Interview with Neetah Books

Published 2014-05-10.
Describe your desk
I don't really have one. I write everywhere and anywhere. I like to write in the early morning. My desk? I suppose i do have one in my study but it has recording equipment on it and an old pewter mug that I got for my 21st birthday.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up near Loch Lomond, at the edge of the highlands but not far from Glasgow. A mixture of beauty and gritty Glaswegian sectarianism surrounded me. It was fun, dangerous and never boring.
When did you first start writing?
I began writing around 10 years ago, when I was a very young 43. Although, I had written songs back in my teens when I toured with various rock bands.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I'm a very impatient man. I can't wait for years to see a book I've finished sit around. I have two publishers who have some of my books, but I intend seeing how this goes with some of my newer titles.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Not sure yet. Early days. But it certainly seems a great one-stop shop for an Inde author. A great way to increase your marketing 'reach' and maximise your returns. I look forward to a great future with Smashwords.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything. Without that core of kids, and now , adults who believe in what I do and love the stories, I would probably stop.
What are you working on next?
I'm working on a new book that explores my time working in a bear reserve. Working title is Bear Naked.
Who are your favorite authors?
Tolkien, Dickens, Sharpe, Blyton, Daal, and more recently - Annabel Pitcher and David Walliams.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The thought that - 'I'm wasting time lying here'.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I play rock music in pubs, walk, swim, go great family holidays and look after my two dogs.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes. It was for my son, who had asthma at the time. He nagged me all the way to the end. Best thing that ever happened to me.
What is your writing process?
Free fall. I like to develop characters and then see where they lead me. I usually have a theme I want to explore, like racism, alternative energy, bullying, family tension etc
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The Secret of Spiggy Holes by Edin Blyton - great adventure set outside.
How do you approach cover design?
I get help.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

Tiffy and Toffy - The Squashed Worm and Bramble Pie
Price: $2.95 USD. Words: 760. Language: English. Published: July 31, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Concepts / Counting & Numbers, Fiction » Children’s books » Animals » General
A beautiful picture book for younger children. An old-fashioned, safe story, that helps with numeracy, reading and learning about wildlife.
Seascape
Price: $2.95 USD. Words: 42,550. Language: English. Published: June 22, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Action & Adventure / Survival Stories
Jenny and Pavel are caught up in another exciting adventure on the western isles. While care-taking her uncle’s farm on the island of Barra, Jenny and Pavel are , embroiled in a plot to steal some very precious sea eagle eggs from the cliffs of Mull. Caught up in the 'Arab Spring' a young prince is set to pay a fortune to an egg thief for a rare egg that may save his family back home.