Stuart Maskell - Author Life

In conversation with Stuart Maskell, read on to discover his first ever job to the struggles, memories and life as a published author.

Did you always dream of becoming an author?

No, not at all. Being dyslexic and doing very badly at school was not a great start. I always knew I had the story ideas wising constantly around my head and a reputation to boot for spinning a great yarn out of a seemingly simple tale, but I waited 30 more years for the confidence to write one down. The idea that I could ever be capable of actually writing a novel had seemed completely ridiculous, not just to me but to all who knew me. It has come as quite a shock to my friends and family and in a way to me. Not least how easy I have found it and how prolific I have become.

What was your first job?

Washing dishes in the kitchen of my mother and father’s restaurant.

How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

It was almost a dare, or a bet. It was a challenge to me in a way. Someone I met at random in a bar on holiday listened to a tale I told about an idea for a novel, she turned out to be the editor of a newspaper in London and was so impressed with the idea for “The Girl With The Thousand-Yard Stare” that she said I should stop going on about it and write it. So I did.

What was your life like before you became an author?

I have been a very busy builder, company director, entrepreneur, husband and father. I have travelled half the world. Surfed most of it along the way. Skied the rest. Ran a marathon with a broken foot. Made and spent a fortune. Married the love of my life who is still tolerating me 20 years later. Two kids and a dog.

Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

Only the fact that I did very badly at school but I never let it get the better of me. Being dyslexic and having the hand writing and spelling of a 9-year-old has always been with me. Being in business meant hiding these things and simple tasks like writing in Christmas cards or thank you notes or even writing a cheque in front of someone would fill me with dread. I became an expert at avoiding these sorts of situations. Then along came the computer and I was able to join the rest of the world without fear of being found out.

Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

People stop me in the street and ask about my books, when is the next one coming out? Or, how do you come up with your ideas? Where do you find the time? And, I never would have put you down as a writer in a million years. Occasionally someone has actually read one of my books and tells me how much they loved it. It never gets tiresome and I am so genuinely proud of myself.

Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

I run a family house building business which means I am in a plush office all day every day. This does afford me plenty of typing practice and occasionally even the odd moment to think of an idea for my next novel.

What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

Seeing my book in print and for sale on those popular web sites was amazing, Google-ing my name and seeing that I don’t just exist but that I am listed ahead of everyone else with the same name, being featured in my old school “where are they now” magazine. But most of all, being stopped in the street by a stranger who loved my book. I can’t tell you how proud I am of myself and I thank you for all your help so far.

Due can be purchased from Pegasus, Waterstones and Amazon.