An Interview with Author John Searancke
by Margaret Daly(Rukia Publishing)
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I retired, I realised that I then had the time to do something that I had always wanted to do – write a book! So far, I have now written three, much to the dismay of my wife!
How long does it take you to write a book?
Different books take different times for me, depending on the content and any research required. My first book, Dog Days in The Fortunate Islands was quite quickly completed, because everything about the contents was so fresh in my mind. My second book, Prunes for Breakfast, required a lot of research, and so took well over a year. My latest book, The Reluctant Hotelkeeper, has taken even longer, because it was interrupted part way through by moving house down to West Sussex, and a lengthy spell of illness. That book is now ready for the printer.
When I retired, I realised that I then had the time to do something that I had always wanted to do – write a book! So far, I have now written three, much to the dismay of my wife!
How long does it take you to write a book?
Different books take different times for me, depending on the content and any research required. My first book, Dog Days in The Fortunate Islands was quite quickly completed, because everything about the contents was so fresh in my mind. My second book, Prunes for Breakfast, required a lot of research, and so took well over a year. My latest book, The Reluctant Hotelkeeper, has taken even longer, because it was interrupted part way through by moving house down to West Sussex, and a lengthy spell of illness. That book is now ready for the printer.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I try to stick to half a day of writing, so as to be able to spend time with wife, dog and family. Occasionally, when I am really in the midst of things, I get so caught up that a whole day flies by.
How do your books get published?
All three books have been published by Troubador in England. After a couple of rejections, I sent my first manuscript in to the MD of Troubador who responded within a week with an enthusiastic “yes”.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My first book details the exploits, dramas and excitement of moving from England to live permanently in the Canary Islands. It was quite a stretch for a couple of retired people and their dog, Freddie. His exploits take up a large part of the book, as does driving down from England in an old classic car, 27 years old, and likely to expire at any moment.
Prunes for Breakfast was all about the life of my late father in WW2, right from his enlistment to his return home when the war ended, after being captured in Normandy and then imprisoned in a German prisoner of war camp. I was helped by having a cache of wartime letters between my parents.
Book three, The Reluctant Hotelkeeper, is a sort of prequel to my first book, and is all about a thirty-five year journey of mine to turn a dilapidated but beautiful old building into an award winning country house hotel.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book nearly five years ago, as I was nudging 70 years of age.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
My wife and I love dogs, walking in the hills of Tenerife and good wine. In England, we have acquired a rather fast Abarth which will shortly be visiting Goodwood race track, where we are members. A treat in store! We also love to travel, and have just returned from France.
What does your family think of your writing?
They all think I am quite barmy.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I learned that, although I had received a good education, it was of little help in writing books. Structure and flow are important, as is a good editor to knock it all into shape when I stupidly think that my work is done.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written three books – so far – and my favourite is Prunes for Breakfast. I learned so much about the past, my family and particularly my father, from doing the research for that book.
I try to stick to half a day of writing, so as to be able to spend time with wife, dog and family. Occasionally, when I am really in the midst of things, I get so caught up that a whole day flies by.
How do your books get published?
All three books have been published by Troubador in England. After a couple of rejections, I sent my first manuscript in to the MD of Troubador who responded within a week with an enthusiastic “yes”.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My first book details the exploits, dramas and excitement of moving from England to live permanently in the Canary Islands. It was quite a stretch for a couple of retired people and their dog, Freddie. His exploits take up a large part of the book, as does driving down from England in an old classic car, 27 years old, and likely to expire at any moment.
Prunes for Breakfast was all about the life of my late father in WW2, right from his enlistment to his return home when the war ended, after being captured in Normandy and then imprisoned in a German prisoner of war camp. I was helped by having a cache of wartime letters between my parents.
Book three, The Reluctant Hotelkeeper, is a sort of prequel to my first book, and is all about a thirty-five year journey of mine to turn a dilapidated but beautiful old building into an award winning country house hotel.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book nearly five years ago, as I was nudging 70 years of age.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
My wife and I love dogs, walking in the hills of Tenerife and good wine. In England, we have acquired a rather fast Abarth which will shortly be visiting Goodwood race track, where we are members. A treat in store! We also love to travel, and have just returned from France.
What does your family think of your writing?
They all think I am quite barmy.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I learned that, although I had received a good education, it was of little help in writing books. Structure and flow are important, as is a good editor to knock it all into shape when I stupidly think that my work is done.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written three books – so far – and my favourite is Prunes for Breakfast. I learned so much about the past, my family and particularly my father, from doing the research for that book.
Have you ever wanted to write fiction?
No. I don’t think that my brain is wired that way.
Do you have any suggestions to help a fellow author become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Be prepared to set realistic time aside, work out a detailed plan, and get a good editor lined up. When the book is finished, then the hard work starts – the promotion and publicity. That is where Rukia have been so good for me in the past.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I have been surprised at how many people have been in touch with me direct. They come from all over the world. Many have visited Tenerife or another Canary Island, and bought a copy of my book there, or subsequently on Amazon. I get a lot of emails asking questions about the stories and about myself, and that, in part, is why I was persuaded to write The Reluctant Hotelkeeper.
No. I don’t think that my brain is wired that way.
Do you have any suggestions to help a fellow author become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Be prepared to set realistic time aside, work out a detailed plan, and get a good editor lined up. When the book is finished, then the hard work starts – the promotion and publicity. That is where Rukia have been so good for me in the past.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I have been surprised at how many people have been in touch with me direct. They come from all over the world. Many have visited Tenerife or another Canary Island, and bought a copy of my book there, or subsequently on Amazon. I get a lot of emails asking questions about the stories and about myself, and that, in part, is why I was persuaded to write The Reluctant Hotelkeeper.
What do you think makes a good story?
If you can’t hook a reader with a good front cover, a short blurb on the back cover, and an interesting first page, then your have lost. The book needs structure and the maintenance of a level of interest throughout.
When you read, is it primarily non fiction or do you delve into fiction work as well?
I am an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction. I like Bernard Cornwell, Lee Child, John Grisham and Mandy Scott. I also have the complete works of Alexandre Dumas.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I always thought that I would be an archeologist, geologist or possibly a farmer.
If you can’t hook a reader with a good front cover, a short blurb on the back cover, and an interesting first page, then your have lost. The book needs structure and the maintenance of a level of interest throughout.
When you read, is it primarily non fiction or do you delve into fiction work as well?
I am an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction. I like Bernard Cornwell, Lee Child, John Grisham and Mandy Scott. I also have the complete works of Alexandre Dumas.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I always thought that I would be an archeologist, geologist or possibly a farmer.
Do you have a question for Author John Searancke?
Full Copyright © John Searancke 2018
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination, obtained with permission of use, or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination, obtained with permission of use, or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.