With such a diverse writing career what is your most satisfying achievement?
As a result of a successful series of writers’ workshops for The Welsh Academy, I was invited to become a full member of the Academi in recognition of my contribution to literature in Wales. Being invited to run a workshop at Cheltenham Literature Festival comes a close second.
Which part have you enjoyed most?
Undoubtedly all the times I’ve tutored at the Summer School at Caerleon (University of Wales). As well as being good fun and expertly managed by Gerry and Anne Hobbs, it’s useful for writers at all levels when it comes to stimulating the creative mind. I go to teach … but I also come home brimming with new ideas. It should be on every writer’s calendar.
What is the most important thing you’ve published?
Following the publication of my first investigative title, Malleus Satani (1994), my paper on ‘Satan’s Disciples: Media myth-making’ was included in the forum on Child Exploitation & the Media at a conference in London in March 1997, and as part of an official government report launched in the House of Commons later that year.
Do you find it difficult writing under a pseudonym?
On the contrary, it makes it easier to have two very distinct ‘personalities’ for writing in different genres. Often people who read books by 'both' have told me that they don’t like my other persona, not having a clue that it’s one and the same person!
What was the most difficult thing you’ve written?
Ghost-writing an autobiography. It was extremely challenging to write in someone else’s ‘voice’ and to keep myself completely out of the frame. The book was nominated for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year in 2005, so I must have done something right.
How much has publishing changed in the past 20 years?
When ignotus press published its first title (Malleus Satani, 1994) anyone with even a casual interest in ‘alternative’ subjects was considered socially suspect, if not downright evil! Believe it or not, any moderate New Age leanings, such as aromatherapy, astrology, tarot, divination, herbalism, etc., fell under the banner of satanic behavior in the eyes of a large sector of the establishment, public and media.
Today, some 15 years later, the popularity of light-hearted television programmes like Charmed, Sabrina: Teenage Witch and Buffy, the Vampire Slayer; the literary and cinematic successes of Harry Potter; not to mention the revivalist interest in The Lord of the Rings, has completely reversed the way people view magical belief and lifestyle.
Most mainstream publishers now have a wide selection of ‘mind, body & spirit’ titles on their book list, and are becoming more and more adventurous in accepting what was once labelled ‘occult’. The whole MB&S concept has also grown up and moved on. What was once considered an alternative belief or lifestyle has become integrated into mainstream society and now viewed as normal and acceptable.
Was it difficult to stop being a publisher?
I decided to gradually wind down ignotus press and not take on any new titles, because I’ve spent 10 years publishing other people and want some time to develop my own interests. I found this quote recently and it feels quite appropriate: “To know when to go – that was one of the great necessities of life. To go before one’s powers began to fail, one’s sure grip to loosen, before one felt the faint staleness, the unwillingness to envisage continuing effort.” I’ve reached retirement age and there’s lots more I want to write; I can’t do that when I’ve got the responsibility of publishing and marketing books for other authors.
What are you currently working on?
Work in progress includes three MB&S non-fiction titles (in addition to a completed book for O-Books, due for publication in October 2010); plus a thriller in the Dick Francis style, set in the world of greyhound racing.
