James Smith's First Interview...With ME

When it rains, it pours... (and it really did this afternoon - no snow today, just heaps of rain for us on the Isle of Wight!)

I have been interviewed again, this time by my good friend James Smith, who I have known via Twitter for quite a few months now. 

A bit about James:

James Smith has been making up stories for as long as he can remember, but only recently decided to write them down.  He was born and bred in Derbyshire, before moving to Newcastle Upon Tyne to complete a degree in Genetics.  He still lives and works in the North East, having refused to move away from the area. 

He is currently a Secondary School Science Teacher and spends his days attempting to enlighten 11-18 year olds about the wonders of science.  It’s a tough job but someone has to do it…he would write a series about his experiences, but is afraid no one would believe him.

When his imagination is not allowed to run riot he is a devoted, loving husband and taxi driver to three fantastic boys.

James is a keen runner and has completed a number of charity runs. His most recent was to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation – having undergone open heart surgery, it was the least he could do.

James is also the author who introduced me to short story writing (I am very grateful) and who I liaise with regularly on the seasonal short story compilations for the Short Stories Group

He has also read my book, Hybrid, which is a bonus.  Hardly any of the people who have interviewed me before have read my writing, and so even though they ask good questions, they don't get into specifics as James did.

I found some of the questions pretty hard to answer - he sure did a lot of digging. I guess Hybrid is my baby, I put a lot of me into it. I doubt that will happen as much with other stories (okay, I admit it Caitlin is a lot like me! LOL...)

My highlights:

"I love the idea of humans being superhuman… and I find the science behind their change particularly interesting."

"Facts have a way of changing via Chinese whisper, and even with the advent of TV nothing is ever exactly as it appears."

"I researched as I wrote, it was a “I wonder if this is possible?” … “Oh, it is! Excellent” kind of writing."

"I also had some amazing friends & family who read it, spotted things and helped me improve it."

"I do believe in love at first sight, I did fall for my husband as soon as I saw him. The fact he also fell for me was short of miraculous..."

"I have taken some real scenes and situations and used them, but honestly they are from many different men/ teenage boys I have known in my time…"

"I can not predict the ending, but I have a reasonably good idea about where it is going."

"I think a passion for words is really important to be a good writer."

Keep reading & writing...
Vanessa :) xx