Author Q&A: Simon Drayton

Today we're interviewing author Simon Drayton, who writes historical fiction, mystery, and young adult books. 

Drayton is a small business owner of a landscaping business. Currently, he has four published titles, one being From East to West: Books 1-3, which was once rated by Amazon as a Top New Release in Historical Chinese Fiction.

He currently lives (and writes) in Arkansas with his family and their cat, Skittles. 

SADYE: How did you come to see yourself as a writer, and what inspired you to seek publication? 

SIMON: After finishing high school, for some reason, I had the urge to start writing. I did write stories before, but nothing serious. I began by writing short mysteries.

When we were all house-bound due to COVID, I began to write more seriously. In fact, three of the four titles that I have published were written during the COVID lockdown.

Years later, I was watching an episode of The Dick van Dyke Show that was about Rob and Laura Petrie writing a children’s book. Then, I thought to myself: "I have already written a couple of books. Why not?"

SADYE: Which of your characters would you most like to trade places with?

SIMON: If I had to trade places with one of my characters, it would most likely be Toulouse Blanc, the protagonist of my From East to West Books.

His life is most interesting and satisfying. It has its share of disappointments, but definitely has adventure and success.

SADYE: What have been the most surprising, rewarding, and challenging parts of your writing career? 

SIMON: One of the most challenging parts of my writing has been getting my work discovered.

From what I’ve heard, that could be the singular, hardest part for any new author. That is why I am grateful for book promotion websites, such as The Fussy Librarian, which can make it easier for one’s work to be discovered.

Two of the most rewarding parts of writing that I can think of are the sense of accomplishment that I feel after completing a book and also the satisfaction I get when I receive positive feedback. It doesn’t hurt to see some book sales as well!

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work?

SIMON: Regardless of whatever happens in your life and whatever anyone does to you, always be decent. Have integrity and treat others right. Forgive and help others whenever you can.

SADYE: What experience in your past or general aspect of your life has most affected your writing? 

SIMON: Being raised in a multicultural, Caribbean family and a house full of books has had an influence on my work, especially my book From the Tropics of Britain. 

Other authors had a huge impact on my writings. Among such writers who were an inspiration was George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans). The relationship between her characters Silas Marner and his adoptive daughter, Eppie, was an influence to me for the relationship between Toulouse Blanc and his adoptive daughter, Jiang.

Another influence was my sister, Gabby. She has been writing for as long as I can remember, and she is a constant support.

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Learn more about Simon Drayton on his website, where his books can also be purchased, and follow him on Goodreads. 

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