Tell us about yourself.
I am a retired science teacher with some early working experience of the photographic industry. I was born in the UK just after WW2. I enjoy reading most genres of fiction such as sci-fi, crime/detective thrillers, historical and wildlife stories. Non-fiction reading mainly includes scientific or historical books. Walking in the English, Scottish or Welsh countryside with binoculars ready for bird-watching or other wildlife is a particular pleasure.
My first novel was Fallen Hero and the So What! series of three books followed and which are all focussed around the fictitious Birch Green High School, but based upon my real experience as a teacher. More recent works include poetry: Dizzyrambic Imaginings, two illustrated children’s sci-fi stories about ant-size aliens and 5 historical novels based upon real characters from the Industrial Revolution period: The Quarry Bank Tales series. During the commemoration of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester Central Library, 2019, I was privileged to read out the chapter about this from his novel, 'Mules; Masters & Mud' – a book from the Quarry Bank Tales series.
If you enjoy reading any of my books please share your enjoyment with other readers and post a review. Or contact him on a Comments page at his website: www.gjgriffithswriter.com
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Birmingham, England and my experiences as a child and teenager greatly influenced the writing of Fallen Hero, my first novel.
What was your journey to getting published like?
After having a couple of scripts rejected, with kind advice, for a play on the BBC, I entered a novel competition for KDP Amazon. Although I did not win I got the "writing bug" and have not looked back.
It is a most rewarding experience and recommend it to anyone retired who is looking for something to do!
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
The positive feedback from staff and volunteers at the historical cotton mill, Quarry Bank Mill Museum, who have read my novels about it made all of the research and editing/re-editing etc well worth the time!
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Make sure you keep on reading other authors' books, long past and more contemporary writers. It all helps you to 'find your voice' as you write your own novel.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
My children's novel, Ants In Space. features my own grandchildren.
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
The novels of Anne Cleves about detectives Jimmy Perez (in Shetland) and Vera in North East England.
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
Try to ignore the reviews about your book!
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Nature watching, gardening and puzzles.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Call Of The Wild made me want to live in Alaska!
What has inspired you and your writing style?
The works of Dickens, George Elliot and John Grisham
How do you deal with negative reviews?
Try to learn from them but not take it to heart.
How do you connect with your readers?
Rarely by email.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Still thinking about that. Maybe a science fiction for adults.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Look after the environment for your grandchildren.
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
I write it then speak it out loud to myself.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Genuine thanks and gratitude.
G J Griffiths’s Author Websites and Profiles
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