So, lets start with the easy ones... 

What is your name? Anthony Jason Ball

What genre do you write? As a new writer I am trying to write in different ways, so I wouldn’t say I stick to a genre. So far I’ve enjoyed writing poetry, and short stories, which I’m thrilled to say have been published in various anthologies. My writing tends to be on the darker side.

Which author would you like to invite for dinner? This may surprise you but I don’t 

read a lot of novels. I have a large collection of graphic novels such as Judge Dredd, and Dark Horse’s Star Wars, so I’m more of a comic reader really. NERD! But I do like to read Autobiographies now, and then; Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Vic Reeves, and various Wrestling entertainers such as Mick Foley, Ric Flair, Bret Hart, Chris Jericho.

When did you start writing? I started to write around 2014. I just had an idea to write a sci-fi story, and years later I’m still working on that story now. But it wasn’t until 2019, when I met my partner, and fellow writer - Leanne Cooper, that I started to write seriously. Since then I have released a book of poetry, and short stories called ‘Asleep at 3 AM,’ which was inspired by my partner's book called ‘Awake at 3 AM.’ Both available on Amazon :D 

What does your writing space look like?  I have a small space in my bedroom, it’s a very narrow space with a small table, just big enough for my miniature butt to sit at. I tend to work on a chromebook, but when an idea strikes I will scribble things down on any paper close to hand. I’ll also write on my phone which I do a lot, especially at work, again when those ideas pop in my noggin.

How often do you write? I write often, more so now due to lockdown. Once I’m back at work I’ll have less time of course.

Do you have any advice for those starting out? Write as best as you can, but do not worry if the spelling is off or the punctuation is missing, content is more important, and your work can be edited later. I myself make mistakes when writing, it’s ok. Speak to a friend about your ​writing interest because chances are, you or a friend may know a writer to speak to for advice. Join poetry groups online, and expand your friend zones. Before lockdown I attended open mic nights in Walsall, and met a lot of talented poets who I’m now connected with on FB. Don’t be afraid of rejection because it happens to us all. A story that has been rejected by a publisher can always be picked up by another.

What is your next project? My Book is my next writing priority, then after that  maybe I’ll get back into that sci-fi story...Maybe.

This section is a creative exercise. Book titles as questions.

let’s see what you come up with...

How Hard Can It Be? (By Allison Pearson) 

You won’t really know until you try, will you? So give that fear of failure a kick up the backside, and give it a go. Unless it’s training to slam dunk a basketball when you’re only 5.5. That’s really hard.

Noticed Me Yet? (By Anyta Sunday) 

People are starting to notice me, but normally I slip under the eyeline. 

Does This Mean You'll See Me Naked? (By Robert D. Webster) 

I always feel naked, out of skin, out of confidence. Stripped down by those who assumed based on my look that I couldn’t do anything. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Proven everytime.

Thank you so much