Brit Author DAVID RUSSELL

REVEALS...
From where do you get inspiration and what inspired you to write Self's Blossom?
From other people’s experiences told to me, from my own ‘secret yearnings’, from books and films. In this instance, I was catalysed by a friend’s work, and those strands came together.

In a couple of sentences, describe the hero’s character. What do you like best/least about him?
He is bright, observant, detached, aloof, calculating. He is somewhat lacking in warmth; one reviewer described him as ‘creepy’. I would not dispute this.

And the heroine? How do you relate to her?
I suppose I put her on some sort of pedestal, as supremely bright and beautiful. But I also felt I had some empathy for underlying self-questionings and insecurities.


BUY


Who controls the story – you or your characters?
I think my characters took control, the heroine especially.

What do you hope your readers come away with after reading the book?
Plenty of food for thought, and complexities

What do you enjoy about writing romance?
One can imagine oneself in these exciting situations, and get away from irritating, humdrum stresses. It is also benign in that it dissipates anger and bitterness, and makes one feel philanthropic afterwards.

What do you like best and least about writing?
Best is that is its exciting and invigorating, worst in that mechanical chores are necessary to keep it up and running.

Do you have a writing routine?
I try to do some every day, however little, and even if it’s just amendment or proofing; there’s always something to go on with.

Anything special you require to keep the creative juices flowing?
Dialogue with others, prompts from their experience and their criticisms.

What is the best writing advice you have ever received?
Always be receptive to criticism, but never accept the judgement of one individual as final Good advice!

What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
A sequel to my story ‘Explorations” (also published by Devine Destinies)

How do you like to spend your free time?
Painting, listening to and making music (I am also a singer/songwriter)

Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions you wish to accomplish? What would you most like to accomplish this year?
I would like some of my speculative fiction, and a translation, to see the light of publication.

What was your favourite book as a child/teen/adult?
Are you currently reading anything? Franz Kafka’s The Castle  Must revisit Kafka sometime...

What is your culinary speciality?
Brown rice, lentils, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, onions and smoked mackerel

Which flower would best describe you and why?
The foxglove, because I like to think of myself as inscrutable.

Any other exciting plans coming up?
Only exciting reveries; I’d love to be able to enact my hero’s part for a brief stint.

Thanks for allowing us this insight into your world, David
Find David on Goodreads where there are some great reviews!
Don't forget to come back tomorrow to read an excerpt
And leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Self's Blossom