writing, publishing, creativity,
and biscuits
novels, short stories,
and funny stuff
freelance writer, speaker
and mentor
Welcome to my bookish website
I’m Derek Thompson – a novelist, short story writer, freelancer, and avid reader living in Cornwall. Stories, myths and storytelling have always fascinated me. I’ve been writing since my teens and I can see a shimmering thread in my mind’s eye from Firelight and Candlelight (one of the first books I remember reading at school) stretching out across the years.
On this website you’ll be able to find out about my novels and other writing, as well as writing-related creative services. I’ll also share tips, opinions, book recommendations and publishing insights in my blog.
Short on time? Click here to see my books.
Time to spare? Read on!
The importance of stories
Our lives are filled with stories. They’re what makes us tick. Whether they come from personal journeys, shared experiences, or a common heritage, we are defined by the stories we tell ourselves and others, and the tales we seek out for inspiration, insight, comfort or escape.
Stories can be multi-layered and contain their own truth – even when they’re a work of fiction. In fact, especially then. Some call it metaphor and others talk about symbolism. I prefer to think of it as enchantment – regardless of the genre – an ability to keep us turning the page, invested in the lives of characters and their challenges. You may think that you left imagination behind in childhood, but fiction is simply make-believe for grown-ups!
Often there’s a hidden story behind the story – how it drew on lived experience and where to find the hidden clues. There’s rarely a straight line from idea to page to publication.
For example, before I found a publisher for my novels I wrote comedy material as a hobby – mostly gags and sketches. During that time, my co-writer David French and I created As Above So Below magazine, an occasional satirical magazine that cocked a snook at all things alternative. That led, indirectly, to the publication of A Little Book of Cynics, my first book in print. Writing for our own magazine (and seeing it sold in a few select shops) gave us the confidence to seek out other opportunities. We wrote topical gags and sketches for comedy revue shows, which – indirectly – led to me writing some gags for radio. Needless to say (but I’ll say it anyway!), humour is also an intrinsic part of my novels.
When you pick up a pen you never know where it will lead!