British horror writer Andrew Richardson has had an erotic novel released called ‘The Shoot’ through Eternal Press.
He described it to me as F/F erotica, which is new to me I’ll admit, but I’ll also have to admit that I actually enjoyed it, and its well worth a look.
Kath Mahoney only attends her friend’s first glamour photo shoot because Pippa needs someone to drive her there. Kath expects to find the day boring, but her interest is stirred when the photographer, Rob, turns out to be a sexy, blonde, former glamour model called Robyn.
Kath allows herself to be talked into posing with Pippa. She warms to the sexy poses, and enjoys the photographer’s attention. When Robyn invites Kath back for a solo shoot, Pippa is crushed. Even before Kath steps into the studio, though, Kath suspects that neither she nor Robyn will be particularly interested in taking photographs.
The book itself is a prequel to his newer book ‘The Wood’, which is from the same publishers. I’m yet to read the sequel but ‘Shoot’ is well worth a read, even though it was a bit off the beaten track for me.
I recently did an interview with the author himself, regarding writing, styles and the trade itself. Here’s what was said:
1: Instead of the normal question of where do you get your ideas from, which do you find is the stronger source of inspiration in your writing: non-fiction & fiction books, TV, radio, films, real life?
Mostly non-fiction books. I’ve had a fascination for history for as long as I can remember and tended to read every history book I could get my hands on. History plays a big role in most of my work. Usually the historical element is obvious – a story may be set in the past, or have a supernatural element that is based on an ancient sprit. Sometimes the link can be tenuous, with a character who has a degree in archaeology. They say to write what you know, and I feel more comfortable writing something with a historical basis.
I’d also have to throw in fiction books – but that’s another question coming later!
2: What is your writing routine? Any special potions or anything magical?
The routine is to write whenever I can!
The aimed at bonus of not working is more free time, and the ability to set a schedule. I’ve always limited myself to the number of words I write, and spent the rest of my writing time trying to improve my drafts, not in churning our more low quality work. More time means more self-editing and so better quality – at least, that’s the plan! More time also means more critiquing, blogging, researching, and other writing-related jobs that tend to be lower priority.
3: Who are your favourite authors and how do you believe they help mould your writing?
I’ve read horror since I was a teenager and read just about every horror writer the local library or second hand bookshop cold offer. I didn’t decide to write until some years later, but horror was an obvious genre because I knew from all my reading how horror novels are structured, and the different elements that are needed.
It was when I discovered Richard Laymon that I found someone who really helped mould me. He has (had, sadly; R.I.P) a sparse style that suits me and which I’ve copied. He’s particularly good with descriptions – you realise you know his characters intimately, despite him never describing them in a technique that I can only describe as brilliant. He also taught me a lot about pushing boundaries and what you can get away with. My subject matter differs from Laymon’s, but he’s still easily my greatest influence.
4: Do you think self-publication on Kindle is the way forward for unpublished authors? If this becomes more commonplace do you think it will affect the standard of writing available due to it not going through the agent/publisher sifting/critique stage, & do you think there will be a time when people will see it as a ‘first call option’ without bothering with the traditional avenues?
I think electronic publishing in general has been great. It’s meant cheaper reading, and has allowed more publishers to spring up. It’s also meant good but not outstanding authors who wouldn’t previously have been picked up have get a chance to get published and learn the trade with the smaller press.
The flip side is that of course it’s become easier to self publish. Everyone has a right to self-publish, but the reason most do – as far as I can see from reading blogs and the like – is that they’re not good enough to be picked up by a publisher. This watering down of quality does concern me. I’m particularly worried about it becoming a first option, because the need to polish before sending to a publisher wouldn’t be there.
At the moment there is a stigma attached to self-publishing – and rightly so in most cases, I think.
Thank you, Andrew
