Interview with RJ Hunter
Published 2015-01-28.
Describe your desk
My desk is portable. However, at home I always have a thesaurus, and a dictionary to hand, plus plenty of coffee.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Word of mouth and Twitter.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Hounslow, West London. I attended many different schools as my parents kept moving house. I found this a great upheaval, and evidence of it can be found in Compendium Of The Heart, (Pauline).
When did you first start writing?
Probably around the mid nineties, after completing a creative writing course.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I think everyone has a book in them, but not necessarily a good book. I have much experience of life, and tend to look at things from an obscure angle.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Knowing that someone can gain an uplifting experience from my work. I write to evoke emotion.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I still have to do a day job.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I love my country, England. I love walking, travel, the seaside, adventure. I enjoy art, and most sports. I also like country pubs, real ale and wine. But it doesn't mix well with writing!
What is your writing process?
I have to write with a biro on a lined A4 writing pad. I then copy this to my laptop, making changes as I go. I can write anywhere and at any time.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I read Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell as a child and wept! But I can remember reading Jaws and Papillon when I was very young.
How do you approach cover design?
It's got to be thought-provoking, yet simple.
What are you reading now?
Ken Follet's, World Without End. It's a massive, historical read. I love huge books. Pillars Of The Earth, by the same author is one of my all time favourites.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Compendium Of The Heart charts a frightening love triangle spanning two decades. The effects are devastating on the two families involved. The book is set in the sixties and eighties.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans are extremely important to me and I value their views and input. I follow nearly as many fans on Twitter as those who follow me!
What are you working on next?
If there's a massive demand for a COTH sequel, then I would willingly oblige. I've always wanted to try my hand at writing plays.
Who are your favorite authors?
There are too many to name, but here's a few;
Ken Follet, Sebastian Faulks, Colleen McCullough, Charles Bukowski, Leslie Thomas.
what genre's don't you like?
I'm not keen on explicit erotica, horror, sci-fi, or ghost books. But you never know!
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