Ask the Author: Adrian Doyle
Answered Questions (7)
Adrian Doyle
The title is modelled on an approach used by the likes of Iain Banks and Robert Galbraith. It's a metaphor for a key character/object in the story. For example, Iain Bank's book, Surface Detail, referes indirectly to a character born covered in tattoos. Galbraith's book, Lethal White, refers to a horse born with an untreatable congenital condition from which it will die, In the book it refers to a painting.
Moss Piglet is the name given to a small animal from the tardigrades family. They are virtually indestructible (moreso even than cockroaches). They are the closest thing we have to an immortal animal insofar as they can live in statis for years in extreme conditions. As such, Moss Piglet is a metaphor for Margar whose spirit has remained in stasis for centuries.
Some authors use more literal titles (Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Peter May, Irvine Welsh, Stephen Leather, Le Carre and so on). However, such titles are already in multiple use (e.g. 'Glue'). Many authors use a mix (e.g. Iain Banks - Use of Weapons (literal), The Hydrogen Sonata (metaphor) - I could go on all day...)
My goal with titles is to use some obscure name from the natural world which reflects a key element of the book. I like the indirect metaphor and also the fact that my titles should be relatively unique in the literary world.
Moss Piglet is the name given to a small animal from the tardigrades family. They are virtually indestructible (moreso even than cockroaches). They are the closest thing we have to an immortal animal insofar as they can live in statis for years in extreme conditions. As such, Moss Piglet is a metaphor for Margar whose spirit has remained in stasis for centuries.
Some authors use more literal titles (Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Peter May, Irvine Welsh, Stephen Leather, Le Carre and so on). However, such titles are already in multiple use (e.g. 'Glue'). Many authors use a mix (e.g. Iain Banks - Use of Weapons (literal), The Hydrogen Sonata (metaphor) - I could go on all day...)
My goal with titles is to use some obscure name from the natural world which reflects a key element of the book. I like the indirect metaphor and also the fact that my titles should be relatively unique in the literary world.
Adrian Doyle
Currently reading the Rebus books in order, Steig Larsson trilogy next followed by the sequels by David Lagercranz. Might fit in Harlan Coben's "Tell No One" at some point too.
Adrian Doyle
I am working on a fiction novel that touches on spirit attachment and also the dynamics of a newly married couple
Adrian Doyle
Keep going and listen carefully to feedback (and don't get upset when it's "constructive")
Adrian Doyle
You get to use your imagination, especially when writing fiction.
Adrian Doyle
By doing something else and letting the block bounce around my head till an idea pops out.
Adrian Doyle
I have been rehabilitating dogs for years. In an attempt to educate one particular owner how better to look after her dog, I wrote a journal from the dog's perspective. This dogs stayed with me for about 7 weeks while the owner was in hospital. Using that as a start, I added more dogs and some case studies to create a book, written from a dog's perspective, on their experiences of rehabilitation.
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