James StoddahAt the age of fourteen I moved to a farmhouse in Matterdale with my mother and sister. We discovered a wages cupboard behind the plaster in the main room. I remember the excitement of that discovery and the disappointment when all it contained was hosehair and dust. Still, I've fantasised about it many times since. The beauty of being an author is that I can bring the fantasy to life. I grew up in the Penrith area of England and fondly consider it as home, even though I live in Lancashire now. I hope to return one day - maybe I can open Eddie's shop. Maybe I can make Penrith a writing town. Asexuality is a topic I've planned to write about for a while. I wanted to reject the myth that asexuals are cold and incapable of love. They are not. They are passionate and have a need to love and be loved. They can still have crushes and engage in long-term relationships - often with the same gender. Some often have children; they just don't enjoy the physical aspects of a relationship or have that desire for fulfilment. Kayleigh is typical of many. As I write this, a remarkable film is about to be released based on the life of Vincent van Gogh. Loving Vincent was animated by paintings made by a team of artists in his unique style. I was never an artist - indeed I was so bad that it was crossed off my list of options for O Levels, but I have always loved and appreciated art. I am inspired by the passion and creativity in an artist as much as I am in their vision. I enjoyed researching and entering the mind of a painter in writing Unwinding Time. I always enjoy engaging with readers and other authors. Read More Read Less