About Ben Westwood:
I'm an author, journalist, lecturer and performer. My first novel, crime thriller Green Shoots, is available now.
I'm a former Daily Telegraph journalist and write on travel, family and environmental issues. I've authored several travel guidebooks on destinations from Ecuador, Galapagos and Peru to London. I combine freelance writing with lecturing at University of Brighton in the UK. I'm also an experienced musician and have released two albums as a singer-songwriter.
What inspires you to write?
I'm inspired my the world around me. I feel particularly strongly about injustice and environmental issues, which drove me to write Green Shoots, an eco-themed thriller.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
George Orwell, John Le Carré, Ian Rankin, Terry Hayes, Yan Martel, JK Rowling.
Tell us about your writing process.
I plot things out but it changes as I write the book and I think it's important to let the characters breathe and see where they would go and what they would do naturally. I set myself daily writing targets as I find that helps.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Yes I talk to them and often write by speaking out loud and recording it. I find a hot bath is very useful for doing this!
What advice would you give other writers?
Read the type of books you want to write and notice how they work. But get writing rather than just thinking about it! If you're unsure about plotting buy some books or consider doing a course.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I tried to get an agent but was not successful – I think it was a particularly difficult time as I finished my book during the pandemic. I then approached independent publishers and was accepted by Cranthorpe Millner in the UK.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Sales of fiction went up over the pandemic and it shows how important books are to people. It's a difficult industry because so many ebooks are offered very cheap or free. I think you have to be a writer for the passion first. Any money is a bonus.
What genres do you write?: Thriller
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print
Website(s)
Ben Westwood Home Page Link
Link To Ben Westwood Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
