Alchemy Alchemy is far more than turning lead into gold. It's about transforming yourself and writing great novels! I'm currently in the process of finishing off the first book in a seven book series about an underground race who live their lives and deaths following the alchemy principles.	Bauhaus Bauhaus were the band that bought us gothic rock, Bela Lugosi's Dead was their first single and although it never entered the UK Charts it's been used in numerous films and is a classic of all times. This is the song I saw Ella and Jonathan performing their first show to. It's 9 minutes long, it still is ground breaking in many ways even though it is 25 years old. I fell in love with Bauhaus the first time I heard them, and they still remain one of my favorite bands.	NaNoWriMo I just love the NaNoWriMo challenge. It is a wonderful, inspiring concept which brings thousands of budding authors together with one single aim, writing a 50,000 word novel in one month. This more than anything I've ever done before, this generates creativity in abundance and is one organization I am always happy to support as it does so much to help writers bring their ideas to life, and in a world where there is so much sadness, we all need stories to give us hope.
Greek Literature I love all the Greek Myths, after all if you're in to fantasy how can you not? These guys invented the mythical creatures we're still writing about today.	Rock Music In all my stories I imagine the music my characters are listening to is rock music, Linken Park, AC/DC, Black Sabbath... the list is endless, so when you're reading The Demon Magician or Crazy for Alice, check them out.	Chocolate I love chocolate. It's my personal addiction and if you ever wondered why - follow the link.
Caves I've been fascinated with caves ever since I read The Longest Journey about Mammoth Caves. Alchemyne - the novel I'm currently working on, is based on a race that live underground, slaves to their surface dwelling gods. Check out this amazing video to see the beauty in the underground world.	Hammer House of Horror These amazing gothic horror films heavily influenced how I styled Ella and Jonathan's magic show: loads of fake blood, over the top theatrics, props and obscenely opulent backdrops and settings. I'm really not sure if some of these wonderful movies are still shown on TV, but I'm sure you will find clips on youtube. By today's standards the effects are poor, plots even poorer and horror almost comical, but they still cast a certain spell on me at least...	Everything Japan Japan is one of the coolest countries in the world. Fashion, technology, music, food, comics, films and cosmetics to die for - the Japanese have it all and it's also one of the most beautiful countries I've ever seen.
Temples How can you not be influenced by the history behind the oriental temples? I love going to them to find out what the future has planned for me and wishing for good-luck and fortune for my friends and family.	Nature I started going on hikes and exploring nature more when I moved to Hong Kong, and that's why Matthew is a gardener in the story of The Demon Magician - so I could relive the beauty in the forest and gardens.	Paradise Beaches Thailand, Malaysia and The Maldives were the influence for Lagona - the island in a story that I've been working on about Adam - the son of a simple fisherman who tends an ancient machine that is their only defense against the giant wave which threatens to drown the world.
Hong Kong I'm lucky enough to live in Hong Kong. I love everything about it, from the skyscrapers, markets and luxury malls - to the trails, waterfalls and diverse food. More than anything else - I love the people. Hong Kong is where my heart is - check it out for yourself.	Magic Who doesn't like the idea that you can make a real love spell or conjure an angel. That's why I wrote The Demon Magician, so I could see the magic in the real world too.