One Hundred and Fifty-two days by Giles Paley-Phillips

What led you into writing?

I started writing after our first son was born, as I wanted to write a story I could read to him.

How does a typical day look?

I drop the children at school and either go for a run or walk to clear my head before heading back home to work.

In what ways do your characters test your abilities?

Trying to make them as real as possible is always a challenge.

What’s your setup?

I work at a small desk in my bedroom, but always carry a note pad and pencil, so I can write wherever I go.

What lasting effects have your favourite authors had on your writing and style?

Huge effects, I always go to them for inspiration and to learn.

What do you do for inspiration?

Reading is always a big inspiration and getting fresh air always helps me.

What repeating themes do you find yourself pulling into your stories?

I’m always very reflective on grief and loss, it plays a big part in my work and it’s a subject I’m always drawn towards.

How do you wind down?

Spending time with my wife and children, watching TV, films. I play in a band called Burnthouse which is another great creative outlet.

What sort of challenges do you regularly overcome while world-building?

I’m not sure I do fully overcome the challenges, I think I try and find a way around them.

What’s the most useful advice you could give to an aspiring author?

To read loads, talk about your work loads, join a writing group can also be super helpful.

Tell us about the book you’re promoting.

My latest book is One Hundred and Fifty-two days, written in the first person, One Hundred and Fifty-two Days tells the story of a teenage boy whose mother is terminally ill. Following a bout of pneumonia, the boy isn’t allowed to visit his mum who is receiving end of life treatment in hospital. His home life feels just as detached as his father turns to drink to mask the pain and escape the challenges they face as a family. As a coping mechanism he develops a powerful bond with his sparky and free-thinking physiotherapist, called Freya. Unlike anyone else in his life, Freya is able to lift his spirits and fill the void left by a distant father, a scatty grandmother and of course his dying mother, and finally open his eyes to a world full of possibility, hope and love.

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