The Luke Martin-Jones Interview - Author Steven Dale.

I have met many wonderful characters since moving to Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca; today I have the pleasure of including the latest 'Luke Martin-Jones Interview,' featuring Steven Dale, someone I was introduced to recently, whilst working at LoungeD. Steven Dale is a character like no other, having recently achieved his ambition, securing publication of his first book, 'The Planet Mirth Adventures One!

Last month Steven Dale  featured in the Gran Alacant Advertiser, talking about his writing and I was interested to follow up his story with an interview for the readers of 'Spanish Views.' Gran Alacant is full of talent from many corners of the UK and it has been a pleasure talking with Steve; I can't thank him enough, for taking the time to answer a few questions for all of you.

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In this interview, Steve talks about his life living in the UK and Spain; most importantly his love of books and writing. 'The Planet Mirth, Adventures One,' may well be Steve's first book published, but he has also self published in the past and has big plans for the future, with a second 'Planet Mirth book' on the cards. Steve also has many other upcoming ideas, which we will of course, keep readers of 'Spanish Views' up to date with.

As someone who enjoys writing myself, I am always struck by what motivates someone like Steve to not only write in the first place, but also have the desire to take his passion one step further and attain publication. As I know, this is no easy task and not an ambition to take lightly. Not only has Steve achieved his goal, but he has been good enough to encourage and offer support to all you potential authors, pointing you  in the right direction; words from a man who turned a love for his grandchildren into a tangible legacy, to leave them and all of us.  Doing what you love most in life, whether writing, painting or any other creative pursuit, is always a great place to start. Many of us have dreams and aspirations, but few of us achieve them. Hard work, perseverance and sheer determination are activities Steve employs to get to where he wants to go. I was struck by his motivation, I know you will be too!

 
1. Can you tell me you name and age please Steve?
 
My name is Steven Dale and I'm 59 years of age.
 
2. Steve, you have just had your first children’s book published; can you tell readers of ‘Spanish Views’ a little about your book ‘The Planet Mirth Adventures One?’
 
It's about a little girl called Mia who travels to the planet Mirth in her dreams and encounters the gnomes that live there and an array of strange looking creatures.
In the first story she goes on safari riding a rhinhorseros which is half horse and half rhino. She discovers the magical forest where toys grow on trees but the toys can only be picked if you've been a good girl on Earth.

In the second story, it's Jerome the gnome's burpday party which is celebrated on the anniversary of his first burp.

The third story is the Mirth games when she runs in the backwards race and wins a gold medal.

In the fourth story, Halloween, she rides a broomstick to the witch tree forest, where sweets grow on trees.

The last story is the Mirthmas dinner where she has a magic dish. Whatever food she wishes for just appears in the dish. The gnomes have a sprout eating competition with a comical finally.
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The stories are aimed at five to eight year olds but the parents seem to be enjoying it just as much.
 
3. What gave you the inspiration to write your first book?
 
My grandchildren have been my inspiration from day one. I wanted to write something that would spark their imagination and something that parents could read with enthusiasm.
 
4. Have you written any others books, if so can you describe their subject matter?
 
About 2 years ago I completed a Science Fiction book called 'The Old Tin Box' which I self published on Amazon. It's about a mission to Mars. This was an amazing learning curve that I enjoyed immensely. The following is the synopsis.

Sharon Fox works as secretary to Jack Smart, head of the World Space Agency. A document meant for her boss, lands on her desk and disturbs her deeply. Its contents could have a catastrophic effect on her family.

She takes the document to her cabin at Yellowstone Park and hides it in an old tin box, under the floorboards.

What happens to Sharon?
Will the document ever be found?
What are the consequences for her family?
 
5. Apart from your own, what other books to you enjoy reading?
 
I like reading a variety of genres. Anything that's a little bit different to the norm. My favourite authors are Ken Follet (Pillars of the Earth) and Jeffrey Archer. I recently read a novel by a Swedish author called 'The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.' A very funny book, well worth reading.
 
6. What age were you, when you realised you had a talent for writing?
 
I discovered the talent for writing pretty late in life really, in my early fifties, although I used to write comedy scripts when I was younger which I used in my act. I used to work as a Vocal Entertainer with a few gags thrown in.
 
7. Steve, I know you from Gran Alacant but can you tell my readers a little about yourself; where you grew up and what ultimately made you decide to move to Spain?
 
I grew up in Port Talbot, South Wales. I worked for SONY UK in Bridgend. On my days off, I worked in the clubs in South Wales, singing and entertaining. Moving to Spain had been a dream for my wife and I since we were first married and we eventually moved here in 2,000.
 
8. How does it feel to be a published author? What motivated you to achieve such an ambition?
 
Being a published author is an amazing feeling. When you finally hold the book in your hands it's like a dream come true. My grandchildren were and still are my motivation. I wanted to leave a legacy behind for them. They've been my biggest critics because you know what kids are like. If they don't like something, they'll tell you straight.
 
9. What advice would you give any budding authors out there? Was the road to publication a difficult one?
 
It's been a difficult journey to publication but you have to believe in yourself and your book. You have to deal with rejection but if you persevere, the rewards will come. Just think of J.K.Rowling, her first book was rejected by a lot of publishers but she got there in the end.
 
10. Finally can you tell my readers where they can buy your book(s) and what plans you have for the future? Are there more books in the pipeline?
 
I've got a follow up book that I'm working on called 'The Planet Mirth Adventures Two.' Also some ideas for a spin off called 'The Planet Stupider.'
 
I have included the links for my book, but don't get put off if Amazon state that my book is out of stock. This is normal for new authors. You can still order and Amazon will send you an estimated delivery date, alternatively you can order my book directly off my publisher Austin Macauley.

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