Wow, the last Monday of 2019! And what a CSR Discussion to end it on with Hypno-trouble. Did you happen to read this laugh-out-loud horror of hypnosis? Not sure if it's horrifically embarrassing or hilariously endearing at the way the couples are acting in the story. What did you think? Before you comment, of course, enjoy this interview with Palantir first! 

Chocolate or Vanilla? - Chocolate is ok but I'll put myself in the vanilla camp.

If you were an animal, what would you be? - If we're going by characteristics I'd say a labrador. If we're going by choice, I regard dolphins with wonder and awe, so I'll go a step further and say orca.

If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be? - Good grief! It takes me months sometimes to decide on a story title. - Hm! I've made a snap decision on 'No Man's Land' as it gives a sense of the otherness of my orientation (strong for my generation) as well as the otherness of my outlook.

Is there a literary character (in the whole universe of fiction) that you’ve read who you really identified with? - I'm one of those readers who gets so immersed in a (good) story the characters are real, so in a way I identify with the heroes/protagonists of all the great novels I've read. - Yes, Will Stanton in the Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper.

What’s the best part of being an author? - This changes with time and situation. Sometimes it's a sense of achievement. At one stage when I was confronted with my mortality it was a sense of legacy. Sometimes it's that special gift from a reader when they share that something has touched their heart or mind. 

Many of your stories have a lighter element, but Hypno-Trouble takes that even further. What prompted this fun teenager take on the theme of hypnosis?  - I was purely and simply trying my hand at a new genre. At one stage there were a number of 'mind-control' sites and Hypno-Trouble was my take on what was usually a much darker story-line.

Where did you get your information about the hypnotic elements for the story? - In my younger days there used to be shows by hypnotists travelling the countryside which amazed me, and in my late teens I read a number of books on the subject out of curiosity. 

What would you say this story is more about… revenge, karma, or hilarious fun?  - Purely for fun, with a bit of a plot-line to hold it all together.

Do you have a favorite scene in Hypno-Trouble?  - The imagery of the situation and what's going through the Jerry's mind when he's sitting in his car, realising he's walked past several groups of people while wearing his jocks outside his jeans.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your current or upcoming work? - My current work, Widderkin, is my first attempt at the 'Fantasy' genre and is very close to a finish.  It has adventures in Australian wild settings then the Realms of Faerie. Life matters have interfered recently and I'm also battling with a bout of writer's block but that will pass.

Don't forget to share your thoughts on Hypno-trouble!