1. Focus on your book!
They are adventure travel stories set seven years apart in Scotland, London, the Windward Isles of the Caribbean and then, a gap year – or Working Holiday ‘Down Under’ (where else) in Australia. Then there’s a tale about our move to Melbourne in 2004!
2. Fine art: The craft of writing!
You know good writing when you see it. I read some books on the art, then decided it was all about Pace, Precision and Point… I’ll let you know when I have really worked it out, by which time it will be too late.
3. Fascinating you: What would locals in a foreign country first notice about you?
I am shorter than people expect. And that my teeth are straightish – thanks to the wonders of Invisalign! As for the rest that’s up to you to decide…
4. Following: Which authors, fiction or non-fiction do you admire?
Lots, possibly too many to choose from! I loved Michael Crichton, now departed; Frederick Forsyth, and of course, Peter Mayle. I also like Graham Greene, John Buchan, Tom Wolfe and the witty David Lodge. Back in the heyday of the 80s and then 90s, I read Tom Clancy until I realised he couldn’t write for toffee after all (or to be fair, got worse with success).
5. Fame: What’s your claim to fame?
I once got involved in a fight scene in a major Hollywood movie with Richard Gere in the foreground…and found myself stood behind Sean Connery. It was a whirlwind fun week on set. I’ve also appeared in small Belgian art-house movies and appeared in a US crime tv episode when I was passing through the town of Lone Pine, California!
6. Fortune: Have you ever made any money? Won a bet, a round of poker? Or been the beneficiary from a long-forgotten distant Aunt?
I have won a few rounds of poker, sometimes all in the same night. I spent years pretending I couldn’t play, then accidentally found myself the ‘card shark’ after all. But largely, fortune has passed me by.
7. Fool: Just for fun: tell me about the time you made a silly mistake or found yourself the unwitting centre of attention.
Every time I say anything, unfortunately…
8. Frippery: how do you make your mark?
I love a good pair of shoes, whether that’s a pair of RM Williams Chelsea boots, or a suede pair of brogues. I am particularly partial to an English shirt of the sort you once got in Jermyn street and buy them in fours…also a nice line in jackets but you’d never confuse me with Michael Portillo who wears a new jacket in every episode of his train journey TV programmes.
9. Favourite books
“The Day of the Jackal” by Frederick Forysth
Now this book is remarkable – and in some ways has never dated.
“Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts
“The Secret History” Donna Tartt
10. Forgiveness – Is it better to ask for forgiveness or permission?
Forgiveness. My problem is that I don’t have time to ask permission – the heinous crime has already been committed.
Would you like to answer my ‘Top Ten’ Questions? Contact me!
Top Ten Questions any budding writer could answer… if they only had the time…
Stephen Malins, Author & Photographer 