Q and A with author Stewart Ross

Stewart (BA History 1969, MA History 1972) has published novels for adults and works of fiction for children, as well as over 200 non-fiction books. His books have been translated into around 20 languages. Stewart visits schools, colleges, and universities in Britain, France, and elsewhere to talk about writing and pass on his passion for words.

He answered a few questions for fellow alumni about his work and time at Exeter:

What made you start writing?

A passion for language got me started; an overdraft kept me going.

Did you have any other jobs before writing – and how did they influence you?

Teaching at all levels in many parts of the world broadened my mind, gave me an opportunity to read widely and, I hope, sharpened my critical faculties.

What impact did your time at Exeter have on your career?

Exeter influenced me for the better in countless ways – but ‘career’ sounds too much like a charge, mindless and headlong.

What’s your favourite/funniest moment at Exeter?

Favourite: Falling in love and Professor Ivan Roots’ seminars.

Funniest: Watching a tipsy future captain of industry delivering an incoherent sermon in an empty Dartmoor church one irresponsible Sunday afternoon.

We have lots of published and aspiring alumni authors – what’s your one top tip for them?

Cross out at least 33% of your first draft.

What are the highs and lows of being an author?

Highs – independence & creating from scratch something that just might be worthwhile. Lows – knowing that everything one writes is never good enough.

Tell us about your new book in once sentence?

The 21st century’s answer to Lord of the Flies.

Who would your new book appeal to?

Anyone aged 12+ who seeks a rattling good story with splashes of humour, gentle romance and an underpinning of challenging ideas.

The Soterion Mission is due to be published in May. To find out more about Stewart's books visit http://www.stewartross.com/