Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Good heavens no. When I was a teenager I wanted to be a vet, and later a scientist.
Where do you write?
In a small office at home, surrounded by books, photographs, and other research materials. I write straight onto my PC although I often print stuff out to review and edit. I also carry a notebook everywhere to jot down ideas as they hit me. I do a lot of research for my books. Each takes about 9 months to write.
Are all your stories about war?
Published ones, yes. But I have written other stuff and I have ideas for books that are not set during WWII.
Who are your favourite authors?
I am a huge fan of Robert Westall (The Machine Gunners), Michael Morpurgo (Private Peaceful, Warhorse), Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games), and Philip Pullman (Dark Materials). When I was growing up I also loved thrillers by Alistair Maclean, Frederick Forsyth & Robert Harris. I'm not a huge fan of fantasy or science fiction unless it is really clever or original. As for books on vampires, well I wouldn't shed a tear if I never read another.
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