Dreaming of becoming a cartoonist,
Alan J. Garner realised his early ambition drawing a
cartoon strip about the ups and downs of a cheeky magpie
published daily in a local newspaper. Dissatisfaction
with his artistic achievement led him, at the urging
of his wife, to attempt writing his first novel. Originally
a fan of old style science fiction, Alan quickly embraced
fantasy. Bringing his wicked sense of humour to the
project produced The Chosen One and the abandonment
of the sketched line in favour of the written line.
Again that feeling of discontent crept into his work
and he decided to combine the best of both worlds, blending
magic with a pinch of machinery and a generous dollop
of wit, in the process terming himself a science fantasy
humourist. But Alan has not entirely forsaken his drawing
roots and periodically designs covers for his books.
However, the pen remains mightier than the paintbrush
and he prefers the medium of writing, penning further
novels, a succession of darker short stories, a fantastical
children's series based loosely on his childhood, and
a handful of adventure picture books designed to put
the fun back into reading for kids. Some are published,
others waiting in the wings to take flight.
Finding that his writing rudely intrudes on his full-time
work as a painter/decorator in Auckland, New Zealand,
Alan shares what time he has spare with his significant
other half, Michelle, and their seven cats, proudly
bringing a uniquely Kiwi flavour to his writing.
writing writers software |
