Every Friday, we meet a member of the BFS and peer deep into their soul (or, at least, a form they filled out). Want to be featured? Email us: online@britishfantasysociety.org
Name:
Dan Satchwell
Which region are you based in?
South East England
If you write, which genre:
Fantasy
If you don’t write, what do you do?
I should add a caveat that although I’m currently writing, it’s very new to me, and really just a personal challenge with no ambitions of publishing anything.
Are you drawn to any specific SFFH sub-genres?
I have broad tastes, and am happy to give anything a chance, but I really do adore Grimdark.
Your influences
Tell us about the book/film/thing that got you into SFFH: What was it? How old were you? What impact did it have on you?
The first time the fantasy genre really grabbed me was watching Conan The Barbarian starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. I would have been around 10 years old at the time.
“Between the time when the oceans drank Atlantis and the rise of the sons of Aryas, there was an age undreamed of. And unto this, Conan, destined to wear the jeweled crown of Aquilonia upon a troubled brow. It is I, his chronicler, who alone can tell thee of his saga. Let me tell you of the days of high adventure! ”
How could anyone not be hooked by an opening like that!?
How does that early influence show up for you (in life/writing/agenting/publishing/editing/reading) now?
Conan has never left me—films, games, comics, and of course the writings of the great Robert E. Howard.
The old-school Sword and Sorcery pulp fiction may well be due a revival. Maybe I’ll have to try writing some short stories in that style.
Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
Inspiration is an unpredictable beast. Sometimes it’s the words of an artistic genius, other times it’s a conversation overheard in the pub. The view from the peak of Snowdon, or the squelch of mud at the bottom of your garden. Elusive! But at least it shows up, every now and then.
Photo: Dan at the summit
Who do you look to as a genre hero? Why?
Terry Pratchett.
Discworld was formative in my lifelong love of Fantasy. Terry’s unmatched wit and humour is immediately identifiable and unique. What at first glance appears to be absurdist and silly, hides scalpel sharp satire of society, the human condition, politics, religion, and our beloved fantasy tropes. There will never be another like him. I miss him dearly.
Your Work
You’re stuck in an elevator for 60 seconds with that hero, and they want you to describe your work. Give us the pitch.
What are you working on right now? (Forgive me, I’ve combined these two questions.)
A fantasy novella where the entire war—bing, bang, boom, done—happens inside a tavern. I say ‘happens’, but that’s not quite right. The story is told through the eyes of the landlord and the rotating cast of patrons as the war progresses.
You’ve got the grumpy local, more concerned with the next round than the world descending into chaos outside; soldiers with blood still on their boots; mages whispering portents over their tankards; bards singing tales of yesterday’s heroes; and politicians trying to rewrite history before the next drink. The landlord, he’s the narrator, more interested in his bottom line than the end of the world—but through his eyes you get the whole saga, from the first clash to last orders, all in the cozy confines of a pub.
Thinking about all the stories/work you’ve done, what sticks out most in your mind? Why?
I am so new to creative writing it is tricky for me to answer this question. I will say this though: Hitting a writing goal is quite the dopamine bomb! That’s the thing that sticks out most in my mind, and I hope that feeling doesn’t fade with repetition.
Where and when do you create/are you at your most creative?
I’m without a shadow of a doubt a night owl when it comes to writing. I quite enjoy writing in bed, with a strong drink in reach and the lights down low. If there happens to be a storm going on outside—jackpot!
Photo: Dan’s canine friend
What’s the best advice you’ve received about creativity?
You can’t beat the famous Van Gogh quote: “If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced”
I think it’s perfect for anyone like me that felt it was too late to start, or that I couldn’t do it.
What’s your writing soundtrack?
Let’s go with the Skyrim soundtrack!
The Quick-Fire Round
Sci-fi, fantasy or horror?
Fantasy
Quiet or loud?
Quiet, for both writing and life in general.
Dark or light?
Dark, but just for writing. I have the sun in my heart.
Strict lines or genre blend?
Strict lines
Awards or bestseller?
Awards. There lie the hidden gems.
Photo: Dan prefers the quiet life
Fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction. Reality is messy enough.
Poetry or prose?
Prose
Plotter or pantser?
Pantser
Reading or listening?
Reading, but I do love a great audiobook.
Notebook or computer?
Computer
Favourite SFFH book of all time?
Lord of the Rings
Last book you read?
The Land of the Living and the Dead, by Shauna Lawless
Any SFFH author on auto-buy?
R.R. Virdi
Favourite podcast?
Well it’s a new one, but fast becoming my favourite: Long Story Short. I promise I’m not a paid shill.
Photo: Dan’s book shelves
The Home Stretch
What’s the best thing about being part of the SFFH community?
The SFFH community really brings to life the idiom “a rising tide lifts all boats”. You could not find a more supportive group!
Time to plug your stuff! Where can we find you and your work? What have you got coming up? Consider this your advertising space.
Nothing to plug, but if anyone would like to connect you can find me on twitter with @dannysatch and Instagram with @dannysatchthings
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