Here at Olympia we love hearing from our authors, getting an insight into their lives in writing and asking them what their advice would be to future authors. This week we had the pleasure of interviewing David Joyce about his book!
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
I’ll have to let you know on that as it happens. Though my wife would probably be the best person to answer this question.
What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?
Definitely Terry Pratchett and his ‘discworld’ series. When I first read one from my brother’s collection when I was probably around 12, I struggled to understand the writing. Now as I’m older and have gone back to them I find them very cleverly written and very funny.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
I’d have to say it was hearing the little quirky sayings from my parents, for example ‘don’t look a gift horse in the mouth’ and ‘the blind leading the blind’. These types of sayings always made you think and I still use them to this day.
What’s your favourite under-appreciated novel?
I’m not sure if it’s under-appreciated but I really enjoyed reading ‘Mr Nice’ by Howard Marks. Very funny and in some cases it seems unbelievable to have managed to do what he did. But a good read nonetheless.
How do you balance making demands on the reader with taking care of the reader?
As I write children’s books with illustrations I tend to balance the story with my illustrations to give a clearer picture.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
Erm ok, that’s a tricky one! I’d have to say that my spirit animal would most likely be a monkey as they are cheeky but likeable, a bit like me…
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I have four unpublished and one half-finished. Though hoping to get the unpublished ones published soon! Watch this space…
What does literary success look like to you?
Just to have people enjoy what I have created, that would be enough for me.
If you could review Olympia publishers in a few words, what would they be?
Warm, friendly and very professional.
To get yourself a copy of David's book, Is There a Monster Under My Bed, click here!
