Please introduce yourself, who are you and what do you do?
Hello, I'm Charlton Daines, writer of Literary and Historical Fiction.
What first inspired you to start writing?
Like most writers, I have a lifelong love of reading. I also write articles in the world of academia. What inspired me to start writing fiction was a need to explore certain characters; starting with the Artful Dodger from Oliver Twist whose story I felt was unfinished by Mr Dickens. I'm perfectly capable of creating my own characters as is demonstrated in my book, Jack Dawkins. However, I had a deep seated need to expand on this particular character. I have a similar desire to bring to life a historical personage whose detailed character is largely unknown by historians, leaving me room to create him as I feel he should be.
If you could work with any author,who would it be and why?
That's an interesting question as I see writing as a solitary occupation. However, I could enjoy working with Neil Gaiman. He seems to improve works through collaboration.
Are you a planner? Or do you prefer to dive straight into writing?
I'm a reverse planner. I start a book when the beginning bursts forth in my imagination. Then I keep a table of significant events so that I can work out what needs to happen to bring them full circle or to tie up loose ends.
What is your favourite song lyric?
“There are places I'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all”
If you could turn any book into a film, which would it be?
Apart from my own I presume? Not all great stories would translate well to film. However, Alaric the Goth by Marcel Brion could provide some wonderful material.
What advice would you give new and aspiring authors?
Edit, and don't rush. Have at least two other pairs of eyes read through your manuscript when you think you've finished. There will be typos that you cannot see.
What are you working on at the moment?
Having just released Jack Dawkins, I'm just starting on the next project which is an Historical Fiction about Alaric I of the Visigoths. I haven't settled on the exact title as yet.
Tell us about your latest work and how we can find out more.
Jack Dawkins is about the further adventures of the Artful Dodger when he returns to England as an adult in his early twenties. With more maturity and life experience he encounters a rapidly changing late Victorian England where he must determine where he will fit in as well as face the demons of his childhood.
It is available in E-format on
Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/301093
and in paperback at Lulu, http://www.lulu.com/shop/charlton-daines/jack-dawkins/paperback/product-20955579.html
Buy Jack Dawkins now from Amazon
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