Ron served thirty five years in the Royal Navy after leaving Mayfield. He is now a writer of adventure thrillers and was recently interviewed by the author, Hannah Warren, who published the following transcript.

Interview with NP author Ron Sewell:

You all know the type: no nonsense, fool around with someone else but not with me, what you see is what you get, goal-oriented, etc. Although I haven’t met Ron in the flesh, I’m convinced he’s exactly that. And you know what’s the good thing about straightforward people like Ron? They straighten us – the wavery, diplomatic, compliable folks – out for a little while as well. You feel more erect in their nearness.

I’ve only had the pleasure to read one blog entry The Collectors that Ron posted on Night Reading but the work is as solid as its master. Hence, it is an old-fashioned, carefully-constructed piece of adventure with the right dose of suspense and unexpected twists. Hopefully, we’ll read a lot more from Ron’s hand soon, knowing now he writes many hours a day except for Sundays.

Personal questions:

Where do you live (town, country)? Were you born and bred there?
Born in Leith near Edinburgh Scotland – raised in the east end of London – now live in Paphos – Cyprus.

What kind of food do you like? Are you a good cook? How important is food to you?
Enjoy most foods, especially Indian and Italian. My wife tells me I’m a good cook as I prepare and cook all the food for dinner parties.  Is food important to me – Not really.

Do you do any sports? How often? What does exercise mean to you? Any other hobbies?
Used to run marathons, best time three hours twenty minutes. Have sailed/raced in most seas around the world and loved every minute. Now exercise doing DIY and gardening. Other hobbies supporting and helping charities.

Do you have kids/grandkids? If so, please tell us a little about them?
Proud father of four children – two boys and two girls.  Four grandchildren – three boys – one girl.

Do you like travelling? Where do you go then?
After  thirty five years in the Royal Navy travelling is a bit of a busman’s holiday. Now prefer the comfort of my own home. Did a world tour two years ago with my wife and enjoyed it. Visit the UK when I have to.

Do you have another job apart from writing? For how many hours? How do you feel about the ‘other’ job?
Gave up the other job after a row with my CEO.

How do your family/friends react to you being a writer? Have their opinions changed since you became a published author? Which remark from your surroundings has stuck most with you?
I’m quite happy when my children tell others – Dad writes. I think they would like me to have a best seller.

Would you call yourself a social human being? Do you have time for going out and spending time away from the writing desk?
A very social animal – love to go out with my wife to all social functions.

Which character trait do you like best about yourself and why? Which trait would you rather do without?
Perseverance in all matters. I should temper my views on fools as I do not suffer them at all.

On writing:

Can you describe the place where you write + the view?
My office is in the centre of the house and if required act as a spare bedroom. I look out and see beautiful red flowering bougainvillea tumbling down a stone wall.

Is there something you always need to have near you when you work (beverage, cigarette, mascot, music, quote, etc)?
Nothing apart from my exhaustive pile of research notes.

What genre(s) do you write in? How did that develop?
I write adventure thrillers. Haven’t a clue how it developed it just did. Have tried other genres but can’t seem to get past the first fifty pages. However I do write short stories in ever genre but predominately ghostly tales.  I do believe in ghosts, we had two in our last house. Annabelle and Harry.

When was your first book released and how did that make you feel?
First book (A Basketful of Sleepers) was a disaster as I fell into the trap of vanity publishing. Strangely it sold reasonable well and I recouped all my investment and a little bit more.  Even so seeing your work in print is a wonderful feeling.

Can you tell us some background information on the book? (How did you get the idea, how long did it take you to write and edit it, is it part of a sequel, how does the published book make you feel now?)
Frustrated by their inability to free Northern Ireland from British control, a senior group of terrorists devise a master plan for the next generation. Their sons and daughters will infiltrate all levels of the Royal Navy and await the call for action. Sean McNulty emerges as the man to lead this Basketful of Sleepers as they embark on a mission to steal the Royal Navy’s latest warship and force the British Government to listen to their demands. Only a swift and decisive strike by Britain’s armed forces can prevent Sean from achieving the ultimate victory. The idea started a short story from a premise – what is the best time to attack Britain. Although a stand-alone book, I took one character Janice Potter and made her an integral part of two novels.  The Angel Makers – You Can’t Hide Forever. When I look at it now I’m still pleased but can’t help notice that my writing has improved/changed.

What are your writing habits? (every day, number of words, etc.?)
I write every day except Sunday from 1300 to 1800.  Sometimes I write a lot sometimes a little.

Who’s been your biggest inspiration and why? Since when?
My wife believes in me. Since forever.

What does Night Publishing mean to you?
A chance for others to see my work and comment. I understand that some may like it while others will not but that’s the name of the game.

Where do you see yourself in 5-years’ time?
No idea but still writing away because it’s what I do.  As a dream talking to Steven Spielberg about the making of a film from one of my books.

References: Night Publishing – Hannah Warren