Lucky 13 Interview With Paul Braddon

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

It is called The Actuality and has as its protagonist a female AI created in the image of a woman she has never met – a near-impossible task to be second best. It’s also a bit of a dystopian thriller.

Having the point of view character as an artificial person offers a unique viewpoint. My character blends high-intelligence and stifled curiosity with old-fashioned innocence and generated much writing joy.

The Actuality is published in hardback on the 18th of February by Sandstone Press and is available to order through bookshops and all online sites

There is also an audiobook which is beautifully read by Eva Feiler and worth getting just for her!

My website can be found at paulbraddon.com.

2 – Are you a plotter or a panster?

A bit of both.

I won’t start on an idea until I know roughly how the plot will go and that the ends will tie up so I don’t waste months on something that doesn’t ultimately work. Having said that, one needs to remain flexible as ideas develop.

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Nothing beats Red Thai curry

4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

Assuming I’m there for a while then page count is paramount: Les Misérables, War & Peace and À la recherche du temps perdu (In Search of Lost Time). I know the first two well and the third is enormous … and yes, all in translation please… what a horror to open the crate and be faced with French and Russian!

5 – Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Trek, the original.

6 – If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To be invisible, but only when I want to, I don’t want to have to wrap myself in bandages! As a writer it would give amazing access, as well as save on admissions!

7 – Music or Silence when writing?

Silence, however boring my voice is, I need to be able to hear myself think.

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

Copenhagen. It’s beautiful, as are all its people, and everything it hasn’t got is only a train ride away.

9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

With my singing voice I’d go for something easy like ‘The lion sleeps tonight’!

10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Seek advice. That could be through reading guides, attending creative writing events or getting feedback. Don’t think you know it all because you’ve read a few novels.

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?

I’d choose sightsavers.org – it’s a charity dedicated to protecting the sight of the world’s vulnerable. Our planet is too beautiful to miss out on seeing – a little money on simple treatments can make a massive difference.

With the rest, I’d buy a ski chalet in the Alps and issue permanent invites to all my friends.

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

In the realm of science fiction, Ridley Scott’s Alien is hard to beat. Or, if it’s psychological and quirky, then perhaps Darron Aronfsky’s Mother starring Jennifer Lawrence playing a young house-proud mum, whose home is invaded.

Straight horror I steer away from, especially if it is trapped teenagers having body parts removed. I must know that there is a happy outcome for at least one of the participants.

13 - What are you currently working on?

I’d love to be able to tell you because I’m really excited about it but sharing an idea, if not actually jinxing it, diminishes it in my head and I can’t afford to lose any enthusiasm until I have at least a first draft.