1. What inspired you to become a writer?
I became a writer after seeing a television interview. It was a singer. He said 'stop spending your time watching people on talent shows chasing there dreams and spend that time chasing your own' it hit home for me and I began to write. Ten months later i had wrote a full book.
2. What's your favourite book of all time?
I have a few. Treasure Island was always my favourite when I was younger, and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea when I was older.
3. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Go for it. You have to try and do what makes you happy. Read a lot and write a lot, and learn with every book you read and page you write.
4. What is the most frustrating thing about being an author?
For me it is finding people to actually read your work and leave reviews. The writing is the exciting part, and finding readers is quite tough. So many authors and even more books to compete with.
5. What's your favourite movie?
Tough question. Back to the Future has always been my favourite for as long as I can remember. But in my adult years The Godfather. Superb movie.
6. What's better, dogs or cats?
Well I have a dog but I prefer cats. The wife prefers dogs so that is what we have.
7. If money was no object, how would you spend your life?
In comfort. No worries about money would be nice. Get my kids the very best education and set them up for a good future. As for myself, I would get a house with a huge library in it.
8. Do you draw from personal experiences when you write?
No not really. The material I have wrote is complete fiction with no situations even closely resembling anything I have dealt with in my life. I have never been in a truly horrifying situation or travelled anywhere. My stories are mostly off the cuff and I just let the writing flow without thought of my actual experiences.
9. What is more important? Strong characters or a strong storyline?
Everyone wants a strong story. But if we are all honest it is the characters we love from books rather that the story. Harry Potter for example, his character and life is what is loved. For me it is Captain Nemo and Long John Silver. The characters have to stand out more and be dominant I think.
10. What advice would you give to first time writers when submitting their work to publishers or literary agents?
Keep going. Work hard. Continue to learn and improve. Stephen King said 'your first million words are practice' patience and time are required to be successful. Submitting your work is tough, everyone has different taste in writing, so if you get a few knock backs just remember that someone else will love it.
Find out more about John and check out his titles A House Out of Time and Dark and Light Tales of Ripton Town.