Paul Douglas Lovell

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I'm soft hearted, love nature and all living things, I rescue worms, slugs, snail, spiders and even flies. I walk my dog every day and make sure to pick up at least one piece of litter. Naturally I read a lot and have been ploughing through the free kindle classics, since 2013 I've read not much else. The inquisitive adventure in me loves to go Geocaching, using GPS coordinates to find boxes hidden around the world. In my 50s I still play Nintendo regularly. I've failed to grow up.

When and why did you start writing books?

I wrote my first few pages at around 17. They remain in an envelope under a seal of shame. I had no education then but it couldn't stop me telling stories. My first book was published in 2013.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

It's not really a career. I'd been preparing to write for years. Reading, gaining education and experiences, never quite feeling ready/able. Then one day, looking out of my window at the beautiful Swiss scenery. I realised, I had my happy ending and really, no excuse not to begin. It was a case of, if not now, when? My father had also passed away. His, was the only opinion I cared about, and with him gone, felt I could happily divulge my secrets and my shame.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

My latest book is most definitely my favourite... I'm improving every year. Many artists drop their work and invest nothing more once a piece is completed. I'm of that vein.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Each book stretched me... I had to be honest if I were to deliver authenticity. That meant no exaggerating, no pulling on heartstrings and no lies. I sell Truth, uncomfortable as it is, it is rewarding because it frees you and also you don't need to remember any lies. I suffer majorly with abandonment and rejection. I felt scorned by society and happily stuck two fingers up to the world. I did my own thing, needing nobody. Then I wrote about it and realised I did need the world if I were to sell my book. However with the way that people judge nowadays (and they do) and my awkward social skills, I find I'm struggling to engage. I feel rejection everyday and for someone who is soft, it is crippling. All I want is to be able to write, and an audience to deliver to.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Jack London & Alexander Dumas: I've read all of Jack London's completed novels (took over a year) and many of Dumas' famous books. Musketeers, Monte Cristo and Mary Stuart's Crimes.

What book are you reading right now?

Samuel Pepys diaries... 14% through, will take about a year to finish - Will read other books in between.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Quirkiness of life, my life.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy creating cut & paste art/adverts - I designed my own covers - writing haiku - listening to music - caring for my dog.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I have my next idea- When I were 16, I once spent five nights sleeping rough in London - Not many people can claim to have slept in cardboard city under the Royal Festival Hall - There is a story to tell about the characters and dangers -