David Sebastian

Credentials

David Sebastian in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

1987 - poems inspired by wanderings in Scottish mountains, more seriously from 1994 when I began gathering poems into collections. My first short story appeared in 2001.

What do you love about short stories?

From a reader’s perspective, a pithy, rewarding journey. From a writer’s, the challenge of writing such stories and keeping them short, especially flash and micro fiction.

Do you write in other forms?

Yes, children’s picture books, poetry and modern haiku, and scripts for animation, screen, and radio.

What distracts you from writing?

Glorious or exciting weather outside. Any one of my 'other passions.'

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

Nature, walks in the countryside or beside the sea, music, film, and sculpting wood.

What is your favourite book?

Life & Times of Michael Kay by JM Coetzee.

Who are your favourite writers?

RH Blyth, T Ratcliffe Barnett and Wolfgang Borchert

Where is your dream location?

As I haven’t been for a while, currently any stretch of coast with crashing waves.

What one item would you put into Room 101?

‘The News.’

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Be forever curious and receptive.