Kram Rednip
Repawter: Lisa Greener
How did you choose the names of the characters?
The names in white lady were given to me. I chose the name Henry Banff in To B&B as I thought it sounded vaguely aristocratic and I like using the names of towns for characters. Banff is in Scotland. The name Arnaque for Henry's employer is a private joke. Arnaque in French means scam or swindle.
How long did it take you to write your first book?
Not long. When I start to write something, the words tend to just flow. Mostly I write stories. So the compilations are incremental.
What was the inspiration for you to write the books?
White Lady came about due to my observation that so many children are addicted to the internet. B&B due to my personal difficulties checking into a B&B hotel in France.
Do you write in any other genres?
Stories, memoirs, a couple of unpublished novels and some business books.
Are you writing or have you written another book?
Apart from the business books which were published by Pitman, I have a lot of stuff just sitting in my computer files. Currently, a lot of my motivation and hence my ongoing efforts come from the writing circle I'm a member of. I recommend anyone interested in writing to exchange with others with the same interest.
What is your favourite book of all time?
Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour by Surtees. very dated, but Surtees ability to portray comic characters and situations has always impressed me.
What one piece of advice would you give someone writing their own book?
Use your imagination and write for your own amusement first rather than any target audience.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Reaching the age of 70 in one piece and I aim to keep going.
What is your favourite food?
Moules marinieres, roast lamb dinner, fish chips, and mushy peas.
What is your favourite kind of music?
Classical piano and oldies from the 60s and 70s, Beatles, Kinks, The Who, etc., and the Sex Pistols. I consider my tastes very eclectic.
Where is your favourite place to be?
At home, having spent most of my professional life travelling, I have a horror of airport terminals, long haul flights, long car journeys, etc.
Finally, and most importantly, what was your most embarrassing moment?
Once when working in Monserat, a very small close community, I was told about the marriage breakup of a well-known couple. At a dinner party, I asked the woman sitting opposite me if she knew about it. Turned out she was one of the people in question.
