Short, Sharp Interview: Stuart Ayris

PDB: Can you pitch your latest publication in 25 words or less?

A Beatles-obsessed alcohoholic with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and a love of cricket seeks to be reunited with the son he once abandoned.

PDB: Which books, films or television shows have floated your boat recently? 
In terms of books I would have to say Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving and Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor. Film-wise, I loved the remake of True Grit and television, well, I thought Boardwalk Empire was sensational! It must have been the first whole series of anything I have watched all the way through since Twin Peaks!

PDB: Is it possible for a writer to be an objective reader?

If you mean to be an objective reader of someone's own work, then that is definitely an aquired skill - one I am gradually developing (I hope!)

PDB: Do you have any interest in writing for films, theatre or television? 

I have always been hugely intrigued as to how plays, films and TV programmes are made and have recently been looking at adapting Tollesbury Time Forever into a script. I tend to write very much with visual scenes and background music in my mind - I find that really helps.

PDB: How much research goes into each book? 

The research for Tollesbury Time Forever was fairly extensive - I sought out old photos and maps of the village, read through a book about the history of Tollesbury and spent alot of time in The King's Head!

PDB: How useful or important are social media for you as a writer? 
I think Social Media is becoming incredibly influential in terms of meeting people who can help you with your work and vice versa - it's a fantastic thing for the lonely writer!

PDB: What’s on the cards in 2012? 

2012 will I hope see people read and enjoy Tollesbury Time Forever. I am looking at developing a script for it and also to promote it as much as time allows. I am 13,000 words into my latest novel and I hope to complete that before the end is out. And England winning the Euros, Dagenham staying in League 2 and us thrashing the Aussies would also be great!!

(find out more about Stuart Ayris here)