PD Jennings

Paul used to write stories when he was at school but gave up all that nonsense to pursue an academic career. He trained as a historian and was briefly a university lecturer before discovering that growing organic vegetables and living in the countryside agreed with him more. Some years later he moved with his partner and children to a cabin in the French Pyrenees where, with no money to start rebuilding the ruined house next door, he started to write stories again. He's been writing ever since: lots of short stories, flash fiction, a science fiction novel, and a climate fiction novella. At the moment, Paul lives with his family on a new smallholding in West Wales.

Credentials

PD Jennings in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

2007 St Girons, France.

What do you love about short stories?

I love short stories because whole worlds can be evoked and ideas explored in a condensed form. The challenge is to be concise to the benefit of the tale.

Do you write in other forms?

I have written a novel and a novella, along with a very few poems.

What distracts you from writing?

Work and other necessities.

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

My family, practising Tai chi, gardening, and following a sadly unsuccessful football team.

What is your favourite book?

Cider House Rules by John Irving.

Who are your favourite writers?

Iain M Banks, Orhan Pamuk and JRR Tolkien.

Where is your dream location?

Barcelona, 1936.

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Politicians.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Write.