Today, I join the blog tour for Absolution and it’s my pleasure to welcome author P.A. Davies to the blog who was kind enough to make some time to answer a few questions. But first, here’s what Absolution is about.
Author : P.A. Davies
Title : Absolution
Pages : 355
Publisher : MJD Publishing
Publication date : October 24, 2017
When the Militia entered the peaceful village of Nyanyar Ngun, South Sudan in 1992 – amidst the backdrop of a bitter civil war – it wasn’t in peace.
Soldiers of the SFL committed untold atrocities in that small farming village and from a line of terrified children, boys were chosen to become recruits of the Militia, whilst girls were taken for selling within a market of odious buyers. Those who weren’t selected were either left to perish or murdered where they stood.
In a field of high maize next to the village, sixteen-year old Jada lay hidden and afraid, witnessing the merciless slaughter of his parents and the capture of his sister Kiden; powerless to stop it, too frightened to try.
But now – tortured by grief, consumed with shame and driven by guilt – Jada must embark on a long & arduous journey to rescue his sister from a sinister world and earn his absolution … or die trying!
Welcome to Novel Deelights, Paul!
Why did you write a book?
Ever since my days at school, I have loved English and the written word and have always been fascinated by the magic that books can bring into one’s life. I have dabbled in writing short stories and poems though I wrote my first novel (Letterbox) for two reasons.
The first was because the idea was born out of a wine fuelled discussion with a good friend of mine and the second is because I love to write and a novel seemed the natural way forward. Five novels in and I still love writing.
Do you write every day?
Unfortunately not. At the moment, writing is not my primary profession so I have to write when I can, which is on my days off or after I have finished my “day” job.
Do you work to a plot or do you prefer to see where the idea takes you?
I normally have a basic plot in my head but just let that develop as I write and yes, see where it takes me.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Anywhere between 6 months and 12 months. Depends on how in-depth the research is (Letterbox took 4 months to research for example) and how much spare time I can generate.
What’s the worst thing about writing a book?
Authors in general would say getting “writer’s block” although I, fortunately, haven’t suffered from this as yet. The worst thing for me is actually coming to the end of writing a book. I develop a strong connection with my characters and the end is like having to say goodbye to somebody close.
What’s the best thing about writing a book?
The ability to go where you like, create who you like and have the power to make characters come alive before your eyes. It is a time to unleash your imagination without boundaries. What else gives you that freedom?
Do you have a preferred genre?
No. I like – and write in – all genres. I am a storyteller and there are too many ‘different’ stories to be told to be pigeon-holed into one genre.
If you had to write in one genre, what would be your preferred genre to write in?
That would be faction – fact based fiction.
Which book character do you wish you had written?
Wow, that is a great question. There are so many memorable and fantastic characters out there in the world of literature that I could ponder over that question for days. However, if I was pushed, I would say Ebenezer Scrooge … or any Dickens’ character for that matter.
What do you think are the best and the worst things about social media?
It is a great way to interact with people from all over the world who share the same interests … or not … plus it’s a brilliant marketing tool and information hub. I think the worst things are known by us all and need no further comment.
A few questions, just for fun:
If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?
Hmmm. Probably loiter inside 10 Downing Street to see what really goes on haha!
If I joined you on your perfect day, what would we be doing?
Sitting outside a small bistro in the sunshine somewhere in Europe, drinking lattes and writing my next novel … Bliss.
What’s your signature dish?
Tuna Pasta Bake … I make a mean Tuna Pasta Bake.
If you could be anyone for the day, who would you be?
Jesus. Just because …
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Thank you so much to P.A. Davies for this great Q&A and to Caroline Vincent for inviting me on the tour!
P.A. Davies was born in Manchester, UK, a city he has lived in and around all his life. He loves Manchester and is proud to be part of the multi-cultural, modern city that houses two Premiership football teams and is the birthplace of many a famous band, such as Oasis, the Stone Roses, Take That and Simply Red.
For most of his life, he has dabbled with writing various pieces – from poems to short fictional stories – but this was always just for fun. However, following advice from a good friend he decided to have a go at writing a novel. Thus, his first novel ‘Letterbox’ was conceived, a fictional take on the infamous IRA bombing of Manchester in 1996. It took him over a year to complete but while doing so, he found it to be one of the most satisfying and interesting paths he had ever followed. It came as no surprise that the writing bug subsequently became firmly embedded within him.
P.A. Davies’ second book – George: A Gentleman of the Road – was published in May 2013 and is a true story about one of Manchester’s homeless. His third novel – The Good in Mister Philips – is an erotic novel (arguably set to rival Fifty Shades…!) and his fourth – Nobody Heard Me Cry (Dec. 2015) – is again a fact-based tale about Manchester’s darker side. The thriller ‘Absolution’ (Oct. 2017) is his fifth novel.
To label P.A. Davies’ writings would be difficult because his works range from thrillers to touching novels to true-to-life tales embedded in a captivating story, making P.A. Davies an imaginative and versatile storyteller.
Website | Twitter | Facebook Author Page
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Novel Deelights 
Great interview, love the just for fun questions too!
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Wish I could take the credit for the questions 😄
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