Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie. 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age? 

I am Paul Gifford- but typically write under P.S. Gifford I am a youthful 54.

Fiona: Where are you from? 

Born in Birmingham, England – but I now live in Laguna Niguel, California.

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I am estranged from my siblings, and I am divorced. My best friend is my pooch- Sir Winston. I have a couple of years of college but formal education and I did not seem to hit it off too well.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news. 

As I work on my first full-fledged novel I work as a freelance writer/editor to pay my bills.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I have been writing for as long as I can remember. When I was five we had to write one of those themed essays and I dashed off several pages which boggled the teacher’s gourd! I got my first typewriter from my mother when I was around nine or ten.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After I managed to sell my first story I genuinely felt like a writer!

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I had been writing short stories online and an editor with a small publishing house suggested they publish them in a collection. I was gobsmacked and couldn’t accept the offer fast enough! Holding a copy of a book you wrote is an incredible feeling.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I wanted to evoke Victorian imagery- and “Curious Tales of the Imaginary Friend,” seemed to do that.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging? 

Once more I shall reference Victorian times. Writers such as HG Wells, Dickens and MR James wrote in an analytical style. A style I found myself adopting.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

In most of my tales, there is an element of truth- it might be as simple as a character’s name or location.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process? 

England will always be my home and I prefer to set my work there. If I could afford it I would spend a month a year at the Berry Head Hotel In Brixham, Devon to complete my annual book. One day perhaps….

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publisher works with a variety of talented artists. We give them a concept to work with.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Karma is real folks. Treat everyone with respect and love.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

John Everson is not exactly new anymore- but he is always a darn great read.  Apart from the authors I already noted- I would add Robert Bloch, Roald Dahl and O’Henry to that list. They were masters of the short story and often had unexpected endings.  Although I should throw James Herriot (Alfie Wright) in there also he had a delightful and relaxed conversational style in his works.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author. 

My publishers!

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

That has been my goal since day one!

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I like it just as it is.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

That as you get older you change your style a little.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead? 

James Nesbitt!

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Never ever get discouraged- failing is one of the steps to succeed.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers? 

The best is yet to come!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

‘The House by the Cemetary.’ John Everson.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Probably an Enid Blyton book! Bake-off

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

My guilty pleasures are cookery shows and competitions. ‘The Great British Bake off’ elicits the gamut of emotions within me.

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why? 

William Shakespeare- because he is the Bard!

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies? 

Cooking is my favourite past time.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

Midsommer Murders, Father Brown and other British mystery/detective shows. Hitchcock is my favourite director and I revisit his movies often. Pyscho in particular.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colours,  music? 

I harbour a great fondness for savoury pies- Steak and Ale is my favourite. But a good roast lamb Sunday dinner with all the trimmings is divine. I like dark purples and bright reds. Music? Nick Cave, David Bowie, Gary Numan, Kraftwerk, Erasure and a few dozen others.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

I would presume I am dead and be busy decomposing.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

A feast. for starters Fois Gras, roasted bone marrow, and lobster bisque

for mains roast lamb, roast duck and potatoes roasted in goose fat.

For dessert sticky toffee pudding with heaps of creamy custard.

To finish- a cheese plate.

Fiona: What do you want to be written on your headstone? 

Died at 99 peacefully in his sleep surrounded by those he loved. His books shall live on.

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers? 

Amazon Authors Page USA

https://www.amazon.com/P-S-Gifford/e/B002BLY8T0?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1567108655&sr=1-1

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/P-S-Gifford/e/B002BLY8T0?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5&qid=1567110257&sr=1-5

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