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A large spiked club, twice the length of Jason’s arm, flew over his head; creating a gush of wind that caught his dark brown hair and folded the left side over the right. Jason ducked to dodge another swing and scrambled to a nearby rock, hoping for any chance of escape. The club came crashing down beside him. A spray of dust burst into the air, causing a short, unhelpful cloud, which restricted the vision of both Jason and his attacker. The dust settled and Jason was now inches away from what looked like an ugly, grey skinned, pig-like creature that snorted and growled with every breath. The creature looked at Jason, raised its club, opened his mouth and let out a growl...

Name: Alan Lawson
Username: [Font]
Location: Belfast - Northern Ireland
Occupation: Recruitment Advisor
Writer/Reader/Agent/Role Player: Writer/Reader
Sign: Virgo

Tell us about yourself:
Apparently I come from a very 'talented, cultural family' with a cousin in a band, another cousin on BBC radio, and a few aunts and uncles who speak and teach more languages than I could count. I suppose coming into this sort of extended family helped me when I was younger to find my own bearings in the creative and cultural world. I would of course have to thank my brother though for pointing me in the direction of my preferred genre (fantasy), and my English teacher who first introduced me to creative writing as something that can be enjoyed, and a method of escapism.

I do aspire (like any want to be author) to take my writing further, and hopefully at some stage I will, but at present I have little time for the pleasures of writing. Spending most of my time in work, or studying for my Masters I do come up with ideas from time to time, which I store away.

I particularly enjoy the feeling I get when someone else becomes excited by a story idea they have had, it’s all about bringing people into this circle so they can enjoy writing, reading and creativity as a whole.

What's your favourite Music?
I like a wide ranges of music, from the white stripes, to They Might be Giants, Passing by Yael Naím, touching on Savage Garden, and from time to time landing on the odd relaxation piece. Having said that, I also have several dance albums, which are played quite loudly when i'm getting ready to go out.

Who are your favorite authors and literary works?
Terry Brooks, The landover Series, had to be the most enjoyable books I've ever read in a fantasy series, very inspiring. Sophie Kinsella, her books make me laugh - so much, I recommend The Undomesticated Goddess, for anyone who knows what it's like to have an incredibly stressful job that seems to be 24/7

Any other favourites?
I love pasta, and fruit and vegetables and chicken - I prefer savoury food, but nothing overly spicy. Restaurant of choice is Zen, a stylish Japanese themed restaurant in Belfast - The food is amazing!

Tell us about your writings:
I tend to write for children or young adults. I have completed a draft of a novel entitled 'The Elderine Stone' however I want to change the start and end of it, to help introduce another character. I've written two short children’s' stories, based on a character by the name of Captain Silverpoons - but I can't say much more about that. In my spare time, I'm working on another short story, also discussing my first academic/non-fiction work in collaboration with a PHD student, and trying to rewrite The Elderine Stone.

Which of your writings would you recommend to a fellow member?
Depends what you want to read, and how much time you'd be willing to spend, I still am very apprehensive before I let someone read my work, especially more recent work as I feel a little rusty.

Is there anything that helps you write?
Themed music... Sometimes I would sit and pick out my music for an entire story idea, and play a piece over and over until a chapter or scene is written. Also imagery helps a lot. But nothing can beat a walk in a forest, fresh clean air, nature surrounding, really helps relax the mind and body and aid in plot, character and idea creation.

Do you have any tips for members?
Write any idea down; never throw away your work, even if you hate it. Save it for later, it might help you later on, or help spark ideas. And if not, it will help boost your confidence a few years later when you see how much your writing has improved!

Would you like to promote anything?
The Ezine, I think it’s a great idea, so hopefully everyone will support it!