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 back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.