Where are you from?
I was born and educated in Preston, Lancashire, England. I have lived in various places in that county including Leyland and the village of Stalmine near the river Wyre.
Tell us your latest news?
I am working on three books simultaneously: ‘The Spook’s Sacrifice’ (next in the Wardstone Chronicles Series), ‘The Spook’s Tale’ (a world Book Day £1 book for March 2009) and ‘The Spook’s Bestiary’ (an illustrated encyclopedia of all the creatures Tom and his master encounter).
Additionally, Kevin Lima, the director of ‘Enchanted’ is working on the pre-production phase of the film of ‘The Spook’s Apprentice‘. Hopefully it will be released late in 2009 - in time for Halloween!
When and why did you begin writing?
I wrote my first full novel in 1977. It was rejected. It was a terrible book! I suppose I’ve always written bits of things - it was just in me to write. At first I easily gave up because I was usually dissatisfied with my own attempts at stories. Later I learned perseverance and became hardened to rejections.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
From about 1991 I had a London agent, Carolyn Whitaker of London Independent Books. I was then writing a novel a year and although they were rejected I was taking my writing seriously and trying to improve.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Reading other books. When I read a great book I always think ‘I wish I’d written that!”
Who or what has influenced your writing?
Reading widely and living where I do. Lancashire is rich in history and folk tales. I also find the landscape inspirational.
How did you come up with the title ‘The Spook’s Apprentice’?
The Spook deals with spooky things (ghosts, ghosts, boggarts, witches and things that go bump in the night) but is also a bit spooky himself because people believe that the dark is never very far away from him. So the name works in two ways.
What books have most influenced your life most?
‘The Lord of the Rings‘, which confirmed my existing interest in fantasy writing but took it on to another level. Also the science fiction ‘Dune’ series by Frank Herbert. Those books stimulated my imagination.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Tolkien without a doubt.
What book are you reading now?
‘The Ostrich Boys’ by Keith Gray. It’s a great book for teenagers and adults.
What do you see as the influences on your writing?
I’m influenced by folk tales and local history plus the idea of conflict between good and evil. Nobody is totally good or totally evil and I’ve tried to build that into my books. For example, Alice has been trained by a witch, Bony Lizzie, and is always in danger of returning to serve the dark. But she’s like us all - a war between dark and light is going inside her.
Who is your favourite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Tolkien is my favourite author. I like his attention to detail, the way his narratives are on a vast scale spanning ages and the heroic aspect of his characters.
Do you have to travel much concerning your books?
I travel a lot to promote them. This year I’ll be visiting the USA for a five city book tour. I’m also scheduled to go to Australia, New Zealand, Romania and France. As for locations, I don’t need to travel far. I live in Lancashire and the places I write about are on my doorstep!
Who designed the covers?
David Wyatt in Britain; Patrick Arrasmith in the USA. They are both excellent illustrators who add to the atmosphere of the books.
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
The final stage of editing when I’m starting to get tired of re-drafting and just itching to get started on the next book. I particularly hate it when, at the last moment, someone discovers a plot problem that involves a lot more work!
Do you have any advice for other writers?
For young unpublished writers I’d just say, keep a notebook and jot down any idea that comes into your head. One day it may prove useful. I jotted down the idea for ‘The Spook’s Apprentice’ in1983 when I moved to Stalmine, which has its own boggart. I didn’t actually use that idea until 2001 but it had been there all those years - just waiting to be used!
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Just thank you for reading my books. It’s great to hear when they’ve been read and enjoyed.
Best wishes,
Joseph Delaney
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