Interview Stuart Ford

by

Kowanda Stroud

1) Hello Stuart. I’m happy to interview you for your March release of Lost in Africa. Before we get into a discussion about your book and writing would you take a moment to tell me something about yourself?

I am originally from England but have lived in a variety of places around the world. I spent many years living in Australia and in fact am a naturalized Australian citizen. I have lived in the US for about 6 years now. I live in the hills outside Los Angeles with my wonderful American wife, a stepson, two Rhodesian Ridgebacks and an Australian cockatiel. We are truly an international family!

2) Is this your first book?

It is the first book that I have got published. I have written a few others but was not convinced that they were good enough to publish. This is the first of three books I have coming out this year. The sequel to Lost in Africa titled Emma’s Camp will be released by Wings in July.

3) Do you write under a pen name or use your own name?

I use my own name. Whether that is wise or not, only time will tell.

4) What genre is this book and is this the genre you like best?

This book is primarily an adventure novel but I believe it carries a fairly strong romantic flavor. I seem to be able to write best in this genre, but I enjoy reading everything. I am a prolific reader, sometimes to the detriment of my writing as I spend a lot of my time reading other people’s work.

5) Have you actually been to Africa before?

Yes, many times. I was last in Africa in 2004. I see sad things happening in several parts of the continent and it was this that inspired me to write Lost in Africa and Emma’s Camp. Africa is an inspirational place--the quality of the light, the vast horizons, the people and the wildlife. Sadly however it also has many troubles. I have spent extended period in remote areas of the African bush and even once canoed from Zimbabwe to Mozambique! Some of these experiences act as backdrops in my novel.

6) Did you always want to be a writer?

Since I was old enough to pick up a pen. I only hoped it would happen and now of course it has. I hope people will enjoy reading my work!

7) Did someone encourage you to write? If so please tell me a little about that.

My mother inspired a love of literature from early childhood. My family has been supportive of my writing but it was my own challenge to actually finish a work.

8) Now that you are a published author can you tell me which came first to you ‘the story’ or the writing skills?

Always the story. I am immensely grateful to my Wings editor, Leslie Hodges who turned my sometimes questionable grammatical skills into readable prose. I also have a tendency to use English verbs and language which is different than American English. Leslie also very gently fixed that, too.

9) Is it difficult for you to ‘come up’ with a plot?

No, it is difficult for me to finish a novel. I have several part way written but then I get excited by a new idea and set off on another work. I try and loop back to finish the ones I start but it doesn’t always happen.

10) Do you know how your book will end when you start writing?

No. I have an idea of the character and the dilemma, but the characters tend to create the story. The way they react and the things they do occur as I write. I have tried an outline approach but for me at least, I can’t work that way. It is too limiting. I find it constricting. It kills the creative process for me. I am a true ‘seat of the pants’ writer.

11) Have you ever had ‘writers block’ and how did you deal with it?

Yes and when I do, I stop writing for a while. I rest the story. The flow usually comes back.

12) Do you have more books under contract with anyone now and are you working on a new novel?

I have two more books under contract. One with Wings, the sequel to Lost in Africa called Emma’s Camp. I have another book under contract with another publisher, a very dark, horrific story that is unlike anything I have written before. I didn’t enjoy creating it, it is dark and terrible. Somehow the story came out of me. I offered it to Wings but they wisely passed on it. Another publisher took up the option. I am proud however of Lost in Africa and Emma’s Camp. I believe they are good stories but they also have a serious intent to inform people about what is happening in Africa and will hopefully inspire people to help.

This has been so much fun Stuart. You are such an interesting person, it’s a shame we only get to know each other from our work. I know everyone is as anxious to read Lost In Africa as I am.