Kevin Bucknall

Biography

I have worked at London University, Griffith University (Australia) and with the United Nations in Bangkok. I have lived in a variety of countries, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the UK. Recently I spend much of my time writing about motivation and study skills and also making videos about Chinese and Japanese culture. I also "entertain" the neighbours by practising the clarinet in order to keep my place as the lowliest clarinet player in the Da Capo concert band in London.

Smashwords Interview

How do you approach cover design?
I think about what sort of image might reflect the content best. As I ask only $2.99 for one eBook, and give away two others for free, I cannot afford to pay a designer. I rather like cartoons and classical paintings so spend time checking out free ones online, then discuss it with my wife, Sieska.
What are your six favorite books, and why?
I like so many that I find it hard to choose. In terms of books I reread, Ulysses by James Joyce would be top of the list. For the others, Agatha Christie would come high, as would Philip Kerr with his Bernie Gunther novels set in facist Germany and later. Then there's James Lee Burke for the Robicheaux books; Donna Leone for the Inspector Brunetti books and the Swedish husband and wife team Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö for Inspector Martin Beck. These were the forerunner writers of the relatively recently discovered Swedish crime novels. I read for enjoyment and relaxation and crime or thrillers are my preferred genre. I guess Ulysses is an aberration!
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Kevin Bucknall online

Where to buy in print

Books

Relax! Good Ways to Beat Stress
Price: Free! Words: 17,850. Language: English. Published: June 20, 2015 . Categories: Nonfiction » Health, wellbeing, & medicine » Mental health
This book shows you a dozen ways that you can get immediate relief from stress and feel good. It then demonstrates even more ways of tackling the actual causes of your stress and teaches you how you can relax permanently. Deep relaxation, yoga, massage, exercise, a mental body scan and progressive muscle relaxation are just some of the techniques described. It is practical and easy-to-follow.
Procrastination, Motivation and You
Price: Free! Words: 17,120. Language: English. Published: July 23, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Self-improvement » Motivation & inspiration, Nonfiction » Education & Study Guides » Getting into college
A self-improvement manual to help you to increase your motivation and enthusiasm. Results for a student: better exam marks. Results for a worker: better and greater output. Section one deals with procrastination and helps you to identify what might be holding you back. Section two deals with motivation and presents many ways of helping to motivate you and to increase your keenness. (17,120 words)
Free Economics Notes
Price: Free! Words: 22,920. Language: English. Published: July 10, 2012 . Categories: Nonfiction » Education & Study Guides » Study guides - Economics, Nonfiction » Business & Economics » Economics
A book of free economics notes based on more than thirty years' experience of teaching and supervising students on three continents
You Too Can Study More Easily: Tips for Dummies and Others
Price: Free! Words: 24,110. Language: English. Published: April 29, 2012 . Categories: Nonfiction » Education & Study Guides » Study skills
Advice to students on how to improve study methods; this is of relevance to both high school and university students