Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Yes, sure. My name is Neil and I grew up in Penzance, where the book is set. I’ve lived all over the UK, but my home is currently in Torquay, Devon. I live with my long-term girlfriend, two teenage children (one boy, one girl) and two black cats!
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Imagining Wall”?
The main challenge was fitting in writing with all the demands of working and raising a family. In fact, I started writing the Imagining Wall decades ago and the manuscript has been heavily edited since those early days.
In terms of writing itself, the biggest challenge has been dealing with pov changes. It is tough to switch pov within a scene, and I try to do it as little as possible. I’ve had to learn how to achieve this without disorienting the reader. I hope I’ve managed it!
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
That’s a tough question because I am a really eclectic reader. I can read absolutely anything and enjoy it. I also like to think that life and the creative energy of the universe influence me more than anything I’ve read.
Having said that, the way the ‘Celestine Prophecy’, by James Redfield, straddled the boundary between the mundane world and spiritual reality had a powerful influence. However, the Imagining Wall is definitely more plot-driven and covers more diverse traditions than many Visionary Fiction titles. Another influence would be Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy. Again, it’s that blending of the familiar world with something much bigger. Will’s Oxford is similar to Amber’s Penzance in that way.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Anywhere remote where the connection with the spiritual is most tangible. The Imagining Wall is set in West Penwith which includes magical places like Lamorna and St. Buryan. Further north you have Bodmin Moor, Boscastle and other places where the veil between the worlds seems thin.
Aside from Cornwall, the Yorkshire Dales are beautiful, and then there’s North Wales and the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. I’ve been to Ireland once, another place steeped in Celtic history, and I really must get to Scotland one day!
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Imagining Wall’?
I have always been fascinated with the intersection of belief systems. Having grown up in a place with a rich folklore, and having had so many numinous experiences throughout my life, paganism, witchcraft and shamanism have always fascinated me. On the other hand, I studied science and achieved a Psychology degree, so I understand the workings of the mind and how we experience the world around us from a scientific angle too. Then we have the patriarchal religions, occult traditions, etc., all with their own angles. I wanted to write a story that could make sense through any of the characters’ unique lenses. I also wanted to inspire readers to explore different traditions, so there are hints of all sorts of belief systems scattered throughout it.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Imagining Wall’?
Put it this way: if I knew how long it would take me to get it published, I would never have picked up the pen! I started the Imagining Wall before my eldest was born, so that’s over 18 years at least.
I joined a peer review group after finishing my first draft and it was an eye-opener. Some people loved the story as it was, which was a great confidence booster! But most had constructive criticism. The amazing thing about peer review groups is that they pick up on the same issues. For me, it was a tendency to over-describe and to flit between pov. I then spent many years squeezing editing into a very busy life. Two years ago, I decided to knuckle down and finally get the book finished.
Readers shouldn’t worry though. The second book won’t take nearly as long to create. It’s called ‘Eight’ and I’m really excited to get my teeth into it.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
That’s easy – Amazon! At the moment, I’m exclusively selling via Amazon. You can get the Imagining Wall in paperback format or on Kindle. It’s also available via Kindle Unlimited for readers familiar with that programme.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Imagining Wall’?
Readers will have to get the book to understand where the title comes from. Suffice to say, it’s a central part of the story. The cover was designed by Kate Turner, a fantastic artist with lots of experience in cover design and typesetting. I wanted to represent the kingfisher – which plays an important part in the trilogy – as an energetic field while still making it recognisable. That’s where the mirror image concept came from. I also love what Kate’s done with the pillars on the back cover and the colour scheme itself is amazing. The concept was a pure collaboration but the execution is all Kate’s work!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Great question! My main source of inspiration is the creative source that comes directly from the universe, so I’m always tapping into fresh ideas. I structure the plot as I go, so I’m never tied into a formulaic pattern. I treat the characters as real people and think about how they would react to a situation, and I even ask them as if they were real people. Sometimes their answers surprise me, so I hope the reader feels that ‘aliveness’ too.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Be consistent with pov. If you jump from one character’s head into another’s without somehow indicating that switch, you will confuse them and that will break their engagement with the story. I’ve learned how to use ‘anchor objects’ and other literary devices to subtly say, ‘Hey, we’re moving from Amber’s headspace to Michael’s now, OK?’ Staying in pov also helps you to ‘method act’ your characters a lot better because you’re no longer half in one perspective and half in another.
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