Brian D Bond – If the Story Doesn’t Flow or You Get Stuck, You’re Writing the Wrong Story (Author from U.K)

I began to get bored until one day when I decided to have a go at writing a book. I was looking at my garden and remembered doing my Mum's garden and seeing many frogs coming out of the borders. That gave me the idea for my first book, a children's story about a garden frog. 

Tell us more about your background and journey.

I'm not sure how far back you would like me to go. I was born in the South West of England in 1959 and grew up in the town of Gillingham in Dorset. From the age of 14 I decided that I wanted to drive lorries, big lorries. I left school and worked in the family business (greengrocers and florists) until I was 21. After passing my HGV test, my career in transport began. 

I hold numerous transport qualifications and have held many posts from driver to depot manager. I had a few years running my own pub before returning to transport. For most of my life, I have wanted to write a book, but like most people, I never seemed to get around to it.



When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

All this changed in 2017 when I suffered a massive heart attack. During my recovery period, I began to get bored until one day when I decided to have a go at writing a book. I was looking at my garden and remembered doing my Mum's garden and seeing many frogs coming out of the borders. That gave me the idea for my first book, a children's story about a garden frog. 

I decided to add a snake to the characters, but as most people will know, snakes will eat frogs. As I stared out to my garden again, I had an idea, the snake would be a fruitarian and his favourite fruit would be gooseberries. 

Next came a Robin and then a hedgehog. When it was finished, I had the idea for book two, The Swans Valley followed by The Mouse and Sparrow, The Little Chimp, A Donkey's Tale, A Bear called Ted, Bubbles the Scrapyard Cat and finally, the Christmas Camel. All my books were written for children with adults in mind. I thought that if parents enjoyed them it would encourage them to spend time with their children, reading.

Since writing these books, I have written two YA fiction books with a third and final one in the series to follow, (one day).

My latest books feature an ex-detective set in the 1970's. I have two titles so far with a third just started. My aim is to write at least two more this year.



Is it a financially stable career?

At the moment it is not a profitable career, but I am hopeful that one day it will be.



Who is your favourite writer and why?

There are several writers that I like, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens and Beatrix Potter to name but three.



Where does your inspiration lie?

My inspiration for my children's books comes from my love of Disney films and cartoons. I want my books to be fun and the feedback I have received suggest that I have succeeded with that

The Detective novels came from an idea I had when I was at work. It was a comment from a customer that gave me the idea in December 2020. I began the first book in January of this year and have now completed two books in this series.


What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring writers?

My one piece of advice to writers:- If the story doesn't flow or you get stuck, you're writing the wrong story. When you write the right story, the words will flow easily.


Which is your favourite book and why?

My favourite book is Tom Sawyer, it was one of the first proper books that I read and I just love the story. The main character is mischievous and crafty but lovable at the same time. This would be closely followed by Paddington Bear.

Find him on LinkedIn

Interviewed by - Subham Biswas