Interview with Simon Collinson

Published in Issue No. 2, Vox Novum, Issue No. 3, Pulsus Litterae, Issue No. 4, Musa et Verbum, and Issue No. 5, Aeternum Scriptor.

My name is Simon Collinson and I'm from England. I like writing stories, especially ones that are Gothic. Sometimes I write poetry. I started writing late in life. After successfully being treated for cancer I decided to start writing those stories that were always in my head.

Interview published in Issue No. 5, Aeternum Scriptor, February 1st, 2025.

What inspired you to write the piece that was published in Everscribe? Can you share the story behind it?

For "Dolly Bridge," the writing group I'm in had a prompt, a photograph of a bridge, and in my mind I wanted to write about a bridge that was built from straw. Whereas "Danger Dad" was based on a true story. On Bonfire Night I was sent outside to supervise the kids and make sure they didn't get injured. But it ended up with me getting burnt and the kids bringing me in for treatment! I am very accident-prone and am always falling off things or breaking items. “Hello Mr Magpie,” I wrote as I saw a lot of magpies around and it made me think of the rhyme. “A Night In The Basement” is based on a real reading event I attended for Halloween.

What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your work?

I like to look at topics from unusual or strange angles. I would like to put across the message that life is not always predictable and that much of life is absurd. I often write stories that are surreal or look at life in a different way.

How has your writing evolved since you started? Are there any particular influences that have shaped your style?

I used to get lots of ideas and start stories, but never finish them. I am now much better at finishing a story. I enjoy reading Dante, Poe, and Lovecraft. It was after reading the latter that I realized it was possible to write the strange stories that are always in my thoughts. I try to write stories the way I like. If I wrote like somebody else then it wouldn't be my story.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring authors, what would it be?

I would say that getting into the habit of writing every day is helpful. I keep a notebook where I record as much as possible the ideas that hit me, and anything I see or hear that is unusual. it might not be useful today, but on another day it could be used. I listened to another writer talk about their ideas. I told them to get them down on paper. It might look bad but you can always improve it later on. The key thing is to start writing and keep writing.

Are there any upcoming projects or works in progress that you’re particularly excited about?

I have lots of ideas, usually strange ones. So usually I am working on several stories at once. So at this moment in time, I'm working on stories about a scary Victorian painting, Osiris, a nasty warden, a resurrection with a difference, one about the seasons visiting, a story about a person who has a frightening meeting set up that they dare not miss and a story about a family who has unusual gifts.

How can readers find you and see more of your work?

I have an account on X @simon_coll87859. I have a story due to be published in Dark Winter Lit Mag, "Epsom Road" in January and a story in “The Selkie” called “Spin the bottle” due out in March