Welcome, Richard Denning, to Avalon Graphics’
Summer Ice Cream Social!!
Richard Denning
[Cathy of Avalon Graphics] First things first – I have to ask what your favorite ice cream flavor is: [Richard] Raspberry Ripple
[Cathy of Avalon Graphics] Richard, please tell me a little bit about yourself!
I was born in Ilkeston in Derbyshire and live in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands. I work as a General Practitioner with a North Birmingham practice. I am 45 and married with two children.
I am a Young adult sci-fi, historical fiction and historical fantasy writer. I also write book and board game reviews and online articles on historical and gaming related topics. I own my own small publishing house Mercia Books and I am part of a board game design house Medusa Games.
A keen player of board games and other games I am one of the directors of UK Games Expo (the UK’s largest hobby games convention). I am a board game designer and my first Board Game ‘The Great Fire on London 1666’ was published by Medusa Games and Prime Games in October 2010.
- Available on Amazon
Just a few curious questions I’m putting to my guests
while we are enjoying our ice cream today:
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Ah now this is hard because it depends on the time of year and what the weather is doing. I could happily be way from the UK in the late winter as its dark and wet. I would love to be based in South America or Egypt and explore the pyramids and ruins at that time of year. I would come back around Easter and go up to Scotland as I adore the highlands and April or May can be a nice time. The summer would be split between England for cricket matches and cider and light evenings which go on till 10; and driving around Europe. Maybe a Villa in Italy during August and September. Drift back via Germany for Essen Spiel – the worlds largest board game convention and Oktoberfest – for beer. Have to be home for Christmas though as that’s about home and family.
What inspires you every day and why?
When I read of people who have believed in themselves or what they do and make it happen – that inspires me to keep trying whatever I am doing.
- Available on Amazon UK
What is your favorite food?
Shellfish. I love a huge plate of muscles, crab, langoustines, whelks etc
What is your fondest memory?
Being an avid reader I have a memory of being taken to see my uncle and aunt when I was about 5 or 6 and staying in their spare room. It was full of books and I adored it. I would stay up late reading them.
What is your pet peeve and why?
This is going to sound grumpy as well as a bit British stiff upper lip but when I am at the theatre I HATE it when you are encouraged to clap along to the music or even worse stand up and do something. I pay good money to be entertained. Damn well get on and entertain me! I don’t expect to have to do it myself!
Favorite book in the world?
The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien. In essence the foundation of all modern fantasy. Tolkien was also a scholar of Anglo Saxon language and mythology which fascinates me.
Favorite scent?
A nice hoppy ale or beer!
How did we meet?
A friend – Helen Hollick recommended I contact you about doing book covers. We met in person at the Historical Novel Society Conference in London last year.
The Amber Treasure eBook on Amazon
Child of Loki eBook on Amazon
Princes in Exile eBook on Amazon
Richard, thank you so much for stopping by and sharing with us! You know that I share a love of Tolkien with you as well 😉 I certainly owe Helen Hollick a ‘Thank you’ for introducing us too! And I enjoyed meeting you in person last fall in London! I’m looking forward to collaborating with you long into the future. And never stop writing! You have quite a gift for taking your readers on the most amazing journeys! Thanks for stopping by for some delicious ice cream and to chat today!
Check out Richard’s books and more information on his website, and follow him on Facebook and Twitter too:
Richard’s Official Website: http://www.richarddenning.co.uk
On Twitter @RichardDenning
Facebook Page
Cathy Helms | Avalon Graphics 
Another fab post.
Always a pleasure to hear from Richard – great guy, great books!
Yummmm, raspberry ripple!!!! Must find some of that!
Raspberry Ripple does sound amazing! And thanks for stopping by to see what Richard had to say too – Helen’s right, he’s a great guy!