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Tim works in digital marketing in Toronto and is well-traveled, having visited over 80 countries. When he is not working or writing, he likes to spend time with his family and German Shepherd and go cycling.

Tim has written fifteen books: The Secret Policemen and The Secret Service, both dystopian dark comedies, and eight science fiction novels: Extinction, Annabelle, The Three Lives of Mr. Amazing, Fission, The Children of the Third Reich, The Child of Mars, The Children of Andaalwaald, Angel, and Janus.

Tim has also written Magpie – a dark and intense journey into the world of international espionage and terrorism, The Killer Who Loves Me, a suspenseful, thrilling detective story about the hunt for a serial killer, and Golden Blood, a dark, gothic vampire story.

His most recent book, Christmas Inc., is a satirical look at greed, capitalism, populist politics, and the magic of Christmas.

What’s your favourite part of the lifestyle of an Author?

Finding time to write! As a dad working full-time (with three sons), a partner, and a German Shepherd, finding time to write is one of my favourite part of the day.

What made you start writing?

I had an idea rattling around in my head for literally decades, and I thought it was just daydreaming. Then, one day, I just sat down and converted some of that daydream into a chapter and then another, and a few months later, I had written my first book. Once I realised I could write, I haven’t stopped.

Is there an Author that you consider your inspiration?

There are a few! But if I had to choose just one, it would be George Orwell for the way he used such plain and simple language but managed to weave such evocative and stirring prose laced with wickedly sardonic humor.

What’s your number one tip for an aspiring Author?

It may be a cliche, but I would advise any new writer to write for themselves (what they find interesting), rather than writing for what they think an audience wants. If we write for ourselves, the work, if nothing else, will have an authenticity to it rather than being manufactured to pander to imagined tastes.

What type of book do you like to read and does this differ from the genre that you prefer to write?

I read a lot of varied genres. Recently, I have been reading Philip K. Dick’s short stories, Ian Fleming’s The Spy Who Loved Me, John Le Carre’s The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, amongst many others. My writing mostly covers science fiction, but I love to read all genres.

Which one of your characters would you most like to spend time with?

I created a character named Dr. Janus in my story, The Three Lives of Mr. Amazing, and its sequel titled Janus, and I think she would be a lot of fun to spend some time with. She is described by one of the characters as a 1960s James Bond’esque villain who is utterly unflappable, and always one step ahead of those that stand in her way. I loved creating and writing her so much, that I think I would enjoy and cup of coffee with her.

Which book do you consider a must-read?

For any writer, I think The Old Man and the Sea by Earnest Hemingway is a must-read—so much story packed so powerfully and efficiently into 96 pages. For anyone, Animal Farm by George Orwell. This book had a profound impact on the way I view people and the world, and I think that in the times we live in, the messages within this story are more useful and timely than ever before.

What’s been the hardest edit that you’ve had to make? Why did you want to keep the material in?

In my most recent story, Age Of Magic, I created a character destined to die, existing merely as a plot device to move to the second act. But by the time it came to kill her off, I had become so attached to her that I just couldn’t do it. And so, I had to redo the entire story in my mind to allow her to survive, but I think it was worth it!

If you could live in a book, which one would it be?

I discussed this with my eldest son, and we both agreed that we would like to be wealthy merchants living in Bravos, a free city (no slaves!) in George R. R. Martin’s Song of Fire and Ice universe. Hopefully, dragons or warlords, etc., never make their way there, and we live out our days healthy and wealthy!

If you could pick an Author to write your biography, who would it be?

I have no idea what it would turn out like, but if there is one man who could find humour and interest in even the dullest of subject matters, it would be Hunter S. Thompson, so that is who I would choose.

Is there any conflict between what you want to write and what you think your readers will like?

I write what I find interesting, and the hope is, others will also find this interesting as well. A lot of my writing is transgressive and subversive and perhaps a little bit anarchic as well. I find the stories interesting and publish them, and along the way, others seem to find them and enjoy them, too.

What effect can a review have on you, if you read them at all? Both the good and the bad.

I enjoy reading the positive reviews, which can energise me. I think with the bad one, you have to be sanguine about it. Some will love what you write, others will hate what you write, and some will be completely indifferent.

Can you sum up your life story in ten words or less?

So far, I have had a pretty good time!

What’s exciting you about your next project?

I have been working on a dark fantasy story for the last few months and have sent it to a reader. This is the first time the story will have been read by anyone else but me. I am excited to get the feedback (the good, bad, and the ugly!) and to see what the story needs to have it ready for publication.

And finally, you have one quote to be remembered by, what is it?

If I could say one thing that others would remember, it would be – Be Kind to each other, and have fun!

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You can find out all about Tim and his books on his Website or on Amazon.