During these unprecedented and very testing times, CommunityAd were lucky enough to get in contact (via e-mail) with Sittingbourne’s Ned Reardon, local author. The corporate book-keeper and rambling enthusiast enjoys walking the North Kent marshes in England and we spoke to him to find out more about his two published books, Blackberry Bill (2018), and most recently Bay of Dreams (2019)…
How did you first get involved with writing and when did you realise you wanted to be a writer?
Quite by accident, really. When I first started jotting down my thoughts and observations, on my many walks with my dog on the local marshes where I drew most of my inspiration. I suppose this was also around the time when I fell hopelessly in love with writing. Writing has always given me a great deal of pleasure. Like reading, it’s pure escapism.
Can you explain to readers what your writing style is like?
I try to write plainly and to the point, and not to dwell on subsidiary subject matter for too long, which hopefully keeps the plot fresh and alive and the overall story flowing.
Blackberry Bill was a book that took 10 years in the making and on that journey, you also had to endure 13 rejections, what motivated you to carry on until you eventually received a publishing deal?
I wrote Blackberry Bill simply for my own pleasure; hence I never felt any real pressure to do anything with it. That is until my wife, Judy, discovered and read the original manuscript and suggested enthusiastically that I should at least try to get it published. Well, being the devoted husband I am, I did as I was told and hurriedly sent it off. Over the succeeding 18 months, it was constantly returned but always accompanied with letters of helpful advice and professional tips on how best to proceed with it. Taking their snippets of encouragement and best wishes, I persevered with my strenuous efforts and lo and behold it was suddenly snapped up by The Conrad Press, whom also eventually published my second novel, Bay of Dreams.
Can you explain the sense of emotion you felt when Blackberry Bill was finally approved and can you give readers an insight into the book?
Elation, a bit like passing your driving test, and a great sense of personal achievement. My debut novel, set locally and in the late 60s, is a touching story about an orphaned boy who bravely sets out alone upon the Kentish marshes in pursuit of a mysterious recluse, who he believes may hold the answers he seeks with regard to his own identity.
Who are your favourite writers?
My favourite authors are Robert Harris, Rachel Joyce, George Orwell, Beatrice Holloway, Laurie Lee and the great Charles Dickens. And just recently, also having discovered the worthy writing talents of Albert Camus, Karin Fossum and Pascal Garnier.
Can you tell readers more about your second book Bay of Dreams and how long did this take to write?
My second novel, Bay of Dreams, took me a little over two years to write. I got the idea for it whilst on holiday in Northern Italy. Basically, it’s a psychological thriller about an Englishman abroad who believes he has witnessed a young man’s death, but when it becomes clear there is absolutely no evidence to support this claim, he decides to investigate the incident himself.
How have you managed to keep yourself busy self-isolating during this pandemic, have you had any new book ideas during this period?
Just recently, I’ve been keeping rather busy writing children’s stories. A selection of these have been posted periodically by my friend Dave Glover on the ‘Blackberry Bill’ Facebook page for the kids to read for free, and for their amusement.
What advice would you give to any aspiring writers who want to publish a book?
Write about what you know, and if you don’t know, research thoroughly. Perseverance is definitely the name of the game, though. Somewhere out there, there is somebody who would love to publish your wonderful book. Never give up trying to find them.
Do you have a favourite from Blackberry Bill and Bay of Dreams that you enjoyed writing the most?
I am immensely proud of everything I have written but I do admit that Blackberry Bill will undoubtedly always be my favourite work for there remains a lot of my own childhood in that little boy, Tom Langley.
Looking back on your writing career, would you do anything differently if you started again or have you learnt things coming through that aspiring writers may not realise?
I’m not sure if I would’ve done anything different in my approach and attempts at getting published, and to some extent, luck does have its part to play. However, on the whole, I do think that creative writing is, in general, an ongoing learning experience.
What do you enjoy most about living in Sittingbourne?
Sittingbourne is my hometown, and I’ve always considered it a good place to live. The vast majority of folks who reside here are law-abiding, generous and decent people. And over the years the town has produced its fair share of interesting characters.