Today I’m delighted to chat to my friend and publisher, Jonathan Hill. Come in, Jonathan. Take a seat. No! That's just an expression. Bring it back and sit down. It's been a while since Pride, your last publication. Why the delay?
But it’s such an ornate chair! Yes, it’s been what feels an age since my last book. I’ve had an incredibly busy year. Work - I’m a pharmacist - has been intense and I’ve had the added strains (and delights) of settling into a new apartment. Now settled, I’m thrilled to be releasing another book at last.
And your readers are thrilled too. This one, at least.
So the new book. How would you describe the genre?
Well, The Anniversary isn’t really like any of the books I’ve published so far. I describe it as a chilling thriller. Its non-linear narrative adds a decidedly nightmarish, almost hallucinatory, quality and I can’t wait to see what readers make of this psychological novella.
I'm sure they'll let you know! You're known for the Maureen books - those funny stories of the lady of a certain age with delusions of grandeur. Have you written your last Mo or are there more in the pipeline?
I haven’t finished with Maureen. She won’t let me finish with her! I can’t say anything definite yet but there will be more from this special lady. I’m too fond of writing about her to stop now. Watch this space.
Yes, she is the woman I might be if I weren’t careful!
Would you say you prefer the funny stuff, like the Maureen novellas, or are you drawn to the dark side, my padawan learner?
Tough question. I enjoy writing both and I suppose it just depends on my mood at the time. I do seem to be drawn to the dark side - have you seen my drabbles?! - but writing successful humour can be immensely rewarding.
Tell me something about the new book, The Anniversary.
It’s told in first person and the character is a bit of a loner, I suppose. He attracts the attention of a work colleague who is rumoured to have murdered her previous partner. And the nightmare just unfolds from there. Be warned, this book has the ability to mess with your head. I performed one of the read-throughs of the book after an alcoholic drink and it freaked me out and left me asking myself what the hell I’d created!
I must try reading it after a couple!
I see from Facebook that you've started painting. Is it comparable to writing or does it satisfy a different urge? That's not rude, by the way.
I’d never connect rudeness with you, dear. Yes, it’s true I’ve picked up a paintbrush recently. I’ve completed several paintings and found the whole process therapeutic. I think there’s a great deal of overlap with writing and both satisfy the same creative urge in me. Writing has taught me to pay attention to the finest detail of the world in which we live and painting has further enhanced this.
Thanks for taking (and returning) my hot seat, Jonathan, and good luck with The Anniversary. You can find Jonathan's work on his Amazon Author page here.
But it’s such an ornate chair! Yes, it’s been what feels an age since my last book. I’ve had an incredibly busy year. Work - I’m a pharmacist - has been intense and I’ve had the added strains (and delights) of settling into a new apartment. Now settled, I’m thrilled to be releasing another book at last.
And your readers are thrilled too. This one, at least.
So the new book. How would you describe the genre?
Well, The Anniversary isn’t really like any of the books I’ve published so far. I describe it as a chilling thriller. Its non-linear narrative adds a decidedly nightmarish, almost hallucinatory, quality and I can’t wait to see what readers make of this psychological novella.
I'm sure they'll let you know! You're known for the Maureen books - those funny stories of the lady of a certain age with delusions of grandeur. Have you written your last Mo or are there more in the pipeline?
I haven’t finished with Maureen. She won’t let me finish with her! I can’t say anything definite yet but there will be more from this special lady. I’m too fond of writing about her to stop now. Watch this space.
Yes, she is the woman I might be if I weren’t careful!
Would you say you prefer the funny stuff, like the Maureen novellas, or are you drawn to the dark side, my padawan learner?
Tough question. I enjoy writing both and I suppose it just depends on my mood at the time. I do seem to be drawn to the dark side - have you seen my drabbles?! - but writing successful humour can be immensely rewarding.
Tell me something about the new book, The Anniversary.
It’s told in first person and the character is a bit of a loner, I suppose. He attracts the attention of a work colleague who is rumoured to have murdered her previous partner. And the nightmare just unfolds from there. Be warned, this book has the ability to mess with your head. I performed one of the read-throughs of the book after an alcoholic drink and it freaked me out and left me asking myself what the hell I’d created!
I must try reading it after a couple!
I see from Facebook that you've started painting. Is it comparable to writing or does it satisfy a different urge? That's not rude, by the way.
I’d never connect rudeness with you, dear. Yes, it’s true I’ve picked up a paintbrush recently. I’ve completed several paintings and found the whole process therapeutic. I think there’s a great deal of overlap with writing and both satisfy the same creative urge in me. Writing has taught me to pay attention to the finest detail of the world in which we live and painting has further enhanced this.
Thanks for taking (and returning) my hot seat, Jonathan, and good luck with The Anniversary. You can find Jonathan's work on his Amazon Author page here.
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