1) Since when did you write your own stories and how did it come your first book was published?
Before I wrote I was an illustrator and I started to write short articles in order to get my cartoons published. My first full-length book came as a result of my work with trafficked children. I wanted the information I was receiving in reports to be seen by a wider audience. So I put all those depressing details in a novel.
2) Which author inspires you most of all?
Nobody really. I was and still am not much of a reader of fiction. There are moments in books that I admire but nobody I'd queue up to have sign my copy of their book for me .
3) Where do you get the inspiration for your books?
I've been lucky in that I have boundless imagination. There are a number of stories waiting for me to put them on paper.
4) How do you get in contact with your readers?
Mostly email. It's a really important process that reminds you there are results to all those lonely hours of writing.
5) When and what do you read yourself?
Usually non-fiction and most often material connected to research for the books. I want to make up for all those years i didn't pay attention at school. My travel book at the moment (being on the road is a rare chance to read fiction) is Murakami's A Wild Sheep Chase.
6) How did it feel do hold your own book in your hands for the first time?
It was a magical moment. The box arrived in the post and I was in the staffroom with my colleagues when I opened it. I paraded around with it like a proud father with his new-born.
7) Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don't plan how to spend the thousands you'll make from your first book before you've written it.
8) Who is your favorite character in your books so far and why?
I have no choice but to nominate Dr. Siri. He got me where I am and is currently writing his books all by himself.
9) What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That people continue to pay good money to read them.
10) Are you already writing another novel and can you tell us, what it will be about?
I'm working on the second book in the Jimm Juree series and it looks at the kidnapping and slavery of Burmese fishermen of the coasts of Thailand.
