I am frequently asked questions, so here are some of my frequently given answers…
Q): What episodes of Star Trek: Voyager did you write? I can’t find your name on any of them!
A): I wrote the story premises for two episodes of Voyager, “One” in season four and “Memorial” in season six, but not the final teleplays. Follow this link for more information about those stories.
Q): Is it true you were once a voice-actor on an animated series?
A): Yes! I was the voice of the bird-warrior Badd Mint in KO Century Beast Warriors, a briefly-released Japanese anime miniseries that was sold in Britain by Anime UK Video back in the 1990s – it was their one and only release and sadly a poor seller! Still, I stand by (most) of my performance, which I did for £150.00 over three days partly as a favour and partly for the fun of it. I got the job on the strength of my ability to fake an American accent, which I will perform at any convention I attend in return for a pint or three.
Q): The science fiction author Ian Watson wrote about a fictional writer named James Swallow in his short story “The Odour of Cocktail Cigarettes”. Is that where you got your pen name from?
A): No, this is my real name, honest! The fact that the narrator of Ian’s short story has the same one is just an odd little coincidence.
Q): I’d like to interview you for my podcast / blog / magazine / fanzine / website / project / etc…
A): I’m never one to turn down free publicity; you can send me an email via my Contact page, but I am a very busy guy so I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to accommodate you.
Q): Can I send you my article / script / story / project for your opinion? Would you be willing to collaborate on something with me?
A): I’m afraid not. For legal reasons, I can’t look at the unsolicited work of any other writers I do not already have a working, contractual relationship with, unless it is at a workshop or other similar event. Anything of that kind sent to me by email will be deleted unread; and I simply don’t have enough spare time to give out detailed writing advice to strangers for free. If you really want input on your work, you should consider joining a writer’s group or approaching a professional agent.
Q): Can you help me sell my book?
A): Nope, I’m too busy trying to sell my own. Best of luck, though!
Q): Can you help me get an agent?
A): No. I advise you get an up to date edition of The Writers Handbook or The Writer’s and Artists Yearbook and comb through the agents section to find someone suitable for your work.
Q): Can I be in one of your books?
A): Maybe! Sometimes I auction off name-checks in my novels for charitable causes at conventions or as part of a competition giveaway, so come along and bid or keep an eye on my social media, and you might get lucky.
Q): Do you ever put in-jokes or “easter egg” references in your writing?
A): Often! Check out the individual pages for my works, as I’ll sometimes mention this kind of thing under the Author’s Notes section.
Q): When is your next thing coming out? Where can I see you in person?
A): Click Here to see my current projects and a list of any forthcoming events I’ll be attending.
Q): What reference books would you recommend to budding authors and scriptwriters?
A): Strunk & White’s Elements of Style, William C. Martell’s The Secrets of Action Screenwriting, J. Michael Straczynski’s Complete Guide to Scriptwriting, The Writer’s Rights by Micheal Legat, Brooke A. Wharton’s The Writer Got Screwed, Roget’s Thesaurus and a cracking good dictionary.
