I served a Police Officer for 30 years, most of which was spent as a detective in the inner -city areas of Liverpool. From a cultural point of view, I was in a unique position to identify, observe and evaluate the many strands of British society and life during a time of great cultural and social change. I began to make written and mental notes of little incidents, events, characters and occurrences. Many were funny, some bizarre, a few tragic, all a kaleidoscopic mirror of a time and a place.
P G Ronane
I love travelling, hate flying – I first began travelling to Europe in the 1970’s soaking up other cultures. I used the same methodology in recording my experiences. During this time, I frequented Paris and once met and shared a cigarette with Samuel Beckett on a bridge, something I will never forget. My wanderlust has continued unabated and my travels extended far beyond the European mainland fuelled by my partners never ending quest for adventure. Will, I ever grow to like flying? No is the simple answer; it terrifies me!
I seem to be a late developer in life – I became a Father at the age of 44, went to University at the age of 49, stood as a local Councillor at the age of 59 and have written my first book at the age of 61. Who says life doesn’t begin at 40. Mine has been packed with goodies of every description. The whole thing has been a learning process for me, as everything in life is and should be.
I’m a technophobe – Whilst I love technology and have embraced the digital revolution full on I don’t seem to be able to get my head around it. I drive my partner and my 16 - year - old son mad, constantly asking them how to use my gadgets. My son recently gave me his iPod touch and this has been a constant source of amusement as I grapple with learning to use its many wonderful features.
I make interesting things out of old wooden pallets – I have this rather quirky hobby of making things out of old pallets. I have made shoe racks, wall art, candle holders and trays and I am always looking for new ideas – answers on a postcode please. This keeps me sane when I’m not writing.
I love Prog Rock music – I saw my first prog rock band, King Crimson, at the tender age of 15 and was hooked. Nowadays, my musical repertoire has extended, however, I still manage to find the occasional Prog concert to attend.
I love reading - I have read books from a very early age and in my early teens developed an interest in serious political and cultural writers. Although I have a Kindle, my house is crammed with books. I feel saddened that my 16-year-old son does not share my enthusiasm, there are just too many distractions which didn’t exist when I was growing up.
The Authors I like were, curiously, all travellers – Orwell, Lawrence, Hemingway, Isherwood, Lowry to name a few. They all travelled to the far corners of the earth, observing local life and culture which is reflected in their books. I hope that I can follow some way in their footsteps.
I love food, not much of a cook – I can only make Chicken Casserole, influenced by the time I spent in France, lots of garlic, red wine, herbs, cooked slowly – delicious. My partner on the other hand is an excellent cook, which is fortunate, as we would probably starve!
I wanted to be an Art Teacher – At school I was particularly good at art and toyed with the idea of being an Art Teacher like the lead character in my novel, Catch:52. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, however, I retain a great love of art and enjoy visiting galleries in this country and abroad.
Catch 52 by PG Ronane (published by Clink Street Publishing June 22nd 2017 in paperback and ebook is available to purchase from online retailers including Amazon and to order from all good bookstores.