Interview with James France

Published 2016-02-07.
What is your writing process?
I am not really a plotter who plans out a book from beginning to end. I start with a concept, whether it is a story plot or a character, and I start from there. I ensure that I have a beginning and end in mind. The meat of the story is partly planned,and partly determined by what I have written in the story, and where I need it to go next.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
One of the early books I read was "James and the Robbers" by Pauline Clark. My brother bought this book for me at a jumble sale. I loved the adventure of a group of young boys who are trying to catch criminals who are stealing artifacts from a church.
What is your writing process?
I am not really a plotter who plans out a book from beginning to end. I start with a concept, whether it is a story plot or a character, and I start from there. I ensure that I have a beginning and end in mind. The meat of the story is partly planned,and partly determined by what I have written in the story, and where I need it to go next.
What do you read for pleasure?
I love books that keep you in a state of suspense such as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Jeffrey Deaver novels. Sometimes I divert and try something different. I am currently enjoying Ken Follett's "The Century" trilogy.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My laptop. I like to read on a big screen.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire before moving to Benoni, South Africa when I was thirteen years old. I was lucky enough to go to schools where the English teachers gave us frequent creative writing assignments. Sometimes a short story was required in an English exam. Nothing gets the creative process fired up more than having to think up a story on the spot.
When did you first start writing?
Apart from school I only started writing in 2011, at the age of 37! At the time I was writing an early concept for "Dylan". The first attempt was rubbish, and with work and studies to keep me busy the project was shelved for four years.
Describe your desk
It has speakers on it because I like to listen to music when I write. There are coasters for my coffee mugs and water glasses. A candle also has its place in case of power cuts (South Africa's power grid is not exactly First-World).
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Being able to express myself and creating stories which other people will hopefully enjoy.
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Books by This Author

Candle Smoke
Price: Free! Words: 3,520. Language: English. Published: February 13, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » Occult
Sammy Leveau is finding out that being the new kid in a small town is difficult when he is being bullied at school. Unknown to them, he did not leave New Orleans without learning a few tricks...