Chris Sloan

 INTRODUCING

CHRIS SLOAN

Hello Chris! We’re dealing with a time difference so no hurry to respond.

First question:

Your first book sounds sort of dystopian and the second is a modern vampire book. What are we going to see in the third?

Hi Shauna! No problem... I just logged on to check my Twitter before heading to bed! I'd love to answer your question now

I feel your descriptions are very accurate for my 1st/2nd novels... For my third novel, its set in the 2030s and examines how technology will change us. It will explore transhumanism: meaning, changing the body through machines and technology!

What was your inspiration?

For my third novel?

Yes

Well honestly... We live in an age where people can make changes to there bodies, be it tattoos, piercing or implants. Also transgender people can now finally get safe surgery to allow them to physically be who they want to be... Therefore I thought to myself, what if we as a species try to force the next stage of evolution by improving ourselves with machines/microchips etc

Sorry that's a long, slightly complex answer!

Simply put, I was inspired by the idea that technology can help us improve as human beings and maybe even prolong life. I feel this could happen in our immediate future...

Very cool!

So you live in Hobbit country?

(That’s not actually a question I’m just jealous)

Question 2:

You have a background in film. Ever think about turning your books into movies?

Yeah Shropshire is amazing! Its just green hills, farmlands and countryside inns!

But to answer your question: it would be great fun to turn my books into films. However, I'm not sure I could afford to do it and besides, the British Film Industry isn't very supportive. Maybe if I lived in the US, I may have a better chance!

Unless you know some rich film producers, in which case... lets make movies!!

When I meet some I'll send them your way for sure!

Last question:

In your words you've lived "numerous lives". You've worked in many fields. I'm picturing a movie montage of you in a graduation cap (do they do that in the UK?), an old-timey movie director's outfit (the short pants/tall socks combo and special hat), a professorial tweed jacket with leather elbow patches, and in pajamas (how most writers I know end up working a lot of the time lol).

Which walk of life has been your favorite so far?

Indeed we do have smocks and caps at our graduations in the UK. Your movie montage idea made me laugh All the outfits are accurate apart from the movie director (not sure I'd ever where short pants with long socks!!!

I would say... my favorite walk of life was being a film director. I had a real joy from seeing my scripts (which I always wrote) coming to life and the lines being spoken by actors. There's nothing like the feeling of elation when a scene comes together or when a movie wraps. I would like to make films again in the future... for the time being i'm content being a novelist.

FYI - I have really enjoyed answering these questions, its like being interviewed by a film critic or talk show host!

I totally get it! I’m a playwright. There is no feeling like seeing your imagination come to life!

Ha! Well, you are a rockstar!

Okay so I lied. Last question for real this time.

your goldfish are named Argyle and Lister.

Where did the names come from?

A rockstar! Quick story: in my last school, I was often greeted every morning by students who screamed my name and crowded around me as if I was a famous actor! Teenagers are mental, but I digress...

And cool... you are a playwright! I'm super impressed!

Sorry... to answer your question. Argyle is named after a character from my first novel. And Lister is named after a TV character from a UK sitcom called Red Dwarf! Its a sci-fiction comedy.

Very cool!

1

Thanks for the interview!

Likewise! I enjoyed it immensely! If you know anyone else who'd be interested with chatting to a, as of yet, unknown writer, let me know!!

STANDARD TWEEP TATTLER QUESTIONS:

1) Where do you live?

Shropshire, England. If you’ve seen the Lord of the Rings, it’s basically Hobbit country. Lots of small villages and towns with weekly markets selling farm produce. There are hills everywhere, woodlands and endless green fields as far as the eye can see. One word: beautiful.

2) What is the first thing you remember writing?

When I was about 12 years old, I wrote a short story called ‘The Shallow Grave’. It was, on reflection, inspired by ‘A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens (we were studying the story in school). I have tried to find a copy of the story but its long lost, probably for the best. Believe it or not, I have tried to rewrite it over the years, but I can never get it right… 

3) Why do you write?

I write because I find it enjoyable. It allows me to explore ideas and to live out my greatest fantasies. I never know where my writing will take me, as I never plan, and find it a joy to experience stories which I want to read. 

4) Have you published any of your work?

I have self-published my debut novel, ‘The Company’; it’s on Amazon right now and also, I’ve sold paperbacks whilst on a book tour. I’m planning to release my second novel next year, which is already finished and ready for publication.  

5) What are you currently writing?

I am writing my third novel. I can’t really tell you what it’s about yet because I’ve only finished two chapters. I never work on more than one project at a time.  

6) Are you currently querying?

No. I’m currently not interested in approaching publishers.

7) Finish this sentence (three lines or less):

IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT… in the city of Zusammen. The king lay shivering in his majestic bed, cursing the inventor who’d released colour into the world. His dominion had changed forever, and he was afraid of the coming dawn…

8) Which activities do you like to participate in, in the Twitter writing community (VSS365, etc.)?

None at the moment. Saying that I am doing NaNoWriMo, but in August instead of November. 

9) Do you have any formal training/education for writing?

I have an English degree but have no formal training. 

10) Do the people in your life know that you write?

Yes they do and they often read my work.

11) Tell me about the people in your life. Family? Pets?

I am currently single, have a sister who is also a writer (she is a professional content writer, and she is very inspiring) and I have parents who are very supportive. I have two goldfish (Argyle and Lister), but no pets. 

12) Where do you wish your writing to take you?

It would be nice to make a living from writing, but if not, I would like to build a fanbase who I can regularly interact with and write for. It is important to me that my writing critiques the world and makes a statement which others may agree or disagree with. 

13) What did you expect when you joined the Twitter writing community? Did it turn out as expected?

I didn’t really know what to expect. I have been overwhelmed by the positive attitude and great support from the writing community. They inspire me and make me feel part of a much larger artistic society.  

14) Where do you write?

On my bed. I really should get a desk but haven’t gotten around to it yet. 

15) How much time do you dedicate to writing, weekly?

It depends if I’m working on a new project or editing. I can write up to 2 hours a day, seven days a week, or not write for months. To be honest as a teacher, I am writing every day professionally, but I don’t really think this counts!

16) Do you have other talents?

I can speak German if that’s a talent. I also have spent a number of years making short films and have technical expertise with film equipment. I have also painted over one hundred expressionist paintings, but again, I’m not sure this is a talent. 

17) CHOOSE ONE:

1. I do not mind when other writers ask for advice.

2. I’d rather keep to myself!

• I do not mind when other writers ask for advice.

ABOUT CHRIS SLOAN

    Chris lives in the UK. He has a history and English degree from the University of Keele. 

    At just thirty-one years old, Chris feels that he's already lived numerous lives. 

    Once he earned his degree, he founded his own film company and made short narrative films. One was shown at Manchester International Film Festival. It was called 'A Beautiful Beast' and dealt with the issues surrounding body dis-morphia. 

    After struggling to make much of a name for himself, he retrained as a banker and worked in finance for five years. Then he had what could be called a quarter-life crisis and decided he should use his degrees. Therefore he retrained again, this time as a history teacher.

    Chris has since written two novels (the first is available on Amazon). His debut novel is about a single company that owns the world and the second is about vampires in the 21st century. He is working on his third now, hoping to write the whole first draft during August. 

    His hobbies include watching opera, going to see British wrestling, reading and hiking around the local beautiful countryside, especially the Shropshire Hills. He has two goldfish, Argyle and Lister.

 

Here is Chris Sloan's Amazon Page:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BMB6R4N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_V8G1JQVGRAXV8HPGX49H