Ask the Author: Julian Stockwin
Answered Questions (12)
Julian Stockwin
What an interesting question! Not sure there are many mysteries in my life but I have had many adventures and experiences, most of which I look back on with a warm glow, and which I've drawn on to a greater or lesser extent when writing my books.
Julian Stockwin
Apologies for the tardy response. Have only just seen your question. Delighted you're enjoying my Kydd tales and I will certainly continue to write about the areas you mention whenever the plot allows.
Julian Stockwin
David - I regret I cannot undertake reviews for 'budding authors' due to work pressures - two Kydd titles coming out annually from next year and other commitments. Best wishes, though, for your literary endeavours. J
Julian Stockwin
Alan - delighted you're enjoying the Kydd series. I've actually written a couple of blogs with suggestions of books for readers wanting to delve deeper into Kydd's world -
http://julianstockwin.com/2015/01/15/...
http://julianstockwin.com/2015/02/10/...
http://julianstockwin.com/2015/01/15/...
http://julianstockwin.com/2015/02/10/...
Julian Stockwin
Absolutely! I think it would be a great series or movie but appreciate the scope of the project would be very expensive. Fingers crossed...
Julian Stockwin
I base my books on the historical record and while Kydd's advancement and rate of progression was not common, especially the big step to become an officer from the lower deck, it certainly did happen!
Julian Stockwin
My most recent book in the Kydd series is 'Pasha'; this follows the journey of Tom Kydd, press-ganged into the Royal Navy, who will finally make admiral. I have flow-charted out the various stages in this journey for 21, possibly more, books. The books are chronological, following the actual historical record. Each book is deep historical digging - but that's half the fun!
Julian Stockwin
I find the Great Age of Fighting Sail so fascinating, and the historical record so rich, that there is inspiration in abundance! And serendipity plays a part; I was inspired to write my historical standalone, 'The Silk Tree', set in the time of Emperor Justinian, by an encounter in bazaar in Istanbul...
Julian Stockwin
I have started the research and planning for the next book in the Kydd series, as yet untitled.
Julian Stockwin
It's a tough environment in publishing currently but persevere. Good writing will find a home. You must be professional at all levels - research, writing and finding a publisher. And then promoting your book by various means such as social media, running a website etc. This last is becoming more and more important for writers.
Julian Stockwin
Apart from being your own boss I get to travel the world on behalf on my hero Tom Kydd, walking in his footsteps of two centuries ago on the prowl for the next adventure.
Julian Stockwin
Fortunately I rarely suffer from it. Before I start writing I will have done extensive research - and planning. If I do come to a temporary stand Kathy (my wife and former editor, and with whom I work very closely) and I walk and talk along the banks of the nearby River Erme until I come to a resolution of the logjam. But then again, there's always the bullet point solution...
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