Welcome to the literary world of Clifford Shepherd, a passionate writer whose journey begins with his debut novel “Blue Hills” This marks the inception of a remarkable saga that will take readers on a captivating adventure, spanning from the past to the present day.

Clifford’s love for the written word has been a lifelong affair, but it was a pivotal moment during a long walk with his eldest son, Cyrus, that gave him the nudge to put pen to paper. “Just do it,” his son urged, and one year later, Clifford proudly presents his first book to the world.

While crafting compelling stories, Clifford also manages a demanding day job as a senior analyst – a testament to the dedication of many indie authors who balance their creative pursuits with professional careers. Beyond his writing, Clifford’s interests extend to video editing, creating podcasts, and hosting a weekly radio show on Salford City Radio FM.

Join Clifford Shepherd on his literary voyage, as he combines his diverse talents and passion for storytelling to bring you engaging narratives that will stand the test of time.

• Where are you from?

I’m from a city in England called Salford/Manchester

• Why do you write?

I just enjoy it, I have many stories and it’s fun to bring the characters to life.  I had an idea for a story and for many years sat like many do without putting pen to paper then my eldest son Cyrus said “Dad just write it” so i started. 

• What do you write about? 

Real life, there’s no superheroes but real heroes, relationships and people hardship.  The struggles of everyday life, my book starts from 1940 and WW2 the battles, the loss and differences are all around.  Then it moves through into POW camp in Japan, how love and loss affects you.  Also with the criminal underworld rearing its head.

• Do you have a specific writing style?

I write in a style that promotes the reader to seek out the next chapter, allowing a more rollercoaster of blended interwoven stories of the family’s. If people read it and at points say “They didn’t see that coming” then i’ve done my job.

• What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 

Time and being consistent, many start and many do not complete.  Its about whatever you think, just get it down on paper or computer.  Don’t over analyse your work until you have finished a chapter then look over it.  At the end of the book then look over and over, not until you’re happy then ask an editor to look over.  Even at this point not to be disheartened with constructive comments or even asked to rewrite as the story doesn’t fit right.  KEEP GOING.

• Whats the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

“there were tears as well as many laughs!”

“Couldn’t put this book down!”

There are just two which stood out which any comment/review I get I am honoured for people to have read it and took the time to add a review.  I’m on a learning curve. This is my first book.  People telling me they are proud of what I wrote makes it all worthwhile.

• How long have you been writing?

I’ve written short scripts before but never published, this is my first book which took me just over a year to write/edit/format cover create etc to bring it out.

•  When did you first realise you wanted to become a writer?

When i finally finished the first book.  When i first started it i planned out to complete the story in one book, but the more i wrote i realised i needed to have people connect with the characters i couldn’t rush it.  In the end I realised I needed to expand it to a series of books, and after eventually finishing the first I was itching and already putting together the next in the series along with a collection of short stories, unrelated to this series.

• What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I have a day job and a family. As such it’s hard to put time into writing, you have to sit and be in the right mood. This usually is late at night. I cannot quickly write a few lines and get on with everyday events. You need time to allow it to flow.

• What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Music!, it really is i know what i need to write i have it planned out in an excel sheet but it’s all about then producing the story i then put on some background music usually film scores and i’m able to write.

• How long does it take to write a book? (if you’ve written one -published or non)

AGES!!! Lol no seriously im not full time writer i fit it in so to me it was approx 8 months then it was editing and rewriting until it eventually was just over a year. 

• Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

Simple just write, there’s many sites and videos out there saying you need this or that in software.  YOU DONT, i used my mobile and google docs. Ask friends or family for input to check over and help. Also have an editor someone you know or from many services out there you need one i did and they will help.  Also proofreaders/beta readers again family or friends but through these it helped me to swap out stories and structure the novel in a way that read at pace.

• What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?

You may have a beginning and know where you need to get to, but how you get there is the story. This is what will keep your reader and this point can also change the outcome so be flexible.  Many points I wrote and changed many times until I was happy.  Be happy if it’s not captivating yourself then it will not be your reader.  As such dont just add for filler add it if it moves the story along.

• What do you think makes a good story?

Relatable for the readers, captivating twists and turns, curve balls.  Some things a reader will see coming but many they will not and this keeps them engaged.

• What does your family think of your writing? 

Happy and proud of all of them, I reached out to all and my family.  Even though we all may not meet each other all the time, they are always there when needed and inspire me.

• Do you see writing as a career?

Oh i’d wish! I’m sure many indie authors do.  A book deal, a film etc im sure all have these dreams.  But I have to be realistic, you have to push it out, get it out there.  You could have the best book written but unless people see it pop up or are told about it, it will not go anywhere.

• Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

I’d like to say, thank you first if you’re reading this, thank you again if you have bought a copy of my book.  Also this book is a journey and the first book is the first step, there’s more to come and i hope you come on this journey with me.  If your wanting to write then i will be more than helpful in advice and tips please just message me at http://www.cliffordshepherd.com

• When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I could order my first author print, when I had it in my hands.  I gave my first print to my father, and hearing his response and praise after he read it.

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