We caught up with Brian Conaghan whose debut novel will be coming out next year. Here Brian talks about his book, being a teacher, and following people in the street!

Your debut novel The Boy Who Made it Rain will be published June 3rd 2011 by Sparkling Books. Can you tell us a bit about it?

It’s a book in two parts: Part 1 alludes to a tragic event that has occurred in a Secondary School in Glasgow.  This ‘event’ is seen through the eyes of various characters, whereby stories are corroborated, contradicted and invented. Part 1 allows the readers to make up their own minds as to (i) what the ‘event’ actually is and (ii) which character is telling the truth?

Part 2 follows Clem, the main character of the book, who has recently moved from England to Scotland. Clem has difficulties adapting to his new surroundings, his new school and his new friends. Part 2 sheds light on the ‘event.’ But of course I can’t tell you how the book ends. You’ll just have to buy it!  

So where did the idea for the story come from?

Being a secondary school teacher I have seen a constant stream of new students thrust into an isolating and unfamiliar system each year. I wanted to write something that highlights, amongst other things, their difficulties in assimilating and existing within a new school environment.

Being an English teacher. Do you think that your years of working with children and young adults helped with your writing?

It certainly helps because I hear and read these brilliant nuggets of dialogue and phrases every day. And, the best part about this is that they are all free! I tend to absorb a lot then nick them for my own creative writing. 

Which of your characters are you most like?

I try to distance myself from my characters, but, as any writer knows this is nye on impossible. I think I am probably closer in personality to the character of Rosie. She reminds me of when I was 15 years old. I think I might have fancied her as well.

What is your writing process like?

I try to get at least 1 hour of writing into my daily routine. Teaching is a perfect job as it allows me the space and time to get large chunks of work done. I also set a target of having to write between 500-1000 words a sitting. Although sometimes this amounts to 25.

Has researching for a novel ever got you into any funny situations?

Only when I follow people in the street or in shops so I can eavesdrop into their arguments.

As a writer, who are your main influences?

Charles Bukowski, Bob Dylan, Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Morrissey, David Ives, Haruki Murakami, Dan Rhodes…

It seems that more and more adult readers are finding their way to YA books. Why do you think that is?

Possibly because they are accessible and trigger their readers’ nostalgic sensibilities. Also, more and more YA books are being written by some well-established and brilliant writers.

What is the best part about being an author?

Having a publisher believe that all those hours when you have sat there tapping away has been worthwhile. Creative autonomy. The isolation.

And the worst?

The isolation and the self-doubt.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Accept that rejection is part of the process.

Stop ranting on about ‘being a writer’ to whoever will listen; go home and DO IT.

Remember: To become a master juggler you’ll have to drop thousands of balls along the way!

What books have you recently read and loved?

I recently discovered Magnus Mills and quickly rattled through his books. I would recommend them to anyone. Also, Mick Jackson’s short stories have that wonderful mix of fairy tale and macabre which attracts readers of all ages.

Can you tell us a bit about what you are currently working on?

I am working on a novel about a boy with Tourette’s Syndrome who believes that he is going to die. Subsequently, he concocts three parting wishes. I’ve just started writing it so most of it is just floating about in my head at the moment. It could very well get binned…which is also part of the process I’d have to say.

Where can we find more about you and your book?

You can find out more from my publisher at http://www.sparklingbooks.com/the_boy_who_made_it_rain.html

You can contact me directly on brianconaghan@yahoo.co.uk.

I am in the process of getting a website together.