Will Macmillan Jones

I’m, not sure that I ever did. Not as such. I’ve written stuff for as long as I can remember. I recently found a collection of poems I wrote when I was eleven, hidden in an old briefcase I’d forgotten I’d kept. Here’s a random fact to amaze anyone who has ever read any of my books – I’ve actually got an ‘A’ level in creative writing, too! My English teacher at school was very keen on our doing this option, and encouraged us all to write. Then I graduated to my first full novel in my early twenties. And absolutely awful it was too. Next I wrote some magazine articles, and then let it all slip for a few years, until (after a couple of false starts ) I pulled the old text of my novel from under my bed, ignored it completely, and just let the characters loose to have fun. I haven’t stopped since. I don’t think I can, now. My name is Will, and I’m an author-holic…..

As a fantasy author, naturally I love Tolkein. I was introduced to his work at age eight at school, and never looked back. I do also love historical faction, and am a big fan of Lindsey Davis and her ‘Falco’ series set in Ancient Rome. In fact a conversation with her at a book signing event was a pivotal factor in reawakening my dormant desire to write. Then there is Graham Greene. His book ‘The Quiet American’ demonstrates such lush prose. Anyone who has read other interviews of mine might have seen a different list. Sorry. Blokes find it hard to make decisions, right? Anyway. Alan Garner is a UK children's author. His book, The Wierdstone of Brisingamen is wonderful story, and it was that book which inspired me to start writing myself. I was entranced with the idea of a fantasy world so close to ours we could touch it.... Finally, this time (next week I'll probably have a different list) I'll pick Richard Bach's book 'Illusions'. Flying, friendship, philosophy...it presses all my buttons. Wonderful.