Justin Tuijl

I have been writing constantly since I first could. My first written word, in 1973 in Whittlesey UK, for some strange reason was ‘here’ I was very proud of this word and would secretly hide behind an arm chair and write ‘here’.

Little did I know life was about to deal me a troublesome blow: dyslexia.

The resulting years were tricky, but it never stopped me, I wanted words more than anything. I was rescued from problems reading by Captain W.E. Johns and his Biggles books. I needed to know what was inside so much that it made me learn to read. Of course W.E. Johns inspired me to write.

Since then I have written (unpublished) six novels, short stories, articles and poems. Though I wrote six novels over time I feel that 1 to 5 were just practice, I never looked to publish. The first was started while still at school. Six is a complete from the practice of the others.

I have decided that I am now able to confront the spectre of learning again. Again it hasn’t been easy, but there are more systems in place to help someone with dyslexia and dyspraxia than there were in my school days. I am about to embark on a creative and professional writing degree. My core value is to continue to spread the word of conservation or ‘saving the planet’

Credentials

Justin Tuijl in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

1973 Whittlesey, UK

What do you love about short stories?

Do you write in other forms?

Novels. poems, short stories, articles, non-fiction, blogs

What distracts you from writing?

Trying to make a real living!

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

Webdesign, DJing, making music, conservation, green issues

What is your favourite book?

Coming Up For Air by George Orwell

Who are your favourite writers?

Orwell, Bukowski, Douglas Adams, Lawrence and Gerald Durrell, and

Where is your dream location?

Goa

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Dyslexia

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Finish your novel