We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable and their creativity truly knows no bounds.

This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog, that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind behind the novel.

Meet Mike Rees, author of the historical sporting title Where Skill and Courage Count.

Could you tell us three interesting facts about yourself?

I started, at my wife’s suggestion, learning to play the guitar when I was 45 years old and, although no more than competent, I love playing.

I enjoy giving talks/lectures to various history groups mainly resulting from my nearly thirty years as a member of The Western Front Association. Membership of the WFA allows me to pursue my interest in all things relating to World War One. This includes being Branch Treasurer and a committee member responsible for ‘Journey’s End’, the commemoration of the Gwent war dead of World War One, an event attended by 1,000 people November 2018.

My interest in tracing my family history has confirmed that I am a very typical South Walian. My research confirms my roots to be in Wales but with significant ties to many parts of the British Isles when thousands of workers headed to the valleys in search of work in the nineteenth century. As a result, I have English and Irish blood alongside the dominant Welsh strain. In other words, typically South Walian.

In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?

I have always read widely but with a particular interest in sport, music and, of course, history. The main inspiration in writing definitely comes from human experiences. People have always fascinated me and reading about the human experience, both good and bad, inspires me to write.

Which book or author has had the biggest impact on you, and why?

Where do I start? As a young boy I was a member of The Sportsman’s Book Club where I received a book each month, one month cricket, the next football. This gave me knowledge of sport in the first half of the twentieth century which I have used in both my published books. These days I would say that Sebastian Faulks ‘Birdsong’, a novel about World War One and any sportsbook written by Duncan Hamilton are big influences and this comes through in my work. I also enjoy crime novels but the book that has influenced me most has to be ‘Kings and Queens’ by Eleanor and Herbert Farjeon. I received this book as a seven-year-old boy and it inspired my love of history which has never left me, hence my thirty years teaching the subject to teenagers.

Can you tell me about the book?

My own book deals with the experiences and sacrifices of sportsmen and women in World War Two. Many of these stories have poignant and tragic endings but many are very uplifting, especially the stories of participants who survived.

What were your first experiences with writing?

My first experience of writing anything remotely substantial came in university. My BA dissertation was around 20,000 words while my MA thesis was nearly 80,000. I enjoyed those experiences and from then onwards the idea of writing a book took hold. The pressures of work and family responsibilities put this on hold but, as soon as I retired from full time work, I was determined to fulfil that dream.

In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

Any book needs to be well written with a clear direction and purpose. My books are historical in nature so they need to be well researched and written in a lively, absorbing manner. It has helped in writing my books that the characters are sympathetically portrayed and that the reader can empathise with them and their situation.

How long should an author spend on their craft each day?

This is very difficult to say. I have always written for as long as I still felt the enthusiasm so it could be two hours a day or six. Being partially, and then fully, retired made this possible for me. I was never writing to a deadline. However, I always felt the need to be disciplined so I would begin work every morning before 10.00am and then continue for as long as I felt able.

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?

I suppose the most challenging part was carrying out the research. I was able to do most of it online by accessing various articles and The Times newspaper as well as local newspapers. I also contacted sports clubs to collect information about the various sporting stars. Some clubs were particularly helpful and pointed me in the right direction, often to their own websites and historical records. I learned of the amazing contribution made by our sportsmen and women over World War Two but on a personal level I discovered how helpful, kind and encouraging people can be.

What common pitfalls should aspiring writers avoid?

I would advise aspiring writers never to give up even when it looks almost impossible to complete the job. I cannot really imagine how difficult it would be to write a novel but writing a history book is achievable if you have sufficient access to the detail, especially if you are lucky enough to have the support of friends and particularly family. I had both!

What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?

Read widely and never be afraid to take on the task of writing whatever others might think. Have confidence in your ability and keep the faith.

Where Skill and Courage Count by Mike Rees is available now in paperback and on the Kindle Store.