US Mag: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your background, education, writing passion etc. ??
Hi, thanks for your interest in me and my book. Briefly, I’m a Scottish Registered Nurse living and working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’ve worked at the same hospitals here on the countries east coast for almost 20 years. I’m originally from Glasgow. My Grandmother is from Linicro on the Isle of Skye and throughout my young life we would visit there during school vacations. Staying with my Great Grandmother and Great Aunt. In the summer of 1977 I asked my Aunt if I could stay and go to school on the Island. She said yes and I never returned to my family home in the city.
US Mag: Can you please tell our readers more about ‘Sky Stories‘?
Skye Stories began as a series of Facebook group posts. I’d joined a couple of “Skye” groups and as I didn’t have any photographs to share, I began sharing wee stories of my time on the island. Surprisingly, these went down really well, and people encouraged me to document them in a book. I’m incredibly lazy so did nothing about it until the Pandemic hit. My wife is Thai and her and my three kids had just left Saudi to spend the school vacation at our house in Thailand. Soon after we went into lockdown and they couldn’t return. This gave me plenty of free time and no excuse not to write. Originally, I was going to self publish but found Redshank Books who were enough to sign me up.†
US Mag: What’s the reason behind writing this book?
The Isle of Skye is a beautiful, magical place. Its very well known throughout the world and I felt that I had a unique story to tell being a 13 yr. old from the big city. The experiences and the adventures I had changed my life. Going to school in Portree was a very positive experience and whereas before I’d taken little interest in my education, I now felt that the teachers really supported you and wanted you to succeed. In the book I document the ups and downs of being teenager. It doesn’t matter where you come from, we all had similar relatable experiences. I talk about my life in short stories and poems. My love of music and my lack of success in finding a girlfriend!
US Mag: Why do you choose this name for your book?
I chose the name Skye Stories to keep it simple. Now its developed into a trilogy. Skye Stories Volume One: The Linicro Years documents my first three years on the island. This is currently available. Skye Stories Volume 2: The Road to Uig is out in March. The third installments that deals with what happened after I left the Island will be published later in the year.
US Mag: What has been one of the most exciting achievements of your career so far ?
My biggest achievement in life has been being a father to my 9 yr. old girl Isis, my 3 yr. old boy Isaac and my 1 yr. old boy Noah. My family are my life.
US Mag: What’s your goal in life you want to achieve next?
My main goal in life is for my family to be happy and healthy.
US Mag: What motivates you to do your best work as a Author?
I’ve come into writing late in life and all I want to do is entertain people. Hopefully put a smile on their face now and then.
US Mag: Did you choose this field, as a career, or as a hobby?
I work full-time as a Nurse and writing has been my savior during the Pandemic. Actually, I began writing whilst I myself was recovering from COVID19 infection.
US Mag: Your favourite book?
My favorite book is a difficult one. If you put me on the spot, I’d have to say Catcher in the Rye.
US Mag: Everybody needs time out. What do you do in your free time?
My free time is spent having fun promoting my book on all the social network platforms. I’ve recently become active on Tik Tok where I’m sharing my experiences of the publishing world and making videos about my books and the Isle of Skye. I’ve also just finished the first draft of what will hopefully be my first novel.
US Mag: How can people find you and follow you online?
To find me on any of the social network apps just type Skye Stories and I’ll see you there!