How do you work through self-doubt and fear?
I ignore it for the purpose of work, but it never goes away so I guess I live with it.
What is your greatest character strength?
I lose the plot occasionally, but I am focused and determined by nature so I don’t stay down for long.
What is your weakest character trait?
I suffer from being oversensitive… big time!
Why do you write?
You should as soon ask why I breathe.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
No I used to write specifications when I was in IT and wasn't very happy with it at all. I've been writing fiction for around 10 years and have loved it from day one
What motivates you to write?
The desire to create the perfect novel. I know, no such thing, but you have to have a dream.
What writing are you most proud of?
My debut novel, birth of an assassin http://www.amazon.com/Birth-of-an-Assassin- ebook/dp/B00DIFVC3S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1380132945&sr=1-1&keywords=rik+stone
What genre of books do you adore?
I love a good thriller, but I was also once addicted to both Terry Pratchet and Tolkien.
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
He's been telling us for the last 90 years he wasn't well, looks like he was right.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you live now?
I grew up in the slums of north east England and now live in a nice area in south-east England. And you’re right about influence, what I write is akin to my own experiences, albeit they are grossly exaggerated.
How did you develop your writing?
I guess you learn the most from the mistakes you make along the way, which means I must be pretty good by now.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Real life, but mostly good old imagination.
What marketing works for you?
Blog tours, I hope.
Do you plan to publish more books?
Birth of an Assassin is the first in a series. Book 2&3 are written, but both require one more redraft.
What else do you do to make money other than write? It is rare today for writers to be full time?
I’m very lucky with that one. I took an early retirement at 50 and live on a company pension, so I can give my full time to writing… and I do.
What other jobs have you had in life?
I worked in shipyards before going into the merchant Navy. When I came ashore, I worked in a quarry. Redundancy took me to Ford Motor Co. and that was when my life went through a change: I began studying. Working my way through the lower level stuff, I moved on to study for a bachelor's degree in mathematics-and-computing and moved into the IT sector of the company.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
I love living in England, but I’m sure I’d be as happy to settle anywhere else. I probably am, but I don’t care to believe I’m held down by roots.
How do you write laptop pen and paper in bed at a desk?
All of those things plus iPad and when out walking I might use a Dictaphone.
Where do you get support from do you have friends in the industry?
No, I receive all the support I need from my wife.
How much sleep do you need to be your best?
Probably eight hours, but I manage on about five.
Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge and thank for their support?
Yes, my wife Sue, she holds me up when I'm down and keeps me buoyant when I'm unsure. Other than that she does everything to look after me, having said that her cooking leaves something to be desired.
Every writer has their own idea about a successful career in writing, what does success in writing look like to you?
If every person who reads my book enjoys it then I've been successful.
Genre - Thriller, Crime, Suspense
Rating – R
More details about the author
Website http://rik-stone.simdif.com
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