Author Stuart Field Interview
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Stuart Field, Author of John Steel Series |
My name is Stuart Field. I was born and raised in the West Midlands in the UK. I spent 22 years in the British Army, after which I stayed in Germany, where I work for a security firm and write thrillers in my spare time.
Which genre (Crime, Fantasy, Sci-fi etc.) and
category (Children, YA, NA, Adult etc.) do you write? And why?
I write thrillers primarily for adults. I like writing thrillers because they give you that action escapism. The hero that gets into sticky positions and, of course, saves the day.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I don't think that I ever wanted to be a writer. It was just something that just happened. When they are young, most people say, "I want to be a policeman" or "I want to be a soldier," but I think a writer is more of a calling than a want. It's something that just happens.
As a child did you always want to be an Author?
When I was at school, I used to write stories. Primarily for homework, the five-page or thousand-word, the story would end up as an entire novel. Unfortunately, it did me no favours when it came to the exams.
At which age you come into writing?
In truth, it was in 2014. I was bored at work one day and just started writing. I showed the story to someone, they thought it was good, and it just went from there.
What made you think you should write?
It's not a case of think that I should write. It's more a case of I want to. I get a story in my head, and I have to get it onto paper. I'd say it was more a compulsion than anything.
How long do you take to finish a book?
This can vary. Sometimes it's six months other times, it's longer. I let the story dictate how long it will be, not the other way around. And then you have the editing side of things which obviously can take time if you have a two-hundred-thousand-word manuscript.
At which hour of the day you enjoy writing?
I write when I can. Most of the time, it's when I have time off, and my wife is at work. I have to have complete silence, no televisions in the background or people walking in. I can understand why authors in the movies seek out a cabin somewhere, not that it ends well for them, most of the time.
Do you type or prefer pen and paper?
I used to write in a notebook first, then transfer it onto the computer. Unfortunately, when I did write, and I was on a roll, my handwriting as worse than a drunken doctor in an earthquake. So now I write directly onto the computer. Much easier and cuts out a lot of time.
Where do you write?
I have a small office at home. Also, I take my laptop to work and write on my breaks. But mostly it is in the office at home. I think for writing, you have to be prepared to write anywhere. Whether its on holiday or at work.
Who are some authors that inspire you?
In truth, that must be one of the worse questions to answer. There are so many fantastic authors out there, old and new, it is impossible to answer. I do like the Lee Child novels, as well as Ian Fleming. I want to think the authors that inspire me the most are the ones that very few have heard of. The ones that are fighting to get their work out there. The ones who are searching for that dream. Personally, these are the ones that drive me because it shows that they haven't given up their vision, and neither should I.
How do you get published?
My books get published through Next Chapter Books publishing house. They are good publishers who can get my books out in a variety of formats, including Audible.
How many books have you written yet? Pick one as your favourite (mention why?)
I've had five books in the John Steel thriller series published so far. Also, I have two manuscripts that require editing. These are the John Steel series’ sixth novel, a standalone novel, and I'm working on a new two other new series. If I was going to pick a favourite out of the books I've had published so far, I'd say the latest one. Maltese Steel. I loved writing this one for so many different reasons. But most of all, because it is John Steel's breakaway novel, he goes it alone. We see the real John Steel.
What is your preferred writing tense and perspective?
The Third-person works well for the moment. But this is only dictated by the way the story comes across. Who knows, maybe my next novel will be first-person, we shall see.
Are you a plotter, pantser or plantser?
I do not plot. I love the journey, the mystery of how things unfold. I like that the story writes itself, and I'm merely a conduit to make that happen. I don't think I have the patience to plot because I know it will change halfway through the process.
What elements according to you make a story great?
When I find out, I'll let you know. What makes a great story? I think it's the passion the writer puts into telling the tale. I know some might say, "it's the action," or "it's the suspense." But I think it's the heart that the writer puts into the book. The reader can tell if the writer was just putting down a story or utterly adored writing the novel. I think that is what makes a great story.
What inspires you to write?
Coffee. Inspiration comes from all sorts of places. Watching the world go by as you sit in a café or maybe a documentary on tv, music, the weather, a magazine article. Inspiration is an utterly strange and wonderful as well as annoying thing. To answer the question, I would say life, the day-to-day. It can't be broken down into specifics because it just happens. The trick is to be prepared when it does. So, carry a notebook.
Apart from writing what do you like to do?
I do like gaming, possibly a little too much. I love to travel, see different places.
A surprising lesson you have learned through your journey of writing?
Writing is always full of lessons and surprises. Some good, others, not so much. If there is one thing I've learnt, it’s to believe in yourself and your work. If this is your passion, there is no wrong or right. Even if you struggle to get published or get an agent, keep writing. It should be about your words. If you in it for the money, you are in it for the wrong reasons.
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