David Phelps

David Phelps was born in Hereford. His mother wanted him to work in a bank but he ran away to join the Civil Service, where, under the wonderful and much missed Enterprise Allowance Scheme, he was responsible for helping many creative people, including the poet Jay Ramsey, set up their own businesses.

Retiring to his native county he set out to discover its rich folklore which has inspired many of his stories. He is the author of four books (Herefordshire Folk Tales, Haunted Hereford, The Bloody History of Hereford and Worcestershire Folk Tales) all published by The History Press. More details available on my website www.davidphelpswrites.co.uk

Credentials

David Phelps in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

1963 Hereford, Herefordshire

What do you love about short stories?

They have entertained us around the camp fire for thousands of years

Do you write in other forms?

Novel hidden in draw

What distracts you from writing?

Making cups of coffee

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

Folklore, history, gardenings, walking.

What is your favourite book?

At Swim-Two-Birds by Flann O'Brien

Who are your favourite writers?

Tove Jansson, Ian McEwan and Jaroslav Hasek

Where is your dream location?

Herefordshire

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Donald Trump

Do you have any advice for new writers?

I spent thirty years secretly thinking of myself as a writer without actually doing much writing, so my advice to any writer is WRITE