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Ian Wilson Interview

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The Indie Book Butler Interview.

Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.

Ian Wilson: My name is Ian Wilson, born 1963 in Liverpool, currently working as a director in a security company based in the North West of England.

I began writing my debut novella entitled Twilight Cruise in 2016 after meeting a wonderful lady who had been on over 60 cruises throughout her 83 years. Although the story doesn’t reflect anything that she told me, her stories gave me the idea for the book. Due to work commitments, I didn’t manage to complete the book until 2020 during the first months of lockdown.

My debut novel, The Nowhere Man, followed closely behind Twilight Cruise. It was written over the next few months and was appraised by an editor prior to me pitching it for a PitMad event on Twitter. A publisher liked the pitch and requested me to query. That publisher has now offered me a contract and, hopefully, The Nowhere Man will be on shelves by the end of the year.

IBB: You’ve got twenty words to entice us to read your book(s). What would you say?

IW: Laughter, tears, love, and tragedy keeps the pages turning in this novella as Mary is catapulted back through the decades.

IBB: Where do you like to write?

IW: I prefer to write in our holiday home in Wales, but I’m just as happy to write in my office at home. I just love building a story.

IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?

IW: A cup of tea and peace and quiet.

IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?

IW: The Fog by James Herbert was very influential. I was told by a proof-reader of my second book that my writing is similar to James Herbert, which was a fantastic compliment.

IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?Twilight cover

IW: My wife. She is an avid reader of many genres. I wrote Twilight Cruise without mentioning it to her, then presented it to her as a finished manuscript. She adored it and pushed me to publish it.

IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?

IW: Fame and fortune would be great, but my main aim is to give a copy of my books to my grandchildren.

IBB: Have you received a favorite review of your work?

IW: I had a brilliant review from my older brother who was completely taken aback by my book and said that it brought tears to his eyes. Unfortunately, Amazon deleted it because we’re related. Second favourite would be One by DN Molloy on Amazon, which read: This story is a delight. It follows an older couple through their journey not only on a cruise, but through times gone by. Delicate twists and some real humour mean you can’t put it down. You follow their adventure with a smile on your face, until a final revelation brings you back down to Earth. This book is sparkling, and sad, and uplifting. Think along the lines of Tales of the Unexpected…

IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?

IW: The first words were challenging, I changed them a number of times, I couldn’t quite get them right. After that I found the whole process really enjoyable. The second book I found it difficult keeping the past/present tense consistent.

IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?

IW: I’ve started to read more, I also listen back using the read aloud function in Word.

IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?

IW: Honesty. Both have to be honest in their opinions and accept what’s said

IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?

IW: Love it or hate it I’d thank them for taking the time to read my work.

IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?Bridge - Nowhere Man

IW: Don’t wait until you’re fifty-seven to start. I had stories in my head for many years. I would advise any aspiring author to start as early as possible. If you have a story, write it, even if it’s only a first draft and it sits in a drawer.

IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?

IW: I’ve literally had a novel accepted by a publisher today and I’ve optioned Twilight Cruise for film or tv, which is classed as highly graded by the company.

IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?

IW: I created the cover to my first book myself and many people like it. The second book was inspired by a painting that I own, so it would be nice if it was used in the cover. This is something to discuss with my publisher.

IBB: How often do you read? What genre?

IW: Recently I’ve been reading whenever I get the chance between work and family time. Before I began writing I rarely read anything.

IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

IW: I recently read a book entitled Skyview Lord Of The Wills by Murray Sheehan. It’s a fantastic book with a mix of James Bond and Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings.

Also, I’d like to mention my brother, David. He’s written three children’s books including Bobby’s Big Adventure, Spikes Misfortune and Wiggly Worms.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.

For more on Ian and his work, please visit:

Website

Amazon

Goodreads

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