This is your first novel. What inspired you to start writing at this stage of your life?
I spent my career as a hospital doctor, eventually becoming a surgeon, so the only writing I did was for medical journals. Now that I’m retired, my time is my own. For years, I’ve been fascinated by Swindon’s railway heritage and the story of Alfred Williams, my novel’s real-life protagonist. He was an uneducated factory worker who developed a passion for learning and became a celebrated writer. Sadly, he died prematurely, amidst poverty and hardship. I wanted to write something original about him and the turbulent early 20th century he lived through.
Why did you choose to write a novel rather than a biography?
A novel allowed me to bring Alfred and his world to life in ways a biography couldn’t. Through imagined conversations and interactions, I could explore his emotions and decisions deeply. I also introduced perspectives from other important figures in his life, like his wife, Mary. Very little is known about her, so imagining her character helped create the narrative. Writing a novel also gave me the flexibility to focus on key events without being tied to a strict timeline, and I could use atmosphere and emotion to highlight the depth of Alfred’s struggles.
What challenges or surprises did you face as a first-time novelist?
After a few false starts in fiction writing over the years, I was pleasantly surprised when it all came together! One challenge was portraying Alfred as a flawed character while keeping him relatable. Another was turning a fundamentally tragic story into something with an uplifting conclusion—but I won’t spoil how I did that!
How much of your own personality or experiences shaped Alfred or the story?
I relate to Alfred’s drive to push himself to his limits. My medical career required years of study, which was challenging but rewarding. Like Alfred, I wanted to stretch myself and excel at what I did, and that connection made me want to tell his story.
What were the most fascinating discoveries you made while researching Alfred’s life?
One was realizing that while Alfred was in India in 1918, he lived through the Spanish flu epidemic, though his diaries show he was unaware of its global devastation. In the novel, this context strengthens his desire to immerse himself in Indian culture and philosophy, which shapes the story’s outcome. Another discovery was contemporaneous records revealing that Alfred’s wife was harassed by a local farmer. This figure inspired the novel’s antagonist, who drives much of the conflict.
Were there particular sources or moments in history that influenced your depiction of Alfred’s world?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve lived in Wiltshire for over 30 years, and in 2023, I moved close to the area where the novel is set. Being near the old canal, the railway line, the River Cole, and the road to Oxford helped me visualize Alfred’s world and commit to writing the novel.
How do you balance historical accuracy with storytelling?
The goal was to illustrate Alfred’s life journey, so character interactions, narrative flow, and conflict resolution always came first. Historical accuracy provided the authenticity and atmosphere to anchor the story, but it didn’t dictate the narrative.
How do you think Alfred resonates with a modern audience?
Alfred’s desire to understand himself and live the best life possible is timeless. His love of nature and efforts to preserve his community’s history and traditions are values that many readers will appreciate today.
Did you have a clear ending in mind when you started writing?
Not at all. As I wrote, I understood Alfred better and asked myself what outcome would feel true to him, given the facts. From that point, the story’s disparate elements naturally converged.
Do you see yourself writing more novels, or was this a one-off project?
Writing this novel was incredibly rewarding. I loved immersing myself in a world shaped largely by my imagination, and if I find another subject I’m passionate about, I could definitely see myself writing another novel.
What do you hope readers will feel when they finish the book?
Above all, I hope they enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.