NK Chats To… David Russell

Can you tell me about your novella, High Wired On and what inspired it?

I was inspired to write my dystopian novella High Wired On by a state of extreme despair and negativity. I was inspired to try romance by some powerful efforts on the part of a friend of mine.

What’s your typical writing day like?

For many years I did not have a typical writing day. There were brief snatches of evening time, after a multiplicity of daytime work. That changed with the onset of Covid: with this I generally get up at 6 am and have a solid stretch until about 9.30 am. There are parallel slots in the afternoon and evening.

How long does it typically take you to write a book? 

Anything from weeks to years.

What are the challenges you found when writing?

To convey suspense and tension while trying to maintain stylistic accuracy.

Which fictional character would you like to meet and why?

I’d like to meet Selene, the Greek Moon Goddess – the supreme Dream Girl.

What elements make up a good story? 

Some sense of struggle, of trepidation, of overcoming adversity.

From idea to finished book, what’s your writing process like? 

A lot of the initial ideas are episodic and fragmentary, there is then a struggle to link them, thematically, then in terms of plot/narrative structure.

Which authors do you admire?

William Golding, Ben Okri, Andre Pieyre de Mandiargues.

What’s your favourite word and why? 

Heletosis – nice sound: I aspire to aspirates.

Any other advice for aspiring writers? 

Believe in yourselves; don’t be swayed by judgmental coteries.

About David: 

David Russell was born in 1940 and lives in the UK. He writes poetry, literary criticism, speculative fiction and romance.

His works include Exacting Modality of the World Web, A Chip off the Old Block, Nothing Hero,
Prickling Counterpoints, An Ever River and Sensual Rhapsody as well as his novella’s High Wired On, and Rock Bottom. 

His Romance fiction includes Dreamtime Sensuality, Dreamtime Sensuality, Explorations, Further Explorations, and Self’s Blossom. 

Click to view his author page on Amazon UK. 

About High Wired On: 

Very Strange!

This reminds me of one of those dreams you have that make perfect sense, until you wake up and try to tell someone about it.

This starts out with a triple homicide and a young man with relationship problems, Then it just takes off from there, with fantastic journeys and electrically-themed imaginings, never sure if it is dreams, hallucinations or actual reality.

I’m not entirely sure what it all meant, but parts of it are like what, I would imagine, a drug trip might be like. Unique short read for those with an interest.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.