Name: Gavin Wilson
Age: 39
Location: Devon, UK
What do you love about writing?
Having the freedom to invent, create and shape a story. I love being able to immerse myself in an entirely fantasy world of my own creation and then produce something that hopefully people will enjoy.
What made you decide to start writing?
A couple of things really. My father wrote a book on farming which was very good and got me thinking that perhaps I could do it. At the same time I’d be doing a daft office magazine for years and one of my colleagues who makes short films told me that I ought to try writing stories. I ran a few ideas past him and he told me to get the hell on with it. Three years later I’m still churning out bits and bobs and thoroughly enjoying myself.
Favourite genres:
Generally Fantasy, Science Fiction and Paranormal style light horror. I also like comedy and a bit of Historical Fiction too though.
Favourite published books:
Lucifer’s Hammer by Larry Niven, Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, World War Z by Max Brooks, Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett, Flying Dutch by Tom Holt, Boiling Frog by Christopher Brookmyre, The Green Mile by Stephen King, Mrs Fry’s Diary by Stephen Fry, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe by Douglas Adams, Hammer of God by Arthur C Clarke, The Losers by David Eddings, The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks, The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett… the list is endless… I read a lot…
Favourite Wattpad stories:
I’m not going to pick out any particular stories, as I’m always afraid I’m going to forget someone. Have a look at my ‘fans of’ list. There are some great writers in there.
I’m a firm believer that anyone can write. Given the determination and will anyone can do it. I think I’m proof of this. Although relatively educated I was not a good student. I finished English at 16 with little idea of how to construct a sentence, use punctuation or tell a simple story. I’m from a scientific background, but writing has given me the opportunity to express myself in ways that I’d never dreamed possible when I was a younger man. Everyone has more than one facet to their being or string to their bow. If you want to write, then write. Take on board critique, learn from it and use it where applicable, but never let anyone tell you to stop if you really want to do it. Oh and read stuff. You can’t be a writer if you don’t read.
REVIEW
A Gift In The Dark is a wonderful compilation of short stories mixing the Paranormal with Fantasy and Horror.
I made the mistake of reading 'A Gift in the Dark' before I want to sleep and I kid you not, it gave me goose bumps. Unfortunately for me, every tap, knock and groan as the heating turned itself off had me instantly wide eyed, as I reassured myself that it wasn't the knockers. One For The Road, is another dark tale with an ending that you don't see coming. My favourite though is 'Among the Campions' as it reminds me of tales I've heard throughout my own childhood. The stories are so captivating and dark and this is a must read for everyone.
His stories and style of writing put me in mind of an English Stephen King. And I shall be trawling through the rest of his works to get my hands on some more incredible stories. This is officially in my top ten.
