Exclusive Interview with
Gerald Wixey
When did you start writing?
fifteen years ago
What makes writing your passion?
It's become a form of therapy!
How long have you been writing?
fifteen years
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Euphoria and blind panic
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I guess the protagonist is always an idealised version of myself . A nicer, more rounded character.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Time, noise, distractions.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Take the dog out - sometimes she wonders why so often.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Striving to improve, aiming to write good , commercial literature
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Start writing decades earlier than I did
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Bad reviews go with the territory. Thay're fine if it's constructive.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Heart warming
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Always draw on life experience
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
My first nove, Salt of Their Blood was partly autobiographical
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The cover needs to be a hook, that's for sure
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I love talking to readers about anything, but especially my work
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I love recognition
Who is your favorite author? Why?
John Updike - manages to combine the commercial with the literary. It's sexy, and always so well onserved
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
John Steinbeck
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Yes - you can look at the same 300 words each day and still see something to improve - it's obsessive
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Recently deceased John Le Carre
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Sometimes when bored or suffering from the dreaded block, I've engaged some trolls. If you can take the abuse, i've found it fun.
What would you say to your readers?
Try one of my books, they're dark, sexy, tragic and suspenseful, perfect reading for night owls.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
Life's good, married to Gwen for over forty-five years, three bright, noisy children, even noisier grandchildren and a Rottweiler called Mavis.
What is your day job if you have one?
Retired
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
cinema, watching cricket, walking
Did you have a happy childhood?
Happy, I grew up in a pub my parents had. They were always close by.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Just reading something on holiday, it made me think that I could write rubbish like that - it seems...
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I do, a romance, but can I make the transition from a dark psychological thriller to a romantic novel without someone getting bumped off?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Read a lot - doesn't matter what, increase your vocabulary, so important
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
More sensible politicians than idiots
A health and education infrastructure that works for all
Win the olympic 100 metres - (unlikely for an over 70 I know)
What is your favorite music?
Boz Scaggs, Nick Cave, 70's/80's soul
Share a secret with us 🙂
Breaking the official secrests act