David Mahoney

Tell us about your book! What is it about? What can readers expect?

The Final Act is a collection of short stories. Fiction? Yes! But all of the stories have their roots in our everyday lives. Some stories are humorous, others are satirical and a few are even serious. The majority of my work can be classified as “contemplative prose”, gently nudging readers into exploring their own thoughts.

How did your book come about? Did you have a clear idea from the beginning, or did it develop during the writing process?

As an English teacher, I often used stories and newspaper articles to encourage my students not only to take a look at their own feelings, but also to express them. This eventually prompted me to write stories myself, using my own world as a source of inspiration.

Who do you think this book is for? What do you hope readers will relate to?

These stories should appeal to a wide range of people with one common denominator: a love of the English language and literature and/or a love of English humour.

Are you currently working on anything new?

As far as any future work is concerned, I do have a few ideas, but, at present, I’m waiting for them to germinate.

Do you have any tips or advice for others who want to write a book?

There is only one sure-fire tip for would-be writers: write. Don’t wait for a publishing contract; just write something, anything. Inspiration is all around us; we only have to be willing to receive it.

What do you enjoy reading? What was the last book you read?

My entire life, I have been an avid reader. I have studied the “Greats” of English literature, but nowadays it’s contemporary literature which fascinates me: Elif Shafak, Chris Cleave, J.D. Arlidge, Murakami, Paulo Coelho and many, many more.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Even though I have retired from teaching, I am still occasionally called upon to help out with the oral exams at my old college. I am also active as an examiner for the Cambridge exams in the Netherlands. Two days a week, I can be found in one of the two local hospitals where, together with a fantastic group of volunteers, we go onto the wards to offer a free hand or foot massage to the patients.

My other passion is football, and I have a season ticket to watch AZ Alkmaar. Being a lifelong supporter of West Bromwich Albion, I have become used to the trials and tribulations attached to being a football supporter.

Walking is a daily activity which I enjoy immensely. It is physically tiring, but mentally relaxing and stimulating at the same time.