Interview With Myself

Will Nett, author of My Only Boro: A Walk Through Red & White and Billy No Maps, is an elusive, itinerant Francophile traveller, still seized by the vice-like grip of Yorkshireness. Lurching into middle-age with aplomb, he’s occupied most of the time with books, bikes and backpacking, inking, drinking, and thinking. And cheese. Turns a card, rolls the bones, pops a cork. Nobody’s perfect. He’s down to earth, still employs the same butler as he did before he was published and is exhaustively obsessed with Hank Williams and Johan Cruyff.

When Did You Start Writing?

Approximately 30 years ago, when being left-handed was still a sign of the Devil, but I powered through this persecution to produce some of Overfields Primary School’s most celebrated poetry on an Olivetti typewriter that weighed as much as Saab Turbo. Still got it. Hammered out the manuscript of my first book six years ago in a ten week frenzy of gonzo journalism, historical investigation and general disorganisation; a lethal combination that has fuelled everything I’ve written since.

When Do You Write?

Whenever I’m not distracted by questionnaires. Most prolific when travelling. If I’m moving, the pen’s moving.

What Inspires You/Who Do You Like Reading?

I’m inspired by the bottomless well of material that comes with being from Middlesbrough. The circus parade of characters/miscreants – perhaps you’re one of them – that cross my path at work would fill a lifetime of books. Otherwise, great art in any form: the music of David Bowie, the paintings of Gericault and Caravaggio, (or anyone who can draw a horse. Rock hard that, innit?), or an atmospheric film like The Wicker Man, or Zodiac. On the page, the three greatest influences on my own work have been George Orwell, Gordon Burn and Nick Tosches.

Do You Plan And Plot In Advance, Or Just Write?

I’ll very rarely plot, as I mainly write non-fiction, and the best plots are always ready-made in real life. Even when writing fiction, it will usually be grounded in actual events so I don’t plan a great deal other than character names, which I tend to research very carefully, if only to see if the reader notices the significance of a character’s name.

How Long Did It Take you to Write Your Book?

My first book took ten weeks to write, (see above), and a year or so to edit, which is a very fast turnover all round. Billy No Maps existed in various forms before its current incarnation and from the moment I struck the first letter, to appearing on bookshelves, it took the best part of a decade. The first year was taken up with research and notes that mainly involved rolling around half-naked on Southern Hemisphere beaches and fighting in airports. The following years I spent obsessing over every aspect of it and wishing I’d never written a travel book in the first place. It is though, the work I’m most proud of.

How Did You Decide To Publish Your Book?

I cornered my future editor at an event run by a local writing group called Writer’s Block. That was one of Bob Beagrie’s bright ideas.
“If you don’t like it, send it back to me in this pre-paid envelope,” I said to C.G. Hatton, who is now editing this very piece, stuffing a manuscript into her arms. Then I made a great show of ripping up the envelope in front of her because “you won’t be needing that.” A few days later I was in the Sixth Element office with C.G., and a lapsed Goth with an unhealthy appetite for Diet Coke who ended up designing my book covers.

How Have You Found The Indie-Publishing Process?

At times maddening, in particular the promotional aspect of it, eg. book signings, press appearances, which has at least thrown up enough material for my next book. To see a big fat stinking paperback copy of YOUR book in a bookshop is however, very satisfying indeed.

How Do You Approach The Selling/Marketing Of Your Books?

Exactly as I write them; in a tornado of disorganisation, panic attacks, and acute anxiety. Come to one of my book signings to find out more. Bring cheese.

How Do You Interact With Readers?

Very well, in a casual setting, eg. pub/hostelry/tavern. I’ve done several public talks, including numerous visits to my former primary school, where I always find the pupils to be most attentive, even though they’re unlikely to have read my books. Once people get over the absurd notion that an author must be some sort of degree-wielding snob, and discover that it can be the man in the street, or the woman at the end of the bar, they realise that actually, ‘writers are normal’. They’re not. But, you know what I mean. My events have produced only a handful of fistfights, and virtually no casualties.

When You’re Writing, What Do You Enjoy Most About It?

It’s the only thing I do, that when I do it, I don’t think I should be doing anything else. Whenever I’m doing something else, I think I should be writing.

What Are You Working On Now?

A memoir about the absurdity of becoming an author, think David Sedaris, or Clive James, and an ill-fated account of my attempts to master the game of golf, which has quickly descended into a perfect storm of mental breakdown, severe back pain and hideous clothing. Who on earth would step out in public wearing a lavender snake belt? A golfer would.

Anything Else To Add?

If you think it can’t be done, don’t interrupt people who are doing it.

Will’s books are on sale at The Book Corner, Saltburn, Guisborough Book Shop, and some of the smaller outlets like Waterstones, W.H. Smiths and Amazon. Also available on Kindle and various eReaders.