“I think writing is the best fun that anyone could ever have. Writing this review has made me reflect more on what I do and why.” – Michael Skyner
Michael Skyner, author of ‘Space Nutz,’ was kind enough to do this Q&A. He talks about the purpose of his book, moments of feeling uninspired and working through it, and why laughter is the best medicine. Born in London to a mother who was a champion swimmer and a ticket collector, and a father who was a decorator and who Skyner considers a very funny man, it’s no secret that whatever Skyner chose to pursue would be memorable.
Before becoming an author, Skyner worked in financial advertising and retrained as a psychotherapist and a Dyslexia Specialist. “I wanted to help others who have this condition because I have dyslexia,” he said. Skyner says he’s always been interested in nature and trees. He even created a wildlife sanctuary and expressed his proudest moment was having barn owls move into the sanctuary. And it seems he passed his love for nature to his children. His daughters both work in conservation: one as a zoologist and wildlife illustrator and the other daughter as an architect in sustainability.
MLR: What inspired you to become a published author?
MS: I wanted to write something which would appeal to dyslexic kids, and I had a lot of daft poems, so I put them together with some nonsense stories, and I had the support of Dyslexia Action, an organisation I’ve been working with for many years. I always wanted to write but not in long-hand form due to mild dyspraxia, which creates difficulties in writing for any length of time. Thankfully, technology has changed that.
As somebody with dyslexia, I learned to read through humour, beginning with comic books. One of the ways to reach people with specific learning difficulties is via humour. They will persevere through their reading difficulties if you can make them laugh. Whatever I write tends to have a humorous bent to it. Even my serious stuff, as I call it.
“Some children live in a world where they are scared, lonely, or are being bullied. Through reading a book, they can escape to a safe place and feel happy and be themselves, particularly if they identify with the characters. Of course, the stories aren’t just for dyslexic and reluctant readers but also for the mainstream.“
MLR: What was the inspiration behind ‘Space Nutz?’
MS: Discovering my inner child, I wanted to write something humorous for children, but not sure what. I was standing in my kitchen when an image of an emperor with haemorrhoids came into my head. Next two weeks, all these characters kept flying in and out. I spent a year creating this story which seemed to have been sent to me. I ended up with about 190,000 words, which is about five books worth. That’s how the madness, as I call it, began. The characters are vehicles for the humour, and Space Nutz is a cartoon in words.
MLR: What advice would you give aspiring authors about writing and publishing a book, and what has been some encouraging advice you’ve received from someone regarding your process?
MS: Ok, your Opus Magnus is finished. You polish the manuscript until it gleams and send it to agents/publishers or self-publish. It has involved considerable hard work and sacrifice on your behalf. But I’m afraid the hard work has only just begun. If traditionally published, there will be endless book signings, interviews, school visits, and promotions. If self-published, it will be the same, plus marketing, promotions, and a thousand and one other things. You are running a small business: paying for editors, proofreaders, copy-edits, illustrators, printing, and distribution.
Advice for authors: write a series; building readership with individual titles is more complicated. Enter competitions, and join writing groups. Be different. Find your voice. Read Anthony McGowan’s books to learn how to hook a reader. Read other authors. Never give up. Best advice from Kingsley Amis: write because you want to write; write for yourself.
MLR: Have there ever been moments where you didn’t feel inspired to write or didn’t want to finish your book? If so, what kept you motivated?
MS: Sometimes, I wonder why I put myself in what I can only describe as one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life. I have many manuscripts and unfinished symphonies. I love the writing process, the creativity, and watching characters come alive in my mind and on paper. I have yet to have had the dreaded writers’ block.
MLR: Is there anything else you are working on that you’d like to share?
MS: My latest book, ‘Spirit Wolf,’ is a dark young adult fantasy cross, which I will launch in September. It’s about the struggle to survive in the vastness of the Arctic and the conflict between wolves and man. It’s also a love story. I have also just completed a story for younger children set in Kenya about a young girl who dreams of becoming a dancer. And, with the aid of some magic slippers, a tenacious aunt, a lion, and the moon, she finally succeeds. I’m excited about both of these titles. I have also created the Daft Tales series as a platform for my funniest stories.
Skyner says many people with dyslexia tend to be sensitive souls, and that he tries to be as inclusive with his writing as he can. “We can be easily wounded and have to develop an armadillo skin. It also makes us empathic. For example, I have tried to be inclusive in my writing and not offend anyone, but with humour, you can find yourself treading a fine line.”
If you want to learn more about Michael Skyner, visit his website michaelskyner.co.uk. His books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, YPDBooks, FeedARead, and Waterstones.
Morgan Lee Reviews thanks Michael Skyner for this interview.
Morgan Lee Reviews 