Interview with John Fahey

Author of Survival

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, UK.
Copperhill, Tennessee, USA.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I went from Stockton to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and got a B.Sc Honours in Chemistry. After I graduated I migrated to New Jersey to begin a career in research. I lived in New Jersey until retirement then relocated to Copperhill, Tennessee. For an account of my career see: www.erinpharm.org/cv.html

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I had a rough time growing up. It became time for me to write about it.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My account of how I survived domestic violence and poverty in post world war two northeastern England to eventually become a research scientist.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Those who read memoirs.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

After I was persuaded to publish my first memoir I was pleasantly surprised at the good reviews I got.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I wouldn’t have needed advice. I always looked for a silver lining in the darkest times to guide me into the future.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as possible.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Just setting myself a schedule to write.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

That’s impossible for me to answer. I’d leave that for others to judge me.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness is procrastination in writing down my memories.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’m currently writing.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self published.