Meet the Author: T.A. Williams

As part of Christmas at Canelo every Tuesday we’re sharing an exclusive interview with one of our amazing authors.

To kick us off we have a Q&A with T.A. Williams author of Chasing Shadows, Dreaming of Venice and the upcoming Dreaming of Florence (available to pre-order now).

1. What inspired you to start writing?

I have no idea – apart from the fact that I have always loved reading. I started writing when I was 14 and still have 44 handwritten pages (in pencil) to prove it. My spelling has improved a bit since then, but of course, in those days we didn’t have spell check. The Lake Dwellers was a shameless ripoff of Swallows and Amazons – all about kids messing about in boats on a lake.

2. What was your favourite book growing up?

As above – anything by Arthur Ransome, starting with Swallows and Amazons.

3. If you could have written any published book what would it have been?

No question – Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. It combines drama with historical accuracy and is one of those books I can (and do) read and re-read.

4. Do you have any hobbies or fun facts about yourself that you’d like to share?

I used to do a lot of windsurfing. Once, I was competing in a race and I turned up to pay the girl at the desk my £1.50 in return for a number to wear. She asked me, “Which category?” I replied, “Adult”. She took a closer look at me and shook her head. “Veteran.” I was 37! Veteran in windsurfing starts at 35. I’ve been feeling old ever since.

5. How would you describe your life so far in 10 words?

Amazingly lucky. Really very, very lucky. (Explanation – I had the very good luck to be born in one of the nicest parts of England [Devon], to be part of a loving family, to have thoroughly enjoyed my job, to have met and married [and am still married after 42 years] a wonderful girl, to have a bright and happy daughter and – and I can’t exaggerate the importance of this next one – to have had the great good chance to become a published author. Yes, very, very lucky.)

6. What are your three favourite songs?

I Heard It Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye, Telegraph Road – Dire Straits, With a Little Help from My Friends – Joe Cocker.

7. Share one true fact about your life

My (Italian) wife and I still speak Italian together all the time – even though we’ve been living in the UK for over 40 years.

T.A. Williams latest book Dreaming of Florence is out on the 8th January 2018  and is available to pre-order now.