R. G. Tooth

Getting known is such a struggle for writers. Publishing houses usually only touch writers with agents. The same goes for production/theatre companies. Thank goodness for "cutalongstory.com".

I usually write scripts. Some of them have won prizes or commendations or had nice things said about them but basically going nowhere professionally. Good exercise though, I suppose. They've even got me on courses such as TAPS (now defunct but supported at the time by skillset). Every script or play I wrote had a synopsis to outline to me where it was going. That is only one step away from a short story.

I have always loved short stories especially those by M.R. James and H.G. Wells and recently started writing them with a view to creating a collection of supernatural tales. I read one out publicly at the Canterbury Festival in 2010. The venue was Waterstones. In 2012 I won a joint Third Prize at the Queen of Horror Festival in Hastings for a short story which started off as a short film script that never got made. I've had a couple of podcasts made locally in the Medway Towns, where I live, within the last few years. In the past I wrote a series of Christmas plays for the local hospital radio. I am also a member of the Society of Authors.

Credentials

R. G. Tooth in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

1972 When I lived in Suffolk.

What do you love about short stories?

They can be read in one go without the need to put it down and pick it up. later.

Do you write in other forms?

I love writing plays, scripts and poetry also.

What distracts you from writing?

Anything and everything.

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

I love photography, videography, theatre, cinema and dining.

What is your favourite book?

Nineteen Eighty-Four

Who are your favourite writers?

James Herbert, George Orwell. and M.R. James.

Where is your dream location?

Whitstable.

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Tea Bags.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

It's good to be dissatisfied with one's work but don't give up; just do better next time.