Ray French

Ray French began by writing short stories for the radio. His first book was 'The Red Jag and other stories. He has since published a number of short stories in collections and magazines, and his story 'Migration' was included in 'Best European Fiction 2013'. His two novels are published by Vintage, the first 'All This Is Mine' was translated into Italian and Dutch. The second, 'Going Under, into French and German, optioned as a film in France and adapted for German radio. The Sunday Times wrote: 'Given that our hero spends most of its three hundred pages in a box, the pace and plotting of this novel are remarkable... One of the great qualities of this book, as with all good comedy, is that it manages to look awfulness square in the face and still make you laugh. It has an unsentimental faith in people and communities, and is very witty about life in Wales. And, with the radio playing such a prominent role in the proceedings, it writes its own soundtrack. Snap up the film rights at once.' He has just completed his third novel and teaches Creative Writing at the University of Hull.

Credentials

Ray French in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

London, where no-one knew who you were and you could re-invent yourself.

What do you love about short stories?

They leave so much unsaid, a fleeting glimpse of a life, leaving space to continue the story in your head.

Do you write in other forms?

Novels, memoir, articles.

What distracts you from writing?

Pretty much anything, that's the problem.

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

Getting out into the great outdoors. Film.

What is your favourite book?

Dinner At the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler.

Who are your favourite writers?

Richard Ford, Don Delillo and Claire Keegan.

Where is your dream location?

The Dingle peninsula when its not raining.

What one item would you put into Room 101?

The people who make endless "public information" announcements on the trains.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Re-write. And read more. It's the only way to get better.