newspaper column who asked to be interviewed and who said the questions were the best he’d ever been asked. Charitably, rather than sticking pins in effigies, I wonder whether these people had suffered some type of accident, but no, you can see them preening on the networks as if little old me had never existed, which is unprofessional at worst, and a form of spectacular narcissism at best. Then there are others who absolutely love being interviewed and really go to town on the answers – they are the ones who make the Cauldron.
I have to say though, the future of the Cauldron is being discussed at Wizard board level. Nothing stays the same at Indie and I don’t know whether I have another hundred interviews in me. Might quit on a high note.
When you finish a book and it is ready for publication: How do you
celebrate? Coffee or alcohol?
I don’t celebrate ending a book, Teresa. I feel sad. Finishing the last one, The Night Porter, put me on the couch for a month! I always feel miserable and that misery doesn’t end until I start the next book. I really hope TNP sells because I have a sequel in my head – and they are my best characters - but, really, in the brutal world of Indie, writing a sequel to a non-buzzer is a colossal waste of time.
I’m at my happiest halfway through a book with all the possibilities opening out before you like a spring flower. I used to drink like a Cardiff docker on pay day, but I realised that was because I hated the jobs I did with a passion! it is difficult to describe. I actually love writing and this Green Wizard business, so my days of wine and roses are over. Peppermint tea do?
Mark Barry
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