Today, I am pleased to host a debuting author, James Griffiths. Let’s welcome James into the publishing arena by buying Something to Read on the Ride, and don’t forget to let him know how much you liked his short, Through Glass.

In his own words:

I’m 18 studying journalism at Cardiff University. My “Something to Read on the Ride” contribution was my first properly published piece of fiction, however I am a contributor to the student newspaper too.

Currently juggling the prospect of being a journalist or an author or both! I also dabble in theatre from time to time and constantly seem to find myself with a guitar in my hands. You can follow me on Twitter @JGriff95, if you’re into that sort of thing. I’m sure you won’t regret the decision!

Now, let’s hear his answers to my 8 questions: 

1. When you were a kid you wanted to be…?

It’s something that has changed a few times but I’ve always wanted to simply be creative. During my childhood I wanted to be an author and still do, but I’ve also felt inspired to become an actor or a journalist more recently. I tend to stick with “writer” to answer that question these days!

2. The first book you read was…?

I can’t remember the exact first book I read but I remember as a child absolutely loving “The Edge Chronicles” by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell. My friend gave me a copy of “Beyond the Deepwoods” and I never looked back, Riddell’s illustrations are so rich and brilliantly complemented the imaginative world that I read about.

3. You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?

Realizing in primary school that English was by far my best subject, and constantly looking forward to the creative writing tasks. I’m not sure I thought then that I was “good” and I still don’t, but I know writing is one of my favourite things.

4. As a reader, your favorite genre is…?

Either fantasy, sci-fi or thriller. Something with a good adventure, memorable characters and has an edge to it.

5. No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?

A Clash of Kings by big George, the second one of the Game of Thrones books.

6. You write…?

A sort of mish-mash of fantasy and sci-fi, I like to go in for good realism and dark undertones.

7. The praise about your writing you like the most is…?

I haven’t really written enough to gather much praise but a couple of people have praised the creative imagination in my writing.

8. What’s next…?

Working on some sci-fi about gangs, sewers and a metropolis. It’s sort of inspired by the video game Fallout 3 among other things!

 

And once again, don’t forget to buy Something to Read on the Ride to read James’s short. You will also support a great cause, the Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal, A Children’s Hospital Charity.