Ben Westwood Author Bio:
I’m an author, journalist, lecturer and performer. My first novel, crime thriller Green Shoots, is available now.
I’m a former Daily Telegraph journalist and write on travel, family and environmental issues. I’ve authored several travel guidebooks on destinations from Ecuador, Galapagos and Peru to London. I combine freelance writing with lecturing at University of Brighton in the UK. I’m also an experienced musician and have released two albums as a singer-songwriter.
What inspires you to write?
I'm inspired my own life and the world around me. I'm passionate about injustice and particularly protecting nature. This was the inspiration behind my thriller Green Shoots.
Tell us about your writing process.
I plot books in quite a lot of detail initially but of course the plot changes as I'm writing. It's important to let the characters drive the story and I need to see what they are likely to do.
I write character profiles and include some backstory. I save all my planning in word documents and update it as I write.
I also set myself daily targets. I don't always meet them but I find by setting a target of 500 words a day, that would be 160 days, less than half a year for an 80,000 word novel, so the math works!
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Yes I do. I find taking a bath is particularly useful for this. I take a phone in and record myself. I sometimes write in my head and read it out, which can work, particularly as it's spontaneous.
Who are your favorite authors?
George Orwell, Ian Rankin and John Le Carré in thrillers, JK Rowling in children's lit, Eckhart Tolle in philosophy.
Favourite books would include I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes – I think it's an astonishing achievement for a thriller.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel is one of the most beautiful books I've read.
What genres do you write?
Thriller, crime fiction, mystery, suspense
How did you choose the genre(s) you write?
I like to read and write quickly, so thrillers seemed the most natural fit. As a journalist I like to get to the point!
What three things are on your writing desk at any given moment?
I have a standing desk with a mat to stand on – better for my back!
A notebook, a glass of water, but otherwise most of what I need is on the computer – notes and search engines for looking things up.
What hobbies do you have when you need a break from writing?
I sing and write songs. I find music essential and listen to it constantly. However, I can only listen to classical music such as Mozart when writing, as popular music would break my concentration.
I also do yoga, go running and walking. I love to take hot baths. I find baths and walks are good for thinking through ideas for writing.
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Home Page Link
Follow On Amazon
Link to Author Page on Barnes & Noble
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
