Christopher J. Buxton is a UK based new indie author, with his debut Sci-Fi novel Alternate. He graduated from college with a building studies qualification and has worked as a draughtsperson and design technician in the construction industry since. He enjoys film, creative stories, space, video games, music and believes family is massively important. He has been reading novels and listening to audiobooks for a few years. And finds writing refreshing and the perfect doze of escapism from the mundane of everyday life. Mostly a write of Sc-fi but is experimenting with other genres.
Where are you from?
Nottinghamshire, England
Why do you write?
I find it a good escape from the reality of everyday life. The combination of working 43 hours a week, doing the school run in the morning and be a parent can get mundane, de-motivating and sole destroying. My full-time profession as a designer in the construction industry is good but can also be mentally demanding, draining, stressful, complicated and sometimes sole destroying. Spending all day working on someone else’s design / project – it just feels a relief to be able to work on something that is mine, my own project. One that I fully control and just write what I want to, as I am sure a lot of people can relate. It started as a hobby, as one day I just thought I’m going to have a go at writing a story, and still is a hobby – but a serious one.
What do you write about?
Thriller and Sci-fi fiction. I started writing sci-fi and self-published my debut novel Alternate: A Jimmy Ray Journey. Which is a just a fun multiverse sci-fi adventure thriller, which for a first novel I was happy with it. But now I am trying my hand at Thriller. I was working on the sequel to Alternate and needed a break from it for a while. So decided to try something totally different. I thought it might be a good idea to write a short story. And so, with that LYLA’S THREAPY was materialized into existence. Ha ha…. Totally different in the fact it is a tense psychological thriller with a twist or two!!! For a short story I really think it holds weight, and I am surprised how it turned out. I will be honest I’m proud of it.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Just try to start with building suspense, and confusion to try and get the reader to say to themselves – what on earth is going on…. But also, I’d say, I try to always maintain a level of comedic, sarcastic, and skeptical humor in my characters. I try to keep them down to earth so to speak, and relatable – but with a small sense of there is something slightly different about them.
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
Most probably the same that most indie authors face. Finding the time to write. But its not just time per say it finding the free time when I’m in the right frame of mind to right too. Time when I am also motivated and inspired. Sat a desk working on a computer all day designing, leaves me uninspired and tired. So, when I get home after spending time with my children. All I want to do is relax. So, a lot of writing has to wait for weekends.
What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
It was in a review for my first book. The description of narrative was so that you felt like a film was playing out in your mind. Some interesting characters and twists and turn. Great novel can’t wait for the next one.
How long have you been writing?
4 years.
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
The moment I finished watching a film called Bandersnatch on Netflix in Dec 2018! This was an interactive film and I just thought it was so creative. Maybe it triggered my creativity lol.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
Busy…very busy…
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
British common slang and skeptic sinical sarcasm.
How long does it take to write a book?
My first novel Alternate took 16 months including editing process. My new book LYLA’S THREAPY took roughly 4 months including editing (as this is a short story)
Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
Just start writing, get a feel for it. And spend some time watching some tutorials and tips.
What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
Trying to keep the dialogue as real and as close to what people would actually say in real life. Trying to realize when it becomes too staged. Also, to keep the story dark and not let it drift off into cheese land……Also perspectives can become tricky.
What do you think makes a good story?
Nothing explained to begin with. Keep the reader guessing for as long as possible with drip feeds of reveal. And a story that’s relatable too.
What does your family think of your writing?
They think its great, they love it and are impressed…Or at least that’s what they tell me…ha. ha.
Do you see writing as a career?
Probably not no. There is just not enough money in it and would be too lonely. And would eventually become less enjoyable. Staying as an indie author for now with my current situation works well for me. But in the future, who knows – maybe!!
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
Just that if you want to try writing, just go for it. You don’t have to have been writing and reading all your life. I am 37 and only started 4 years ago. And in that 4 years although it’s been a steep learning curve. My word I have learned so so much. Don’t be scared. The only other thing I should probably add is that my new book / novella is out now on Amazon and Goodreads. If you want to find out more about LYLA’S past and why she is in therapy – give it a try. That would be massively appreciated for the support.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I still don’t!!
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