Marvin Douglas

My job has always involved writing. Firstly, that involved technical reports as a research chemist and I enjoyed the challenge of making the complicated sound simple. A second career as a financial adviser has similarly needed a lot of letter writing to clients, trying to explain the jargon of finance. This background has given me an easy way with words and I really like the new challenge of writing to create a picture with true to life characters - I hope!

Credentials

Marvin Douglas in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

1971 Swansea, South Wales.

What do you love about short stories?

I like the fact that you can get a lot of meaning into a few words.

Do you write in other forms?

Monthly newsletter for a local group.

What distracts you from writing?

The garden in the good weather.

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

Family, DIY, gardening.

What is your favourite book?

Little world of Don Camillo.

Who are your favourite writers?

James Thurber, Douglas Adams (not me!) and Conan Doyle.

Where is your dream location?

The Yorkshire Dales.

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Someone who is constantly sniffing with a cold.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Write for your own pleasure first.