-
Q: What inspired you to start writing?
Since childhood I have always enjoyed writing. I then had a long career in journalism, including 21 years as a newspaper editor. When I semi-retired I thought I would like to be a little more creative and try my hand at writing books. I have written four novels under my pen name John Pendleton and now a non-fiction book under my own name John Cowpe.
-
Q: Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Wider Ownership - A Way Forward for the UK, argues that encouragement of wider ownership, whether that be of homes, shares or community assets, is the positive way forward for the United Kingdom.
It makes the case that a fundamental shift towards a truly popular capitalism can help overcome the alienation which many people, especially the young, feel towards our economic system and democracy.
The book’s ambition is towards a country where many more people can enjoy a stable family life and good sustainable income. It hopes to help change the often-held view that capitalism inevitably produces an “us and them” society.
-
Q: How do you create your characters?
The characters in my novels are often an amalgam of a variety of people I have met throughout my life, although some come purely from my imagination.
-
Q: What does your typical writing day look like?
I tend to write in the evenings, sitting on the sofa, often with the TV on in the background as competition to stop my mind wandering!
-
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being an indie author?
The very thought that people would enjoy or be stimulated by reading something I have written is a great reward. I like to think I produce work that I would, enjoy reading myself.
-
Q: What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your writing journey?
I have always found it difficult to produce work which fits comfortably into one genre. For example, my novels always contain elements of mystery, crime, romance and humour and are hard to pigeonhole.
-
Q: Do you have any favorite writing tools or apps?
No. Just my PC!
-
Q: What advice would you give to new or aspiring indie authors?
Never allow yourself to become disconsulate if your books don't initially take off. Tell yourself all the time that the great thing is that you have enjoyed writing them.
-
Q: How do you handle book promotion as an indie author?
Send out press releases to both national and local media. Use any social media contacts to full advantage. Encourage local book shops to feature your work and carry out as many book signings engagements as you can.
-
Q: What’s next for you? Are you working on a new book?
I think I may follow up "Wider Ownership: A Way Forward for the UK" with something highlighting the housing crisis facing the country.
