R.P. Thompson writes in many genres, including Short stories and Non-fiction. The joy of books has never been far away, from being handed a first library card as a child to having worked in libraries as an adult. Below are answers to some questions about the author.

Q. How do you write?

A: I’m a lark, and up while everyone in the house is asleep. In the morning, it’s writing fiction, or rewriting from the previous day for a few hours before going out for a walk and having breakfast. My afternoons are spent writing non-fiction or on other projects. I write a minimum of 2000 words daily during weekdays. A working day starts at 5 am and ends at 8 pm or sometimes later. After, I read stories before falling asleep.

Have you had writer’s block?

If it creeps up on me, I go for a walk, cook, or water my plants, but mostly I ignore it and just keep writing.

Where do you get your ideas from?

Ah, that’s the simple part, I’m curious, and lucky many ideas just flow into my mind. The hardest part of getting an idea is what I do with these.

How do you do research?

I often start by doing a mind map on the computer or on a blank sheet of paper. My research takes me everywhere, from visiting places, reading books, talking to people, library visits, and online.

What do you do when not writing?

I try to keep weekends for my other interests but don't always succeed. My time mostly involves anything to do with food, plants, and making  things. So if you read mentions of these in my books, you’ll know why! 

What would you have done if not a writer? 

Being a writer is one I most feel happy doing. Creating stories, and being inventive. I’m forever inquisitive to find out more. If I’m pushed, my Plan B would be to be an engineer. I love making things.