Lucky 13 Interview With Khurrum Rahman

1 – Can you start by telling us a little about your current book?

Ride or Die is the third part of the Jay Qasim series. Jay has distanced himself from MI5 after the way they coerced him for their own needs. But MI5 haven’t stopped watching Jay, and when an incident occurs on home soil which has a devastating effect internationally, MI5 want Jay back. The spiralling impact of the incident effects Jay on a personal level, but this time he is determined to put things right in his own way.

2 – Are you a plotter or a panster?

Panster, panster, storybook gangster! (Sorry, am in a silly mood) I’ve tried plotting but find I haven’t got the attention span for it. I think my best work emerges when I’m backed into a corner and I’ve got to blag my way out of it. I think my writing is reflective of the way I live my life. I know where I want to go but I have no clue as to how I will get there.

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Love them both. Sometimes in the same bite. It doesn’t get better than a Twix and prawn cocktail crisp sandwich. Oh, man, my mouth is watering. Pure delight!

4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

I don’t really revisit books. I read them once and move on. So, I guess I’ll just take three of the thickest books I have and use the pages to start a fire to keep me warm.

5 – Star Wars or Star Trek?

Not a fan of either. Never seen a film/episode of Star Trek, but weirdly I do love Spock! As for Star Wars, they should have left it well alone after the original three. I have a soft spot for Return of the Jedi, only because it was the first film I saw on cinema.

6 – Music or silence when writing?

Music definitely inspires me to write. I love finding inspiration and story in lyrics. But unlike the sweet and savoury question, I can’t do both at the same time. I simply can’t focus. Am I supposed to write or do the Running Man?

7 – You’re a professional wrestler. What would your ring name be?

Star Starman. I’ve thought about this many times.

8 – If you could live anywhere in the world, and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose?

Ooh, tough one. Probably down the road. There’s a beautiful house for sale, but it’s ridiculously out of my price range.

9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

I’ve done I saw her standing there by The Beatles, but would love to do Road Rage by Catatonia.

10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Work on your project every day. Even if it’s just spending time thinking about it or scribbling notes. And listen carefully to all the advice/feedback that people give you, but only take what works for you.

11 – You win £1 million, but you must give half to charity. Which charity do you chose, and what

do you do with the rest of the money?

Do I have to give half? Seems extreme. But let’s go with it. I’ll probably give to a children’s charity. Kids are the future and all that. With the rest of the money I’d buy myself at least three pairs of sunglasses, and put a deposit down on that house down the road. I don’t think I’m coming across very well with this answer.

12 – Horror films, yes or no? If yes, any favourites.

Yes, yes, a million times yes! Love horror films. Genuinely love getting scared. If ever a nightmare jolts me awake, I focus on getting back to sleep and right back into it again. Favourite horror film is probably the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre and obviously The Shining. More recently, I really enjoyed Babadook.

13 - What are you currently working on?

Sore point. It’s a tough time for everyone. For me I have my 9-5 job, home schooling two animals, coming up for ideas for Book 4, and working on a few screenplays. And I’m doing a fabulously terrible job of it all.