Tell us about yourself.:
I am a former newspaper editor who enjoyed a 39-year career in journalism and public relations.
Based in the English holiday resort of Skegness in Lincolnshire, England, I edited a series of local newspapers, most recently for Johnston Press.
I have written four novels, "The Men in the Marsh", “Hector’s Revenge”, “Ill Winds” and “All For Blood”, and “Skegness Past”, a mainly photographic record of my home town.
I am married to Wendy and have two grown-up children, Colin and Trudi, and four grandchildren. My interests include politics, reading, angling, tennis and going to the gym.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I was born in the town of Skegness which is a holiday resort in Lincolnshire on the east coast of England. I have lived in the town all of my life which has given me a strong feeling of place which I use in my writing. Three of my novels feature a fictitious town called Sanderholme, which is very similar to Skegness.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually write while sitting in our lounge with the television on in the background. I find that the competition of the TV helps me to concentrate hard on my writing, and prevents my mind from wandering.

What authors have influenced you?
I was born in the town of Skegness which is a holiday resort in Lincolnshire on the east coast of England. I have lived in the town all of my life which has given me a strong feeling of place which I use in my writing. Three of my novels feature a fictitious town called Sanderholme, which is very similar to Skegness.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't be put off by rejections from agents and publishers. Be persistent, but always bear in mind the pleasure you get out of writing.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
That the best way of keeping the interests of the readership is to write another book.

What are you reading now?
"A Word Child" by Iris Murdoch.

What’s your biggest weakness?
Not being sure of how much description to use in setting the scene for the action in my stories.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Homer's "The Iliad".

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I like socialising with family and friends, reading books, magazines and newspapers, going fishing and exercising in the gym. I am also passionately interested in politics.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story I can remember reading was a version of "The Iliad, as told to the children". I was very much taken by the rich imagery and the wondrous goings-on of the Gods.

What has inspired you and your writing style?
I like reading liteature which has strong characters and which delves into the motivation of their actions. I am particularly interested in romance and mystery and in the realm of ideas for transforming society. I like to think that my reading of authors such as Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, Thomas Hardy, D. H. Lawrence and Evelyn Waugh have given me inspiration.

What are you working on now?
I am concentrating at present on promoting my latest novel "The Men in the Marsh".

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
I like using social media, especially Facebook, but am also building an extensive range of personal contacts.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to write another novel in the romantic mystery genre.

How well do you work under pressure?
As a former newspaper editor I am very used to working under pressure. I can create my own pressure without any external influence.

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I think about my potential readers. I like to entertain, surprise and sometimes shock – but not to offend.

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
My thoughts on the importance of human kindness.

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