenings.
– What author would you love to have dinner with?
It’s a toss-up between William Boyd and Rose Tremain. I think I will choose Rose Tremain. I love all her books and would ask her about her research and writing process, especially for her series on the English Restoration.
– Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
I walk the dog, visit historic buildings and go the cinema to watch a good film (not necessarily based in history). I continue to hold an interest in education and I’m a director of a group of ten local schools.
– 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?
Don’t give up – keep on writing. Submit your work for a professional critique. Friends and relatives can be too kind and writers need objective and informed criticism to improve.
– How often do you write, daily, every other day or?
At least 5 days each week.
– 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?
I’ve got several and they are very messy.
– How important is it to have your facts right and are there any instances when you bend history to fit your story?
I’m not a historian and also aware that readers of historical fiction don’t like authors to play fast and loose with known facts, events and dates. So, I have a lot of research to do before I can start and spend more time researching than writing. A lot of my research is into real historical figures that interact with fictional ones. But I am writing fiction and my imagining of episodes and characters in history will be open to challenge.
– What are you reading at the moment?
The Wall by John Lanchester.
– How is it to be an author in your country? Do you have a good support from the local public?
I live in a small town, about 30 miles north of London. Writing is a solitary business and it helps to meet other writers to exchange ideas, critiques and experiences. I participate in two local writing groups and occasionally lecture. It’s fun, helps to improve my writing and I get some great ideas.
– Certainly you have had some interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
It was a surprise to me when I started to get fan mail from readers of my first historical novel – State of Treason. Some had suggestions for story development and in particular wanted to know how William’s romantic interest with Helen Morton would progress. I had already started writing the next in the series, but responded to these requests by changing the plot to expand Helen’s role in the story.
– A final message for our circleofbooks.com readers.
If you don’t read historical fiction, give it a try.
Thank you Paul Walker. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
Click here to visit the author page here on circleofbooks.com
