Ask the Author: Ian Backhouse
Answered Questions (10)
Ian Backhouse
Believe it or not, I had the idea when I was about 15 years old - 38 years ago. It began with the simple idea of a wicked child, but as I try to do with my plots, I wanted to stay well away from all the usual tired old cliches - and after about five entire plot changes I think I've done it, but I can't tell you any more than that!
Ian Backhouse
Firstly discovering M R James, then the fantastic Jame Herbert. He was the man who inspired me to begin writing, and I feel extremely proud that my publishers are promoting me as the 'new' James Herbert. I hope I can do him proud, wherever he is now.
Ian Backhouse
My second book. My debut novel 'Beneath The Dark' is launched by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers on March 29th. I'm now on the fourth chapter of the next book, which I think is stronger in quite a few ways, called 'Alice Malign'. no more info as not giving away any spoilers! Lol!
Ian Backhouse
Write, write, write. If you start a book, no matter how good or bad it's going, finish it. That's so essential. Each book will get better and better. Write regularly, every day if you can, even if it's just a paragraph - an amazing world will open up to you more and more each day. Remember you are unique and no-one writes like you. Make your style your own. Say what you want to say in your own way, but be prepared to learn from others. :)
Ian Backhouse
Having someone read your book and get carried away by it, escape their day and get joy, scares and satisfaction from it! That's my goal - always. It's all about the reader, and I say that with genuine sincerity.
Ian Backhouse
By planning thoroughly. I plan in extreme detail - the plot, then the chapter order, then before I write a chapter, I plan the rough sequence of events to, and the essential points that must go it to it, either to set up events for later, foreshadow, reveal part of the plot itself etc. So when I come to write, I don't get any blocks. It's worked so far, so I hope it continues to!
Ian Backhouse
This is a bit boring, but it's truthful. I forget the name of the book, but it was a Graham Masterton horror. Funnily enough there was a world in that where some of the characters ended up for a while. Perfect peace, beautiful countryside, incredible beaches, no illness, no famine, just pure contentment. That would do me fine!
Ian Backhouse
I spent ten years as a police officer in London, and there's a lot of material there. But nothing paranormal. I'm not sure I could make a good job of something that isn't a supernatural thriller, but if I could, it would certainly be based on events from my police career.
Ian Backhouse
When I write I purposely don't read, as even without realising it, phrases, stylistic forms and so on can creep a little into my writing. I need to keep my work genuinely fresh and unique so as much as I hate it, I'm not reading very much at the moment as am already writing the next book, 'Alice Malign'.
Ian Backhouse
Sure: Today I saw a review that simply trashed my book, with no constructive criticism. It really bloody hurt!
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