Newcastle builder signs publishing deal

17:13 05 Aug 2008 By James Stagg

A Newcastle builder and self taught writer is set to publish the first of three novels.

Gary Davison publishes his debut novel ‘Fat Tuesday’ with Paperbooks Publishing on 27 September, after signing a three book deal.

Davison left school at 17 and worked as a trainee land surveyor, a trainee site engineer and a demolition estimator. He took up writing as a distraction while he gave up smoking and now works part time to devote himself the trade.

“I got the idea for Fat Tuesday when I was standing in Asda, day dreaming, listening to the tills ringing, when I thought: how good would it feel to rob the place?” Davison said. “The story just grew from there. Any situation can lead to an idea, it’s where it goes when you’re sat at the computer that’s the interesting part.”

FAT TUESDAY!

NEWCASTLE EVENING CHRONICLE 4th September 2008

garydavison-chronicle.pdf

 

STREAKERS!

Streakers interview at the Journal 23rd July 2009

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A COUPLE of years back, writer Gary Davison was looking for inspiration for a new book.

Being an avid football fan he was reading the sports pages of his newspaper which, despite news of David Beckham’s exploits at his then club Real Madrid and dramatic heavyweight title fights, was dominated by the image of a streaker.

The thought of an ordinary bloke supplanting the sports stars of the world simply by getting his kit off created the germ on an idea which has become his latest book, Streakers.

Throw in some local personalities like DJs Alan Robson and Tony Horne (who thankfully remain fully clothed), the fact the climax takes place at St James’s Park where Newcastle United, including Alan Shearer with his football kit on, face Manchester United in the Premier League, and you’ve got a comedy with enough wishful thinking to entertain most punters.

It’s the second book in a three-book deal with London publishing company PaperBook that Gary secured a couple of years back. His first, Fat Tuesday, was a dark, fast- paced thriller.

Gary, 37, said: “This is different and not as dark. If I had my way, Streakers would have been the one I had published, as I think it’ll be the best one I’ll write.”

At 156 pages it is quite short for a book these days. “It’s like a film in a way, when I move from one scene to the other, keeping all the best bits in,” explained Gary.

It centres on two very different brothers – Sam, a hard worker who believes in graft to get on in life and Alex, his layabout brother, much taken by idle introspection.

For some reason Sam ‘snaps’ and he streaks wearing just a gimp mask at an FA Cup match between Faccome FC (based on Whitley Bay) and Darlington.

He manages to elude the police, so retaining his anonymity and the ‘Faccome Flasher’ is born.

Gary said: “My streaker does something no other streaker has done and gets away with it.”

It causes a media storm, discussed on DJ Robson’s Night Owls show and Horne’s Metro Radio breakfast show, and with the authorities determined to arrest the culprit, Alex, who quickly works out the identity of the streaker as his sibling, decides to help Sam stage one last streak at a top match, for charity.

And it’s not just at any old match – but a Premier League clash between Manchester United and Newcastle United in Shearer’s last game for the Toon.

“I’m really pleased the publishers let me get away with what I’ve got away with,” said Gary.

He was born in Wallsend, North Tyneside, moved to Fenham then West Denton in Newcastle as a child, attending St Cuthbert’s School, leaving at 17 with seven GCSEs.

He worked as a trainee land surveyor and trainee site manager before getting restless and leaving England to go backpacking with his then girlfriend and now wife Karen, travelling through Asia and Australia doing various jobs including fruit picking and packing electrical goods.

Gary returned to the UK as a civil engineer and quantity surveyor before the couple decided to go off on their travels again.

In 2000, on their way back from the US, he gave up smoking and took up writing. “I’ve always enjoyed telling stories and the creativity involved,” said Gary.

After various rejections, he clinched his three book deal. He is his own biggest critic while wife Karen, 36 – a big reader herself – tells him straight about the quality of his work.

“If it’s rubbish she says so,” explained Gary.

All however are delighted with the way Streakers has turned out.

Even as Streakers was being published he wrote another book about a 24-year-old man at the crossroads of his life after losing his job. He has a breakdown on Christmas Eve and rails against life.

Gary, who lives in Westerhope, Newcastle, with Karen and their daughter Tara aged three, said:
“It took about four weeks to write and I sent it to my editor who said it was the best thing I’ve written.”

No gimp masks are involved here and by the sound of it there aren’t many laughs. Strangely, he is thinking about having it published under a pseudonym because it deviates so strikingly from the content of Streakers and he doesn’t want to confuse his readers.

But that’s for the future and at the moment he is dividing his time between writing and his civil engineering company, Davison Construction.

He said: “I need to work to pay the bills but that might change if that £2m film deal was to come through.”

Gary will be at Waterstone’s in Newcastle for a book signing session on Saturday between 12 noon and 2pm.

 

STREAKERS!

strugglingauthors interview sept 2009 - www.strugglingauthors.co.uk

Interview by Richard Grayling

This is Gary’s second interview for Struggling Authors and we’re very glad he could take time out to talk to us again.

[RG] We last spoke to you way back in January 2008 just before Fat Tuesday was originally due out. It’s now 18 months later and your second book, Streakers, is out and “available at all good book stores”. So, what has life been like since then?

[GD] Has it only been 18 months? Seems a lifetime ago Fat Tuesday came out! Life has been great, Richard, and from a writing point of view, I’ve loved every second of being published. From being on the radio, in the press, on websites, book signings, colleges, the whole thing has been a great experience. The biggest buzz of all, though, is knowing people are reading your books. Great feeling and hopefully it will continue.

[RG] Please tell us what it feels like to go onto Amazon etc. and see YOUR name and YOUR books up there? Do you find yourself going onto Amazon in the wee small hours to check that it’s real (or is that just what I would do?) Also, when you do a search on Amazon for your books, you’re classed as the same category as Nick Hornby. How do you feel about this and have you read any of his work?

[GD] Of course I do! I’m one of ‘us’ and always will be. I’m on amazon all the time and when one of my books shoots up the charts (okay, maybe not shoots, more like nudges up), I’m giddy as hell, thinking ‘Some complete stranger will be reading my book this weekend’.

It is amazing to think my story is available to buy, and sometimes you look back and can’t believe it. But it happened and I’m over the moon it did. The fact is, I was very fortunate, sort of right place right time. I’m self-taught, as you know from when we last had a chat. If I can sneak through the slush pile, believe me, anyone can.

Yeah it’s great to be mixing it with the likes of Nick Hornby. I’ve read quite a bit of his stuff and really liked it. I only wish I was mixing it with him on the promotional front too!

Book number three….?
——————————————————————————–

[RG] You have a three book deal with Paperbooks so, can you tell us anything about book number three…?

[GD] Well, this is a strange one. Whilst everything in the book world has been going on, I went back to what I love doing, which is writing. I love just writing what the hell I like. So I decided to be someone else. I decided to be twenty-two years old again. And I locked myself away again, like I did in the start, and in four weeks I popped my head up and had finished another novel. Now, I had no intention of showing this to anyone. And it felt great to be back writing for fun, not worrying that it could be sitting on the shelves in a few months. In the end I did show it to my editor, who raved about it, saying it was the best I’d ever wrote. I’ve since went undercover as my new alter ego on writing websites and I’m getting rave reviews. I’ve got to say I’m loving being back ‘in amongst it’ as much as being published. You can’t beat just writing for yourself.

Okay, where was I? Book number three. Yes, it’s under way, and I’m myself writing this, and it’s another comedy. This time the star of the show is a priest who is about to be ordained when he begins having sexual dreams. He starts doubting his faith and heads home from Spain to his dysfunctional family and a mystery lodger. Should be fun!

[RG] You still work part-time in the construction industry, at what point do you see yourself being able to hang up your theodolyte (do they still use those?) and write full time? And, is this something that you see yourself doing?

[GD] I don’t think so. I’m not keen to write for any longer than I already do. And neither is my wife in case I disappear into fiction forever J Although, I would like to write for film and I’m trying to muster some interest up in Streakers on that front. I know it’s a long shot, but you never know. I also love giving feedback to other authors. I’m on youwriteon.com under my alias, and I really enjoy giving honest feedback because I can see my own writing in there a few years back.

Streaking to the top of the charts…

——————————————————————————–

[RG] In your latest book, Streakers, one of your heroes takes to running across the pitch in nothing but a ‘gimp’ mask. Gary , is this you? Are you living out your fantasy through the written word?

[GD] If only, have you read the description of this fellow? The Flash is a hero, and I’d love to be him, but unfortunately, I’m more like his side-kick. Maybe I’ll make this priest in the next book a real lady killer…

[RG] Finally, thanks for taking the time out to speak to us Gary . Your story is particularly relevant to us Struggling Authors as you were unpublished when we first spoke to you and now you have two books in the shops! Is there any chance that we could tap you for a signed copy of Streakers and a competition question…?

[GD] Of course, no probs. And a question. Mmm, let me think. How old is Alex’s girlfriend in Streakers?

For a chance to win a signed copy of Gary’s latest book, Streakers, please use the contact form to send us your entry. Good luck! [Please type 'Gary Davison Streakers Competition' as the subject line]

You can find out more about Gary by using the links below

 

My first ever article for the View From Here magazine.

View from Here Magazine - Interview 2

Saturday, 6 September 2008

Gary Davison Interview part two

by Paul Burman

Read Part One of this interview.

Can you tell us something about the way you write?

I’m a character writer. I take a very small part of my personality and stretch it in a certain direction. Give it a back story, build it up and let it go, wrapping a story around it and seeing what happens. I write the story straight off.

I have two white boards on the wall in my office at home and at work, and any ideas or moves in the plot I splash on those, just to get them out my head. Once the story is finished I put it down for a couple of weeks, then edit it until it’s readable. Then comes a little bit of research, another re-write or five. When I’m happy with it I put it away for as long as possible. A year is good, but six months would do. Basically until I’m into another story and can come back and view it objectively.

‘I’d been frantically searching for something to smash the window with and was about to take the bouncers on at the front, when the fire exit to my right swung open. I tore through it, knocking the chef aside and sprinted towards them.’

Determined not to follow in his late father’s footsteps, Spencer Hargreaves turns his back on a multi-million pound inheritance and takes off backpacking. Three months later, he makes Australia’s Ten Most Wanted. Hiding out on the Gold Coast, amid the madness of Mardi Gras, Spencer and his friends experiment with everything they can get their hands on, leaving Spencer struggling to hold onto reality…

Were there any surprises for you in your approach to writing Fat Tuesday, or in how the story or the characters grew?

My writing got better and better as I wrote and re-wrote Fat Tuesday, until I eventually realized what the book was about. What I was trying to do. So yes, a lot of surprises, both in the writing but especially in the main character.

What’s your favourite part of the story?

The fight.

How about influences in your writing, Gary? Can you identify any in particular?

Early on I was influenced by a lot of writers and like everyone else went through the process of finding my own style. I’m influenced by any good writing. I don’t intentionally copy anyone, but I’m influenced less and less now. Charles Bukowski is one author I think had a lasting effect on me. I just loved his direct style and short fiction. I tend to write what I like to read and I like things going along at a decent clip.

If, like your character Spencer Hargreaves, you stood a chance of inheriting a few million pounds, how would you want it to change your life? What are some of the things you might do?

Don’t think money would change me at all. To be honest I love my life the way it is. I’m fortunate to have a lovely family and enjoy my writing, social life, sport; I pretty much juggle pleasures and chores quite well and I wouldn’t welcome anything that would change that.

What sort of direction do you anticipate taking with future novels, or with your writing generally?

Short fiction. 100 – 150 page novels. I love reading works this length and love writing like this. I think my writing would suit scripts so I think in the future I might have a go at that.

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend, Gary?

• Friday: Chinese takeaway, 500g bar of Galaxy, bottle of red wine, on the sofa with Karen watching House.
• Saturday morning: 18 holes of golf.
• Saturday afternoon: into town with Karen and Tara to the toy shop and for a bite to eat.
• Sunday: watching Newcastle United hammer Manchester United with my mates in a bar somewhere.

So, you’re into the soccer, and I know from earlier conversations that you follow the horses, boxing and possibly a few other sports besides, and that you like to keep fit. You also mentioned that you like travelling. To what extent, if any, do you find that your interests and experiences shape your writing or give it flavour?

Tricky one. Yeah, I’m into loads of stuff. At a glance you’d think I never slept, but I’m a fair-weather everything. One week it’s the horses and Karen and I are down the local track, the next it’s the casino, then I’m bang into golf for a while. Prime example: I’ve just joined a new golf club; two months ago I was up to twelve 3 minute rounds on the punch bag at the local boxing gym (ruptured elbow so that’s finished with now); this week I’m back at another gym where you can also swim and I’m back on doing light weights after an injection in my elbow. Running I do three times a week, about 10k each time. I run with my mother and this never changes (apart from injuries and hangovers).

Right, what was I on about? Flavour. Right. One thing I like, no love, is a bit of excitement. Screaming a horse home, holing a putt, watching Ricky Hatton win the title, Newcastle score a winner, you know, a real massive buzz. In my writing I’ve got to be heading towards this in the novel. It’s not necessarily the ending, just a moment, when IT happens. The charactercharacters cross that line, WHAM. The reader might not know it until the book is finished, but THAT moment I think adds the flavour and I think all my experiences and loves and passions help me find it when I’m writing. I think. Sort of. I hope this is all making bloody sense!

It is, Gary. It does.
Where would you most like to visit next on your travels – or live for a few months?

Back to Australia for the fourth time. Love everything about the place. If I didn’t have so much going on here – mates, family, business etc – I’d live there. Oh, and Karen has suggested the Munich Beer festival this year, so I’m definitely up for that.

Australia? Hmm. What excellent taste!
Finally, Gary, what advice would you offer an aspiring writer, in terms of both the process of writing and in terms of seeking a publisher?

Read and write. Nothing else can train or help you, in my opinion. Reading is the training, writing is match day. If you love doing it you’ll succeed. Simple as that. If you’re doing it because you like the idea of it or for money, well, you’re in the hands of lady luck. See, one book nearly on the shelves and I’m a god damn expert. Take no notice I’m just excited. Best of luck to everyone.

__________________________________

And best of luck to Gary with Fat Tuesday and the books that follow. Fat Tuesday (PaperBooks, ISBN 978-1906231019) will be released 27th September, 2008. You can pre-order your copy at PaperBooks Online or Amazon. Gary blogs at http://www.gary-davison.com/

View from Here Magazine Interview 1

Firstly, Gary, do you have a routine for writing and, if so, what is it? What are some of the things that tend to get in the way?My writing routine used to be 9am to 11am, 5 days, religiously. That’s when I love writing and just about the only time I can write new stuff. Editing I can do at any time, but again I try to keep it to mornings. After writing I head into the office, which is about five minutes from my house or to site, which could be anywhere.Having a meeting at work is what breaks my routine these days. If I can avoid it I will, but sometimes a meeting at 12 could take me three hours to get to, so I’ve got to get on the road early. I’ve recently bought a laptop (to go with the computer in the house and one at the office), in a bid to snatch more writing time as I’m only writing three times a week, which isn’t enough for me.Writers come from such a diverse range of backgrounds, it’s always interesting to hear how they earn a crust… before the royalties start rolling in (and the Cayman Islands bank account needs to be opened!). Could you tell us something about the business you’re in and whether it connects with your life as a writer?I earn a crust in construction. I own my own firm and we specialize in the installation of granite paving. We do commercial contracts, which include a lot of city centre work. At the moment we’re laying cobbles, setts, flags and kerbs in Leicester, Wakefield, Liverpool, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Middlesborough and Stockport. I say WE very loosely, as I haven’t laid a flag in my life. I’m hopeless with anything practical and would starve to death if I had to do a manual job for a living.I have a quantity surveyor in the office and, depending on work load, 20+ men on site at any one time. I run things part time and the day-to-day stuff is controlled by the working-foreman on each job.What I like about it? I work with some great blokes, real grafters that snarl if a seven-day week isn’t on and they’ve become good friends. Taking them on a night out, which I do every couple of months or so, is shortening my life expectancy a great deal I expect. I also enjoy the buzz of winning contracts, making money, spending money (which Karen doesn’t mind helping me out with), and generally being my own boss.Writing and construction? So far no connection whatsoever. When I’m writing I’m away in a different world, conjuring up stories and characters, mixed with experiences I’ve had. I write in total silence when I’m doing new stuff, then in the afternoon I switch the mobile on and BANG! I’m into chaos. Although I claim not to, I think I love both sides of the mobile. Perhaps you could describe how you first developed an interest in writing and whether there’s any particular reason why this interest might have developed? Did you have a burning ambition to be a novelist, for instance? If not, what has been an abiding ambition of yours?I’ve always read a lot. And I mean A LOT! When Karen and I were backpacking we’d buy a huge bag of secondhand books and take them with us to some island and read them all, lying there chilled out. At home I’ll have one book in the toilet, one beside my bed and one in the car. When we came back from America in the year 2000 I was smoking three cigarettes to every pint and both Karen and I thought it wasn’t doing me any good (that’s the mild version of the conversation). Anyway, right there, after New Year’s Eve, I gave up and decided to have a go writing stories. I sat down every day and wrote and wrote until I finished my first novel. Absolute crap, but I loved it and just carried on, book after book, each one getting less crap than the previous.That was that. I just kept reading and writing and thoroughly enjoyed it. Escaping every morning from the rat race was pure bliss. Before this I’d never given writing a thought.Ambitions now? Number 1 bestsellers worldwide, cult status, red carpet, enough ££££$$$$ to buy a villa in the south of France and still be enjoying it when I’m too old to see what I’m writing.______________________________Read Part Two of the Gary Davison interview in a few days.Fat Tuesday (PaperBooks, ISBN 978-1906231019) will be released 27th September, 2008. You can pre-order your copy at PaperBooks Online or Amazon. Gary blogs at http://www.gary-davison.com/The Contracts Journal