I talk too much. When I was a child, I would dream up rather elaborate stories to add interest to otherwise mundane occurrences. Of course, I would then need to tell someone. It seems that this penchant for a tall story followed me into adulthood - well into adulthood! Even with my writing, I have a tendency to ramble in the first draft, writing page after page of amazing stuff that subsequently ends up 'on the cutting room floor'. That's my style: write everything down, then edit, leaving only the relevant stuff, then edit again. Lately, I have begun to understand what my parents went through when I was younger. My eleven year old son has inherited the same trait, regaling me with tall tales and odd conundrums at every opportunity.
Stephen Childs
I was born in London, but moved to New Zealand with my parents when I was eleven years old. After a career in television production that spanned over thirty years, I decided it was time for a change. That change saw us relocate to our favourite holiday location of Perth, Western Australia, where my wife, Debbie, lived as a child. We now live full time in the sun, by the sea. I'd like to say it's a permanent holiday, but the bills still need to be paid.
I love listening to audio books. I discovered the joy of audiobooks after putting down a copy of Belinda Alexandra's, Tuscan Rose, at a crucial point, to go chasing appointments around the city. In my frustration, I downloaded the audio version to my i-Phone and set off. I was hooked. Both fiction and non-fiction books now stream from my car's speakers as I go about my daily business. Recently, this joy has broken from the confines of the car, accompanying me on trains and even planes. I haven't looked at creating an audio copy of On Track for Murder yet, but if I get enough requests it will definitely be on the cards.
I follow Formula-e car racing. In fact, the recently formed formula-e, electric powered car series, is the only sport I properly follow. I see electric vehicles as the future of motorised transport. Motor racing has always been the main contributor of innovation and efficiency in car production. This new form of motor racing will inevitably become the incubator for radical changes in the way we design and build cars.
I love a good seafood chowder. I actually enjoy making my own chowder using fresh local seafood. Oddly, until I was into my forties I couldn't eat seafood chowder. It made me quite sick, so I actively avoided the dish. About eleven years ago, after receiving treatment for skin cancer, I began to crave seafood chowder. I discovered a cafe in Mission Bay, Auckland, serving a pretty passable example. I was hooked, and so began a search for great chowders the world over. I still think I make the best, though.
My tipple of choice is Australian red wine. The specialty here in Australia is Shiraz, which I adore, but my all-time favourite is an Australian Merlot. Fortunately, living in close proximity to fabulous vineyards in the greater Perth region, a good drop is never far away.
My favourite movie is Hitchcock's North by North West. I love movies made in that era. I am also drawn to sixties era British movies. They remind me of my childhood, sitting watching films made at Ealing Studios with my BBC film editor father.
I sailed to NZ on the SS Australis. The Australis was a large ocean liner run by Chandris Lines. As an eleven year old, I loved the six week journey. The sea has always empowered me. Even at such a young age I drew a great deal of inspiration from that trip. Interestingly, my wife, who I met later in life, sailed on that very ship, on the same route, just two years later.
I love shopping. Believe it or not, one of my favourite pastimes is shopping with Debbie, my wife. Many a holiday has been enhanced by the discovery of an enormous shopping centre. Of course, a good cafe is always sought out for light refreshments during the excursion.
I believe you should never stop learning. As I get older, I am realising just how much I don't know. Every time I learn something new, it further empowers me. I now see the potential that exists for young people, lurking in the vast collection of knowledge available to them. If I could go back, I would learn as much as I could, about as many things as I could. Knowledge is definitely a powerful tool.
On Track for Murder by Stephen Childs (published by Clink Street 1st September 2015 RRP £7.99 paperback, RRP £4.99 ebook) is available online from retailers including amazon.co.uk and can be ordered from all good bookstores.