Sean M. Palfrey

I'm 21, and am a former Creative Writing and English student at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth where I was fortunate enough to be taught by (among others) Jem Poster, Matthew Francis, and Tiffany Attkinson. However I originally hail from Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire, UK.
I'm A Freelance Music Journalist, Writer, Photographer, DJ, clothing designer, as well as the resident film maker for La Columna the spanish civil war living history group (all of which I dont get paid for at the minute! *Hint, Hint!!!), with a terrible artistic temprement and prone to serious bouts of manic depression as a result.
I'm currently working on my first Novella 'On The Edge of Paradise' - An exercise in "Post-Cyberpunk Fiction"
As well as a collection of short stories under the working title 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen - Tales of Absinthe and Apathy' - Featuring introspective stream of conciousness, surreal and horror stories.



When Do You Write?:
I prefer to write between 12am and 5am. Though sometimes other commitments may force me to write in the early evening.

Where Do You Write?:
In my bedroom, in the living room, in coffee shops, on trains, by the sea, or in parks.

Pen or Computer?:
Both. Pen for when I'm on the move. Laptop for around the house.

Silence or Music?:
Music. I find it easier to concentrate if there is somekind of music beween my ears and the natural ambience of the modenr world - Preferably some kind of instumental Metal / Industrial track. That said if there is nobody about, the sounds of nature will suffice.

How Do You Start a Story?:
I'll sketch out a rough idea for a scenario, world, character etc. And then start writing in my head the first 1000-2000 words. When I'm satisfied with that I'll write it down, and then lett the story progress organically.

And Finish?:
Sometimes I'll know exactly what will happen, sometimes only vaguely, and sometimes It just feels right to stop writing altogether.

Do You Have Any Rituals or Superstitions?:
I work best in little light I think, so I close all the curtains in the room I work in, and if i'm outside I sit with my back to the sun... A bottle of wine usually helps me too.

Which Living Writer Do You Most Admire?:
Neil Gaiman.

What or Who Inspires You?
Sometimes music, sometimes alcohol, sometimes a lack of sleep. Anything that opens up the door to my subconcious and allows the free flow of ideas, images... monsters.

What Re-occurring Themes Seem To, Either Conciously or Unconsciously, Crop Up In Your Writing?:
Madness, Alcohol/Substance abuse, Suicide, and Loss seem to occur alot. But I think these are everyday occurences that alot of people can relate to on some level or another, so whether it crops up from a concious decision or not, I feel that it can still add to the story.

If You Didn't Write, What Would You Do?:
I'd have learnt to have played the guitar like the rest of my friends.

What's Your Guilty Reading Pleasure?:
I don't feel guilty about it but it surprises alot of people that i'm a big fan of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Alice's Adventures Through The Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, at my age.