Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written two and a half books at the moment. The first one, ‘The Night Out’ was released on 20/2/2018, to be followed late April/early May by ‘Backbones’, then the final book in the trilogy will be out in July or August titled ‘GY ’til I die’.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Night Out was inspired by living in a small town and no longer having the refuge I once did to cheer myself up. Socialising became a case of simply having the same night out over and over again. I liked the concept of that being a literal trap and was encouraged by a close friend to actually sit down and work on it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Loud music and occasional tears.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Irvine Welsh has been a huge influence on me. I always loved the books where he introduces impossible concepts into reality. Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs was a brilliant example of this. I also loved the conversational style of Douglas Adams in the Hitchhiker’s series. I have to confess to being quite a populist reader, so I couldn’t say anything new or ground-breaking here.
What are you working on now?
Still working on my third book. I do have plans for an unrelated novel to begin after that which is becoming fleshed out in my mind with every passing week. I don’t have a conflict or end in mind, which is good, because I didn’t when I wrote The Night Out. That became a trilogy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I honestly have no idea. My sales are initially coming from Facebook friends. I’ve seen examples of what to avoid though; built up Facebook groups with huge numbers that charge for posts, but have no engagement whatsoever. With the volume of books appearing on them, I imagine the members (if genuine) have simply turned off notifications. I could be wrong though.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m looking for it myself. I’d say just finish what you are writing every time, no matter how you think it is. Have close friends and family members read your work as you go, that way you know any criticism isn’t insulting or malicious, but coming from a desire for you to succeed. Come up with your own solutions though, if they don’t like something, think of how to fix it yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“It is time to leave, you have had enough to drink”
I’ve ignored it, but it was sound advice.
What are you reading now?
Doctor Sleep. I’m not really liking it. Stephen King has never been an author I have ever really enjoyed. I much preferred the Kubrick version of the Shining. He has great ideas a lot of the time, I am just not a fan of his writing style.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Complete third book, keep blogging and try to find a global audience. Most of all, to improve as a writer.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Porno by Irvine Welsh. I think it is where he found the perfect balance between shocking, heart-wrenching and humour in all of his work.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ants Ambridge Website
Ants Ambridge Amazon Profile