Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Chris Brown, author of ‘One man to Love, One man to Live’ and his new book, ‘Beaches, Boys and Forgotten Bras’.

 

Hi Chris, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

Well I’m at the age where live begins again, which means older enough to know better and yet young enough not to care. I’m married with two kids, one of each, and spend most of my day either working to provide for them, or balancing my free time between family life and my vocations.

When did you decide to become a writer?

I’ve been writing in some form or other for many moons, be that poetry or short stories for my children, but I think the point where I actually decided to chase the dream of being a published author came after recovering from a stroke back in 2012. As cliché as it sounds, being given a second chance at life made me want to push forward with something I enjoyed, writing.

Why do you write?

To express in words the scenarios and voices that play out in my head. There is probably someone in a white coat somewhere who’ll slap a label on what happens in my head, but for me it provides the perfect tools with which to mould my craft.

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?

Peer group pressure without a doubt. Without good friends and family goading me on from the side-lines, I would more than likely have never have sat and worked on a complete manuscript.

What are you working on at the minute?

Currently a series of vampire novels aimed at the YA market. They are being written and dedicated to my daughter with an aim to self-publish.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

I think Emma Stone would be perfect in the role of Imogen from Beaches, Boys and Forgotten Bras. She has that girl next door quality about her that I wanted to portray.

How much research do you do?

Very little. Unless I am referencing something specific such as a location, meal or drink. Then I’ll make sure what I’m writing appears authentic.

Where do your ideas come from?

I wish I knew. I could be sitting doing one thing, and then this idea will just hit me. You only have to read my author page to see some of the crazy ideas I’ve come up with.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

Go with the flow. So many times I’ve not actually progressed with a story for days because I’ve been torn between two or three avenues in which to take it.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

Accepting an ending and writing it. The story had the potential to go in a number of ways, and I would have been happy with any of them, so actually picking one ending and sticking with it was difficult.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

Go off topic. Write a scene, or review. Something to take you away from that which you’re blocking until you find the mantra to begin again. Sometimes for me, it isn’t so much a block but a confusion of too many ideas. When that happens I find having a filter, an purge on note making helps get back to the agenda at hand.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Follow your dreams and do that which makes you happy. You never know what tomorrow holds for us, so enjoy the day you live today.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

Tolkien. The world of Middle Earth he created is simply mind boggling with the languages and religions for each race. I would love to explore the mind of the man that so diligently crafted a foundation for the fantasy genre.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I don’t think I’m best placed to offer advice as I’m still exploring my own path of being a published author.

If you were a fly on the wall, whose conversation will you listen in on and why?

Any of the publishers I’d sent my manuscripts off too and heard nothing, just to see if it were read or merely passed over.

You are given the chance of a lifetime.  What movie character would you be?

I’d be like Tarantino and get a cameo in a film based on one of my books.

Is your glass half full or half empty?

I think of myself as the guy that whilst others are arguing that question, nips in and finishes the drink!

 

And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your latest book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

“Did you pack the case yourself?” asked an equally friendly young member of airport staff.

“Why yes!” Imogen replied proudly. “There are my day clothes, some swimwear and shoes. Toiletries…..”

“Madam, we don’t need to know what’s in there.” the young woman interjected. “We have scanners for that. Now were you asked to carry anything in your case for anyone else?”

“My underwear!” was the reply.

 “Excuse me!” asked the by now confused member of staff.

 “I forgot to pack any underwear” clarified Imogen distraughtly.

 

Thank you so much Chris for allowing me to delve into your mind and quiz you about your books and yourself and thank you for being my first author I have interviewed.  I look forward to reading the new book.

Beaches, Boys and Forgotten Bras

Imogen wasn’t so much unlucky in love, as she was adept at giving those she fell for a reason to walk away. And when her most recent break up happened a couple of weeks before her annual holiday from work, she decided a flight towards sunny beaches would be just what she needed to forget her heartbreak and prove she could stride forward with her best foot forward as a single independent woman.

Unfortunately best laid plans were never her forte, and when a group of lads away on a holiday of their own catch her eye, it’s head over heels time again for poor Imogen. But which one does she offer her heart too and will there be more than just romance amongst the sand dunes? Or will she return as single as she left having found one more reason to give up on love.

 

Beaches, Boys and Forgotten Bras, is available now.