About Paul Williams:
Born in 1958, back before the invention of colour when the world was in Black & White, I grew up on the edge of London in Ilford, Essex. I’ve been happily married since 1980 (honestly) and my wife Lyn and I now boast three wonderful adult children and four exhausting grandchildren.
As well as writing, I am also an Artist, working in oils on canvas.
What inspires you to write?
I’m fifty-seven years old and I don’t think I’ve ever asked myself this question before. The more I think on it now, the more I believe it’s just a deep seated need to express myself. I won a writing competition back at school in the early 1970’s and I’ve never stopped writing since. Mostly it’s been for my own pleasure, never unleashed upon the unsuspecting public. Only in later life, with our children all grown and time to spare, have I revisited those earlier dreams of publishing my work.
Tell us about your writing process.
Research, research, then more research.
My debut novel is set during a specific period in American history, and for it to hold any credibility it was essential I got the details correct.
I had my characters outlined in their own brief bios. I knew where to begin my story and where it was to end, along with the main events that should move it from one point to the next. That’s where the research came in, finding that some historical detail prevented me following the exact path set out, and knowing where and how to reshape my route to the desired end.
I work a lot better with a detailed outline of all I want to say, but I allow myself the flexibility within that frame to allow the story to find it’s own breathing space.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I hate the idea of ‘goodies’ and baddies’ in stories. However unpleasant certain characters may be I need to see them as real, driven by their own genuine emotions and needs. I want to feel a level of empathy with all the characters within my story, no matter where their emotions may lead them.
So, yes, I think I talk to my characters. But it’s more important to listen to them. Understand why they do what they do, and reflect it in your telling of events.
What advice would you give other writers?
Like a thousand people before me, all I can offer is the advice to WRITE. Put words on the page and shape a world to your will.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I chose self-publishing through Amazon and Createspace for the simplicity they offer. I like to think my novel may have been accepted if I’d travelled the old traditional route, but now I’ll never know.
I have the great luxury of not wanting to chase fame or fortune, I’m too old for all the accompanying drama, and am at a stage in my life where I am content to share my work with those that would read it.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Self-publishing is here to stay. The ease and availability make it irresistible to many writers. Obviously many works are now published that would never be accepted by traditional publishers, but we all have the ability to sift through to the stories that interest us.
What genres do you write?: Western
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print
Website(s)
Link To Paul Williams Page On Amazon
