The Interview - John Pendleton
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Can you describe your writing process?
I have a basic idea of the story I wish to tell. Then I work out a plot, especially the "beginning" and the "end" of the story, and come up with some main characters. The "middle" of the story tends to emerge organically.
What’s your favorite book that you’ve written, and why?
My favourite book is my latest one, "The Men in the Marsh". In my view it has just about the right mixture of drama, crime, humour, romance and politics which I have been searching for.
Who are your biggest influences as a writer?
My influences tend to be the writers of classics - works which have stood the test of time. Examples are Homer, Shakespeare, Dickens, Anthony Trollope, Jane Austen, DH Lawrence, Thomas Hardy and Evelyn Waugh.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Don't be put off by rejections from agents and publishers. Persevere and, if necessary, self-publish.
What do you want your legacy as an author to be?
I would like to think I have entertained my readers, while at the same time airing some of my insights into the world and its people.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?
I've learnt through writing that I have more confidence than I ever thought I had. Putting yourself out there by writing for the public takes some front!
What’s your ideal writing environment?
Curiously, I like to write in our lounge at home, with the TV on in the background. I find the competition from the tleevision forces me to concentrate on my writing and not let my mind wander.
How do you keep track of your ideas?
My ideas often come to me in the middle of the night. I have a pencil and notepad in a drawer at the side of he bed and will sometimes jot some notes down as "aide memoire".
What do you love most about connecting with your readers?
I like to entertain my readers and stimulate my readers, while at the same time presenting them with some challenging ideas about life and society.
How do you deal with self-doubt as a writer?
I re-read positive reviews of my books. At least someone likes what I'm doing!
Do you read reviews of your books? Why or why not?
Yes, I always read reviews. It is a source of pleasure if they are positive and gives me ideas of what I am doing right, and wrong.
What’s a writing challenge you’d like to tackle someday?
I would like to compile a non-fiction book on the benefits of Wider Ownership, whether it be of homes or shares, particularly with a view to giving our young people a stake society.
Which of your characters do you relate to the most?
The character I relate to most is Graham Robinson, the "hero" of my latest novel "The Men in the Marsh". He is a hard-headed and highly successful businessman, but at the same time is kindly and altruistic and vulnerable to the attractions of the opposite sex. Although he is unlike me in many ways I can empathise with his personal aspirations, his pratfalls and his views on making the world a better place.
Do you prefer writing standalone books or series?
So far all my books have been standalone because I have been looking for a different angle on life each time. However, my most recent book, "The Men in the Marsh" has given me an idea for a sequel. I am interested in the possibility of producing family sagas - like the Forsyte Saga.
What do you do when you get stuck on a particular scene?
I often sleep on it. The answer nearly always comes as as lie awake in bed in the early hours of the morning.