Smashwords Interview copied

I like this idea that someone asks me questions and I answer them. I am full of opinions but when faced with a blank page I never know what to say. So I’ve copied my smashwords interview for you, amended it slightly and I am very grateful to smashwords for the chance to air my views.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

The greatest joy of writing is that I can fill my universe with people that I know exist and that I haven’t yet met.
My characters are my friends and advisers, my confidants and supporters.
My writing universe is boundless and in it I can go anywhere and do anything. It amuses me to find out what I do with this infinite power.

What are you working on next?

I am working on the second book in my eight book series. It hasn’t got a title yet. Originally I intended to name each book after the main character in it but I am reconsidering this decision because I see that it doesn’t give very much information to the potential reader.
I am very excited about this book, about the fusion between the real world and the world of fantasy.

Who are your favorite authors?

My favourite authors are:
Terry Pratchett
J.R. Tolkein
P.G Wodehouse

• Of the classics I am particularly fond of Boccaccio’s Decameron, John Steinbeck and Kafka.

• I also like children’s authors such as C.S Lewis, Garth Nix, Diane Wynne Jones, J.K. Rowling and Jenny Nimmo, F.H Burnett and Anthony Buckeridge

What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

Daphne the dog jumps on top of me and licks me until I get up. It is an assailable force.

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

I walk the dog by the beach or in the countryside as much as possible. I like to explore new places and take photos of them.
I’m on twitter quite a lot at
@aarondkey.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

The first story I ever wrote was inspired by Star Wars. I was very young: that is my excuse for the two main characters called Hans and Feet.
Apart from this the story was quite good I remember.

What is your writing process?

I sit down at a computer and write. It is no more complicated than that. Sometimes I have an idea where the plot is going and sometimes I just let the characters decide. If I ever get stuck I try to go for a walk and mull it over.

How do you approach cover design?

I give the professionals as much information as I can about the book and trust in their work.
They usually ask for examples of what you like and hate in a cover so it’s fairly safe. I particularly hate covers wth naked people on as I know I would never read a book like this

What are your five favorite books, and why?

The Hobbit – JRR Tolkein
I like the fellowship of the characters, the whimsical and brave nature of Bilbo and the backdrop of the pleasant land going to pot.
Heavy Weather – P.G.Wodehouse
I love everything about Blandings. I want to live there. Galahad is such a great, cheery character, immune to life and time itself.
The Decameron – Boccaccio
There is a story for every occasion. Memorable stories that stick with you for life. I will never clean my teeth with a leaf of sage that an ugly toad lives under. I also have a particular fondness for nightingales.
The Secret Garden – F.H. Burnett
I love the way that all the darkness of Victorian society is healed and cured by the love of a garden.
America – Franz Kafka
I read it when I was 17 and thought this was the best book I had ever read. I’ve never re-read it. I’m saving it as a treat for my old age. I loved the way that everything was just a little off, a little odd but even now the detailed memory has faded.

What do you read for pleasure?

Anything and everything apart from books with naked people (or dragons, or girls with hats on, or swastikas) on the cover.

By Aaron D.Key

Fantasy Author