What are you reading right now?
Nothing. I am too busy writing another book, a script for a radio play, learning German and wood carving amongst other activities.
If you could have a dinner party and invite five authors — dead or alive — who would they be and what would you serve them?
CS Forester, Patrick O'Brien, Nevil Shute, Donna Leon and JK Rowling.
Sherry would be offered as an aperitif.
As a starter Pan Haggerty, which is an old recipe from north east England.
The main course would be a crockpot recipe, Fruity Pork Chops, served with salad, crisp bread rolls and a selection of red and white wines from Italy and Austria. (I live in Austria close to the border with Italy.)
For dessert I would provide Baked Apples with vanilla ice cream.
Port would be offered as a digestive.
What is a book that you wish you could say that you had written and why?
So many books come to mind it is difficult to choose one, but No Highway by Nevil Shute is my ultimate choice. I read it as a young man when I was passionate about all things aeronautical, very interested in engineering and it has a delightful love story. It has remained in my mind for a lifetime.
What is the greatest piece of advice (for writing and/or just living) that you have heard?
For living: behave towards others as you would wish them to behave towards yourself. Live to the standards of honesty and integrity that your parents instilled in you as you grew up.
Article comments
1 - Keshawn Durant
This is great, April. Thanks for sharing!