Young Haven Q&A with author Adrian Tilley
Writer and creative writing guru, Adrian Tilley, recently took a break from writing his newest novel (which he wrote longhand before typing it up!) to share his writing secrets with Young Haven.YH: What’s the first book you remember reading?
AT: Maybe Swallows and Amazons? I remember reading ‘Oliver Twist’ with tears streaming down face hoping no-one would notice. ‘Catcher In the Rye’ was in my pocket for at least two years.
YH: How did you become a writer?
AT: I was always writing things, even as a kid. I finished my first novel at 12 – a war adventure – but my Mum used it to light the fire one day. Oh well, we were short of paper…!
AT: No, haven’t had a break for years – I’ve always been writing for something or someone, usually for school.YH: When did you start writing books?
AT: I started writing seriously, with an intention to get published, in 2006.
AT: My interest in the whole business of viruses post-SARS and some chilling accounts from doctors at the time about what was happening.YH: Why are you so interested in Hong Kong?
AT: Although I now live in the UK, I lived in HK for 6 years and love the place for its many contradictions.
YH: Tell us a bit about your writing process, for example, do you listen to music when you write?
AT: No music! I need silence.
YH: What were your weaknesses/strengths in school? Were you artistic, musical, or athletic?
AT: Weaknesses: school uniform, hair, Physics and Chemistry (didn’t speak the language), school rules generally. Strengths : writing, Art (I won the school prize on several occasions) and cross country running. Music too – I have played various instruments in various bands over the years and still do. (We can attest to the fact that he’s a fine singer too, having heard him perform – The Ed)
YH: Did you always want to be a writer?
AT: Yes – either that or an artist. I’m still waiting for the latter!
YH: Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become a writer?
AT: Just do it, get someone to read it over and do it again (ie rewrite it). And read everything there is to read.
