Welcome, Alan Kemp….
Can I offer you a drink? Tea? Wine? Beer?
Beer, please.
*Hands a beer to Alan*
Can you tell me a little about yourself? (inc if you use a pen name and why)
I worked in construction for nearly 20 years before becoming a lecturer, I am now a high school maths teacher but enjoy restoring vintage caravans as a hobby.
What is the title and genre of your book?
My book is titled Callahan the Camper van and is a Children’s picture book.
Do you write in first or third person? Please explain why
I write as though I am Callahan and experiencing the sights, sounds and feelings he is.
How did you come up with the story?
I often attend VW rallies and love to look at the restored vans, this was the inspiration for the story.
It has a lovely cover, did you have any say in what you wanted the cover to be?
I chose the cover from a number of illustrations I had commissioned.
Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Never give up and know your limitations.
What is your writing routine?
When I have an idea I just jot it down, then when I have a quiet moment I put the meat on the bones.
Do you have an editing process?
When I think it is finished I get my wife Tracey to proof read it, then I split it into pages around what I think would make a good illustration, finally I put ideas down as to what the illustrations should be before sending it to my illustrator.
What do you enjoy the most/least about writing?
I like using my imagination to picture and feel the adventures that I develop for Callahan.
Where can people find you on the internet?
I am currently on Facebook, Amazon, YouTube and Twitter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Callahan-the-Camper-Van-191220104676479/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-yucfkK7s8
Twitter: https://twitter.com/?lang=en-gb
Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?
My sons were raised on Thomas the Tank Engine and I feel this has had a large influence on the adventures of Callahan. I am currently working on book 2, Callahan and the Warrior asp Gang.
I am appearing at the East Anglian Festival of Culture in Lowestoft on Sat 9th and Sun 10th Sept and would love see my readers there.
Thank you for a lovely interview….
You’re welcome and thank you for taking time out to tell us about your fabulous book and we look forward to hearing when book two is published.