Ask the Author: Kevin Ansbro
Answered Questions (22)
Kevin Ansbro
Thank you for your question, Melissa! It's a good one.
The sad, undeniable truth is that not everyone who calls themselves an author is necessarily a good writer — in the same way that not every chef is a great cook.
There are as many mediocre mechanics, grotty gardeners and hopeless hairdressers as there are gifted ones, and the writing industry is no different.
I can instantly see that your written English is of a very high standard, Melissa, so I intuitively know that you must hurl certain novels at a wall, proclaiming, "Hell's teeth! I can write better than this!" : )
The sad, undeniable truth is that not everyone who calls themselves an author is necessarily a good writer — in the same way that not every chef is a great cook.
There are as many mediocre mechanics, grotty gardeners and hopeless hairdressers as there are gifted ones, and the writing industry is no different.
I can instantly see that your written English is of a very high standard, Melissa, so I intuitively know that you must hurl certain novels at a wall, proclaiming, "Hell's teeth! I can write better than this!" : )
Kevin Ansbro
Hi, Dollie!
I am a foodie. Very much so.
However, it's not the only reason we visit Thailand on a regular basis. We also love the people, the culture, the ambience, the weather (I could go on)...
Thai food is one of our favourite cuisines and we are just as happy to eat at local-style restaurants as we are at swanky rooftop ones. : )
I like the sound of your friends, by the way. They have great taste!
Oh, and thank you for reading Kinnara! : )
I am a foodie. Very much so.
However, it's not the only reason we visit Thailand on a regular basis. We also love the people, the culture, the ambience, the weather (I could go on)...
Thai food is one of our favourite cuisines and we are just as happy to eat at local-style restaurants as we are at swanky rooftop ones. : )
I like the sound of your friends, by the way. They have great taste!
Oh, and thank you for reading Kinnara! : )
Kevin Ansbro
Thank you for this wonderful affirmation, Meghna. I really appreciate your generosity.
Happy reading! : )
Happy reading! : )
Kevin Ansbro
Thank you for this wonderful affirmation, Meghna. I really appreciate your generosity.
Happy reading! : )
Happy reading! : )
Kevin Ansbro
Oh, definitely the writing part, Andrew! My narrative arc is my own private rainbow — my characters are the sunshine and storms that keep it alive.
And I miss them when they're gone; they don't phone, they don't write...
And I miss them when they're gone; they don't phone, they don't write...
Kevin Ansbro
Hmmm.
Great question, Kiki.
We own a property in Turkey which we never use and, until this year, have enjoyed lengthy holidays in Thailand each year. We love the place and have many friends there so, if forced into a move, it would be the first place that came to mind. I would prefer to remain in England but, if pressed for an answer, it would be Thailand. : )
Great question, Kiki.
We own a property in Turkey which we never use and, until this year, have enjoyed lengthy holidays in Thailand each year. We love the place and have many friends there so, if forced into a move, it would be the first place that came to mind. I would prefer to remain in England but, if pressed for an answer, it would be Thailand. : )
Kevin Ansbro
Blinged-up with the most spectacular wings in the cosmos, I would swoop into the pages of Les Misérables at the point before Jean Valjean is forced to steal a loaf of bread to feed his sister and her starving children.
I would ask that he ignore my freakish appearance and accept my no-strings offer of a great deal of money.
Then, safe in the knowledge that I have saved a good man from a great deal of hardship, I would return to the 21st century for a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake.
I would ask that he ignore my freakish appearance and accept my no-strings offer of a great deal of money.
Then, safe in the knowledge that I have saved a good man from a great deal of hardship, I would return to the 21st century for a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake.
Kevin Ansbro
You're not a pest at all, Almira.
I actually own the book but have never got round to reading it. Too many good books on my list, plus I was writing all through the winter, from October through to June.
I actually own the book but have never got round to reading it. Too many good books on my list, plus I was writing all through the winter, from October through to June.
Kevin Ansbro
Thank you for your gracious comment, Elaine.
It's most definitely in my writing DNA to have humour rubbing shoulders with fear and trepidation, but the 'teeth-rattling thriller' applies to my most-recent work, The Fish That Climbed a Tree. Both novels sit in the magical realism genre and each lulls the reader into a false sense of security.
I notice that, like me, you're a fan of Gabriel García Márquez, so you'd be swimming in a similar ocean.
So kind of you to notice Kinnara and it would be interesting to see what you make of it should you take the plunge. : )
Have a fab day!
It's most definitely in my writing DNA to have humour rubbing shoulders with fear and trepidation, but the 'teeth-rattling thriller' applies to my most-recent work, The Fish That Climbed a Tree. Both novels sit in the magical realism genre and each lulls the reader into a false sense of security.
I notice that, like me, you're a fan of Gabriel García Márquez, so you'd be swimming in a similar ocean.
So kind of you to notice Kinnara and it would be interesting to see what you make of it should you take the plunge. : )
Have a fab day!
Kevin Ansbro
Thanks, Richard!
The title is my own and was inspired by a famous quote wrongly attributed to Albert Einstein.
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2013/04...
It was meant by the great man as a reminder that we shouldn't judge people by what they're physically unable to do. I've used it as a metaphor for a seemingly impossible struggle that takes place in my novel. ; )
The title is my own and was inspired by a famous quote wrongly attributed to Albert Einstein.
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2013/04...
It was meant by the great man as a reminder that we shouldn't judge people by what they're physically unable to do. I've used it as a metaphor for a seemingly impossible struggle that takes place in my novel. ; )
Kevin Ansbro
That's great to hear! It's a lovely little city, for sure. : )
Thank you!
Thank you!
Kevin Ansbro
Thanks, Leila.
I used to stock those convenient cappuccino sachets that you simply add hot water to (Italians will be horrified). I tend to prefer tea to coffee though, Earl Grey and Lady Grey being my favourites.
I used to stock those convenient cappuccino sachets that you simply add hot water to (Italians will be horrified). I tend to prefer tea to coffee though, Earl Grey and Lady Grey being my favourites.
Kevin Ansbro
.
"That was far easier than I thought it would be," chirped Millie Brady on the morning of her tenth birthday as she held her step-father's hand and waited for Mother to return home from the supermarket.
The scream that escaped Agnes Brady's throat didn't come immediately: the first thing she noticed was the rare smile on her daughter's face; then she saw the axe, a bloodied party dress and, lastly, the wedding ring on her husband's severed hand.
.
"That was far easier than I thought it would be," chirped Millie Brady on the morning of her tenth birthday as she held her step-father's hand and waited for Mother to return home from the supermarket.
The scream that escaped Agnes Brady's throat didn't come immediately: the first thing she noticed was the rare smile on her daughter's face; then she saw the axe, a bloodied party dress and, lastly, the wedding ring on her husband's severed hand.
.
Kevin Ansbro
Thank you, Simon!
A lot of people (who know me in person) have alluded to that - and there are similarities: the karate, the hostility towards prejudice, the willingness to step in and fight bullies, et cetera.
But I would also like to say that Calum is a lot better behaved than I was when I was twenty-two years old!
A lot of people (who know me in person) have alluded to that - and there are similarities: the karate, the hostility towards prejudice, the willingness to step in and fight bullies, et cetera.
But I would also like to say that Calum is a lot better behaved than I was when I was twenty-two years old!
Kevin Ansbro
Thanks, Anne!
Most kind!
What does happen when I'm in full-on writing mode is that my social life takes a back seat, I eat anything that can be prepared in seconds, and personal grooming goes out of the window!
Oh, how I suffer for my art.
But I love it! : )
"Writing's not for wimps."
-Kevin Ansbro.
Most kind!
What does happen when I'm in full-on writing mode is that my social life takes a back seat, I eat anything that can be prepared in seconds, and personal grooming goes out of the window!
Oh, how I suffer for my art.
But I love it! : )
"Writing's not for wimps."
-Kevin Ansbro.
Kevin Ansbro
Hi Cynthia,
So kind of you to visit my neglected author page with such a kind offer!
Of my two books, Kinnara is my favourite; a bittersweet parabolic tale of love, loss and tropical surprises. Oh, and there's a serial killer on the loose too! : )
Never mind my books, yours look great too!
So kind of you to visit my neglected author page with such a kind offer!
Of my two books, Kinnara is my favourite; a bittersweet parabolic tale of love, loss and tropical surprises. Oh, and there's a serial killer on the loose too! : )
Never mind my books, yours look great too!
Kevin Ansbro
A hug of gratitude for even visiting my forsaken author page, Deyanne!
My intention is to keep writing for as long as I have lissome fingers and a perky imagination.
I'm at the end of a year-long sabbatical from writing, but I'm getting back on the horse in two weeks' time and will be tapping like an overzealous stenographer for most of this forthcoming winter. : )
My intention is to keep writing for as long as I have lissome fingers and a perky imagination.
I'm at the end of a year-long sabbatical from writing, but I'm getting back on the horse in two weeks' time and will be tapping like an overzealous stenographer for most of this forthcoming winter. : )
Kevin Ansbro
Hi, Jill, great question!
Most character traits are quite easy to convey, mainly because we've all seen every human characteristic that exists, and a few congruous prompts are all that's needed.
One trait that isn't so straightforward to portray though is *charisma*. This is an almost intangible quality; you really have to see it in someone to recognise it.
Therefore, for me, *charisma* is the most tricky one.
Hi, Jill, great question!
Most character traits are quite easy to convey, mainly because we've all seen every human characteristic that exists, and a few congruous prompts are all that's needed.
One trait that isn't so straightforward to portray though is *charisma*. This is an almost intangible quality; you really have to see it in someone to recognise it.
Therefore, for me, *charisma* is the most tricky one.
Kevin Ansbro
I'm a frequent visitor to Thailand. I adore the country and love its wonderful people.
Whenever I'm ferried into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in a taxi, I always marvel at the bronze statues of mythical creatures that line the route into the terminal. These statues depict the half-bird, half-human Kinnaree, much-loved in Thai folklore.
And it was there that the nucleus of an idea began. By the time I'd paid the cab fare, I was already planning a storyline that could involve these celestial beings.
The male of the Kinnaree are known as the Kinnara, hence the title of my groovy novel, which is essentially a teeth-rattling thriller wrapped in a burrito of magical realism.
Whenever I'm ferried into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in a taxi, I always marvel at the bronze statues of mythical creatures that line the route into the terminal. These statues depict the half-bird, half-human Kinnaree, much-loved in Thai folklore.
And it was there that the nucleus of an idea began. By the time I'd paid the cab fare, I was already planning a storyline that could involve these celestial beings.
The male of the Kinnaree are known as the Kinnara, hence the title of my groovy novel, which is essentially a teeth-rattling thriller wrapped in a burrito of magical realism.
Kevin Ansbro
My mother Kathleen (Irish, funny and feisty), sadly passed away last year, but the period leading up to this was an interminable round of hospital, doctors, care home, etcetera.
Anyone who has been through this (which is a huge chunk of the world's population) will know that it takes over your life and robs you of sleep.
So Julie said, "Why don't you write a book to distract you from all of this?"
Well, it was the best advice ever. Whenever I had a rare moment of free time, I tapped out pages of my first story 'The Angel in my Well', which proved to be a cathartic endeavour.
I wrote an awful lot as a youngster, but never found the time to write anything even resembling a book.
I would often gripe, "God, I could write better than this!" whilst reading on holiday - to which Julie would say, "Well, why don't you, bighead?"
So, my mum was my inspiration (if you read the book you will see why), and my latest novel 'Kinnara' was borne out of interest in that book.
Thank you Mum, and God bless! xxx
Anyone who has been through this (which is a huge chunk of the world's population) will know that it takes over your life and robs you of sleep.
So Julie said, "Why don't you write a book to distract you from all of this?"
Well, it was the best advice ever. Whenever I had a rare moment of free time, I tapped out pages of my first story 'The Angel in my Well', which proved to be a cathartic endeavour.
I wrote an awful lot as a youngster, but never found the time to write anything even resembling a book.
I would often gripe, "God, I could write better than this!" whilst reading on holiday - to which Julie would say, "Well, why don't you, bighead?"
So, my mum was my inspiration (if you read the book you will see why), and my latest novel 'Kinnara' was borne out of interest in that book.
Thank you Mum, and God bless! xxx
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