Author Interview: James Field

Today I’ll be interviewing British author James Field whom I met on Goodreads. I read and reviewed his short story titled ‘A Professor’s Conundrum’ and enjoyed it thoroughly. I then thought of interviewing him for my blog insaneowl.com as I think he writes the most marvellous short stories and has a lot up his sleeve in the line of spiritual literature as well. James Field is a man of many talents and with a vast repertoire of short stories and it is such a pleasure to have him here on insaneowl.com.

Biography

James Field was born in Essex, England, in 1951.

His early days of work in the electronic industry led him to Norway where he met his future wife Kari. She moved to England where they married and raised their two daughters.

Kari and James now live far in the north of Norway, well within the arctic circle, in the land of the midnight sun where life is slow and comfortable, and where unspoiled nature flourishes unabashed in all its magnificent moods.

Interview

Fiza: First up I want to say how much I loved your website and your Cloud Brother Series books. Where did you come up with the idea of the ‘Cloud Brothers’?

James: My brother, eighteen months older than me, and I shared a bedroom when we were young. Even at 6 or 7 years old, we would lie in bed at night and make up stories together. We’d take turns telling the story, each leaving the other in some impossible situation they had to escape before continuing. In all our stories, we travelled around in an aeroplane disguised as a cloud—our safe haven in every adventure. That’s why we called ourselves “The Cloud Brothers.” We’d get so excited and loud that, more than once, our dad had to come up, slipper in hand, to remind us to keep it down and go to sleep!

Fiza: Tell my readers more about yourself and the books you write.

James: Our stories were packed with crooks, scoundrels, dragons, and ghoulies as kids. They felt alive and utterly real in my young mind, sparking an imagination that’s kept me company ever since. Ordinary life—school, university, a career, and starting a family—naturally put a hold on storytelling. But around the age of fifty, I found I couldn’t keep that imagination bottled up any longer, and Gathering Clouds was born. Unsurprisingly, it’s about two brothers with the surname Cloud. Only this time, they’re piloting a homemade flying saucer, and the villains are aliens bent on invading Earth.

Fiza: You have said that Roald Dahl was your author inspiration. Can you share with my readers the reason for it, and which is your favorite Roald Dahl book?

James: I was eighteen when Tales of the Unexpected, a British TV series, first aired in 1979. Each episode was a brilliantly twisted story with sinister, often darkly funny undertones and an unexpected twist at the end. They were based on Roald Dahl’s short stories from collections like Tales of the Unexpected, Kiss Kiss, and Someone Like You. After watching the series, I devoured all his adult short stories. Later, when I read his children’s books to my kids, I was delighted to find he was just as masterful in that genre.

My favourite short story is The Landlady, a chilling tale of 17-year-old Billy Weaver’s first—and last—stay at a peculiar bed and breakfast. The landlady seems perfectly pleasant initially, but she harbours a dark secret involving her taxidermy skills. It’s a dark, terrifying story that showcases Dahl’s unique ability to mix humour with horror in the most unforgettable way.

Fiza: How many books and short stories have you written so far and where can we easily purchase these titles?

James: I’ve lost track, but I’m nearing 30 books and short stories! The easiest place to find them is on Amazon, where you’ll find a complete list on my author page. Here’s the link to browse and discover which book catches your eye first.

Fiza: Tell my readers about your life prior to your retirement and your life as an automation engineer?

James: It wasn’t until after I retired that I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. This helped me understand why I’d often felt like an alien in my own world and avoided social gatherings as much as possible. Life as an automation engineer suited me perfectly—I could work independently, designing, programming, and commissioning automation systems. I’m one of those people who gets completely absorbed in work, so much so that I often wouldn’t even look up! It was a career that let me focus intensely and thrive in my own way.

Fiza: Which was the first book you ever published?

James: The first book I wrote, and the first book I published is actually different. In my late forties, I went through a period of deep depression rooted in the harrowing memories of a turbulent childhood. My father was a violent man, and to release those suppressed memories, I wrote an 80,000-word manuscript about my experiences. Writing it was like unlocking and emptying a part of my mind that had been hidden for years. Today, I’ve found peace and forgiveness—I understand my father likely had an even harder upbringing than mine. That manuscript remains private, shared only with my wife.

The first book I published, though, was Gathering Clouds—and it was wonderful to share that story with the world.

Fiza: Choose one of the following and then give a reason for your choice:

Roald Dahl, H.G. Wells, Jack London, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

James: That’s a tough choice! Roald Dahl stands out for his brilliant storytelling style, H.G. Wells for sparking my love of science fiction, Jack London for opening my eyes to the wild outdoors, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle for introducing me to heroes with extraordinary skills. But if I had to choose, I’d put Roald Dahl on the pedestal. I admire his unique voice and the way he mixes dark humour with unexpected twists, and I try to bring a touch of that magic into my own writing.

Fiza: My favorite Roald Dahl book will have to be ‘The Witches’. It was the first one I read very late in life when I was in the 8^th grade but since that book, I’ve been a Roald Dahl fan. What is your opinion of ‘The Witches’? Which Roald Dahl book made you a forever fan of his work?

James: Oh yes, The Witches—what a wonderfully imaginative story! It’s partly set in England and partly in Norway, the two countries I have lived in. While it’s not my favourite, I can still appreciate its charm. I was already an adult, about 30, when it was published, so I wasn’t drawn to children’s books then. But The Witches is a memorable adventure, a wildly inventive and slightly sinister tale about a young boy and his fearless grandmother uncovering the terrifying truth about “real” witches. It’s full of charm, frights, and that classic Dahl twist.

My favourite of his children’s books is Matilda. But what truly made me a forever fan of Dahl was his collection Kiss Kiss, published in 1960, which is packed with his brilliant short stories for adults. It even includes “The Champion of the World,” a story he later adapted into Danny the Champion of the World for children. Kiss Kiss cemented my admiration for his dark, clever storytelling style.

Fiza: Who are your author inspirations or mentors? How have they inspired your science fiction works?

James: My father was a huge science fiction fan, and our bookshelves were filled with the classics: E. E. “Doc” Smith, Isaac Asimov, H.G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ray Bradbury. I started reading them as a young teenager, and their stories became etched in my mind. Many brilliant sci-fi authors have emerged since, but those early classics remain my strongest influences.

When I write, I often think, “How would one of them have written this scene?” In a way, my work is a tribute to those legends who shaped the genre and sparked my love for science fiction. Their imaginative worlds and thought-provoking ideas constantly inspire me to bring the same sense of wonder and adventure to my own stories.

Fiza: I really enjoyed reading your short story ‘The Professors Conundrum’ and gave it a 5-star rating easily. How did you go about creating that beautiful piece? Is it part of a larger book?

James: The Professor’s Conundrum isn’t part of a larger book. Still, the main character, Professor Morris Masterson, does appear in many of my other books and stories. He’s a character, a secret British agent, who explores the truth behind stories of alien intervention and things that go bump in the night.

My fascination with the mystery of life’s creation inspired this particular story. The Bible describes the world being created in six days, with rest on the seventh. My logical mind struggles with that timeframe, yet I find the sequence of events strangely accurate.

This “conundrum” of creation has many conflicting theories, each trying to explain the origins of life and the universe. In this story, I let Professor Masterson explore these questions with his blend of logic and curiosity, leading readers, despite their convictions, toward a conclusion that I hope, leaves a big question mark floating in their minds.

Fiza: I personally prefer writing short stories to full length novels because of my hectic schedule more than anything else. What about you, do you prefer writing novels or short stories?

I’ve written short stories, novellas, and full-length novels; for me, it’s not really about finding the time. It’s more about what the characters want to say. They “talk” to me as I write, and just like real people, some of them have brief stories to tell, while others need the space of an entire novel. It’s hard to explain, but each story’s length seems to come naturally, depending on how much the characters have to share.

Fiza: You recently read and reviewed my short story ‘Caste Metal’ and wrote a beautiful review about it. Was it shocking to you to see human beings behaving this way in the name of religion or have you experienced worse case scenarios in your own life?

James: This is a serious question; honestly, it makes my blood boil. Religion is often a topic people avoid because it can lead to heated arguments, but it’s impossible to ignore the atrocities that have been—and continue to be—committed in its name. Sometimes, I find myself questioning whether certain aspects of religion are twisted to justify actions that go completely against its intended teachings.

Think about it: did Buddha, Moses, Jesus, or Muhammad ever teach us to harm our neighbours if they don’t share our beliefs? Did any of them encourage the abuse of those who are weaker? Did they ever suggest we build grand temples filled with gold and riches to honour them? Absolutely not. And yet, many people misuse these teachings for power, control, and even cruelty.

Your short story, Fiza, Caste Metal, does an incredible job of highlighting the darker side of religious history. It’s a painful reminder that, although centuries have passed, similar injustices still happen in parts of the world today.

Fiza: Choose one from the following and give a reason for your answer:

What On Earth, Pink Water, Clouds Over Planet X, Timeless Peace

James: What on Earth, because it was my first published book and laid the foundation for everything that came after. It’s where my journey as an author truly began, and it set the tone for the stories and worlds I’ve created since.

Fiza: If you were trapped on a desert island, which book would you rather be trapped with from the following and why. Remember you can only choose one:

The Gospel of Buddha, Matilda, The Panchatantra, The Collected Short Stories of Roald Dahl

James: The Gospel of Buddha because it’s the one book among the choices that would calm my soul and offer guidance for living a content and meaningful life. On a deserted island, I’d want something that helps me find inner peace and strength, and this book would do precisely that.

Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with The Panchatantra, so it isn’t possible for me to consider it among the given choices.

Fiza: Are you currently working on a new project? Tell my readers something about that project.

James: Oh my gosh—where do I even start? I actually have three projects on the go right now! Every time I get going on one, a new idea pops up, and suddenly, I’m juggling more than I planned. Here’s a quick look at each one:

Project 1: The Bell Tower Suite

I’m reworking my popular short story The Bell Tower Suite—It’s been well-loved on Amazon, but some readers found it a bit too short and wished for a spookier ending. So, I’m diving back in and expanding it into a novella-length chiller. This new version will have plenty of goosebumps, hair-raising moments, and an ending that’ll knock readers’ socks off. No more “too short” or “not spooky enough”

Project 2: Sacred Harmony: Shared Wisdom from Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

This one’s close to my heart. In Sacred Harmony, I explore the universal values of compassion, kindness, humility, and inner peace found across these spiritual traditions. With reflections, practical exercises, and real-life stories, this project aims to inspire readers to find common ground through empathy, respect, and community. It’s about embracing the values that unite us.

Project 3: My Untold Story, Reimagined

Remember the private book I mentioned about my childhood? I’m considering transforming it into a psychological thriller, blending real-life memories with a suspenseful, fictional twist. It would be a way to camouflage those personal experiences and bring them to life in a new, mysterious way.

So, Fiza, maybe your readers can help me choose which one to focus on first! I’d love their input.

Fiza: Have you already written your Magnum Opus or is it still to come? Tell my readers a bit more about that work or work in progress.

James: Every story I write feels like my Magnum Opus—until the next one comes along! Each project holds a special place in my heart and seems like the best I can give at that moment. My true Magnum Opus might still be ahead of me as I constantly learn and evolve with each new story. The joy of writing is that there’s always something more to explore and create. I have so many stories waiting to be written that I will have to live until I’m 120!

Fiza: You have recently published a book titled ‘Timeless Peace: Buddha’s Teachings for Modern Life’. I have been reading this book and have really been inspired by the way a science fiction writer has managed to fall in love with the Gospel of Buddha. What made you write this book?

James: I didn’t start off as a spiritual seeker. I grew up in a strict Roman Catholic household where fear was as much a part of our faith as prayer. God was a stern, judgmental figure who would strike you down if you didn’t toe the line. In God’s eyes, Christians have one lifetime to achieve perfection; then, you either go to heaven or burn for all eternity in hell’s infernos.

Later in life, I rejected religion. Like many people, I was caught up in the day-to-day grind, convinced that success and fulfilment would come from ticking off every item on my to-do list. But the more I achieved, the more elusive peace became. I constantly chased deadlines and milestones, always wondering why I still felt so stressed.

When I started exploring mindfulness and meditation, I stumbled across the teachings of the Buddha. At first, I was sceptical. Buddha’s story felt distant, ancient, and almost irrelevant to my fast-paced, tech-driven world. But the more I read, the more I began to see parallels between his teachings and the challenges I was facing.

The beauty of Buddha’s teachings lies in their simplicity. At their core, they’re about understanding the nature of the mind, managing desire and attachment, and cultivating inner peace. And while they were developed in a very different time, their lessons can be adapted to our modern challenges. Whether it’s learning to let go of the constant craving for more or finding stillness amidst the noise of daily life, Buddha’s insights offered a path toward a more balanced, fulfilling existence. Best of all, we’re given a limitless number of reincarnations to learn and reach heaven.

Before writing Timeless Peace, I published Son of Peace: A Modern Historical Novel of Buddha, where I shared Buddha’s story in a clear, engaging way. Buddha introduces his core teachings in that book: the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. While these ideas are fundamental to Buddhism, I felt readers might wonder if they’re relevant or practical in today’s world.

Timeless Peace: Buddha’s Teachings for Modern Life is my answer to that question. In this book, I explore how these timeless teachings can be applied to modern life, offering guidance and inspiration that anyone can use, regardless of their beliefs.

Fiza: Tell my readers more about ‘Timeless Peace: Buddha’s Teachings for Modern Life.’

James: As I was writing Timeless Peace, my main goal was to take Buddha’s profound teachings and make them accessible for anyone living in today’s fast-paced world. We all struggle with stress, uncertainty, and the pressures of modern life, and I wanted to explore how ancient wisdom can offer practical guidance. In this book, I break down the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path into sections that are easy to digest and, most importantly, easy to apply.

Fiza: If you had to choose between science fiction and inspirational literature, which one would you choose and why?

James: Hmm… that’s a tough one! The characters in my science fiction novels clamour to be heard, constantly pulling me into their worlds. At the same time, my interest in spirituality is a part of me that can’t be ignored. Life is continually changing, as are the choices we make. Honestly, I don’t think I could choose between the two—I’d probably have to toss a coin!

Fiza: How in the world did you land up working in the Arctic? Has that influenced your books in any way?

James: I worked for a large company in England with projects all over the world. At the age of 20, I was sent to Norway to modify one of their installations. That assignment took me to the Arctic for six months, and by 1985, I had made Norway my permanent home.

So far, the Arctic hasn’t influenced my published writing. Still, I do have three partially finished novels set in Norway’s Arctic regions. One day, I’ll get around to finishing them. There’s something uniquely mysterious about the landscape, Sami people, and shamanism up here that’s just waiting to be told!

Fiza: Does your Norwegian wife enjoy your books and gives you the space to write your literature?

James: My wife is my harshest critic, and I owe a lot to her honest feedback—without it, my books wouldn’t be the same. I’m no ordinary man, though; my imagination runs wild at epic levels, which doesn’t always impress my long-suffering wife of fifty years! She often grumbles about my unsociable habit of writing at all hours, yet somehow, she puts up with it. Fortunately, she can’t resist my other charms (what they are, I’ll leave to your imagination).

Fiza: Tell my readers more about your Norwegian wife and how you two met each other?

James: We met in a café in the town where I was working for the English firm I mentioned earlier. Two beautiful girls walked in—one tall and blonde, the other dark-haired and petite. It may sound corny, but the moment the dark haired girl’s eyes met with mine, I felt an intense sense of déjà vu, as if I’d known her forever. I remember thinking, There she is—my soul mate. I’m convinced we’ve known each other in a past life.

She’s a marvellous woman who has stood by me through thick and thin, and together we have two fantastic daughters. She even returned to England with me and lived there for 13 years before we decided to make Norway our permanent home in 1985. I love her to death and couldn’t ask for a better partner.

Fiza: Where do you normally write your books?

James: I have an office in our house with a beautiful, uninterrupted view of a fjord and the hills beyond. It’s the perfect place to write! My desk and PC share space with my keyboard, where I spend an hour practising each day. It’s a peaceful setup that inspires both my writing and my music.

Fiza: What are you currently reading? Where do you do most of your reading?

James: Reading can be unsociable, so I spend an hour reading aloud to my wife each evening. This way, we can enjoy the story together. We get through many books, mostly cosy mysteries and true stories. Right now, we’ve just started We Solve Murders by Richard Osman. It’s a lovely way to end the day!

Fiza: How can my readers contact you or chat with you about books and other bookish content?

James: Unfortunately (smack on the wrist), I don’t have a Facebook page. But I can be found at GOODREADS, James Field (Author of The Bell Tower Suite) or AMAZON, Amazon.co.uk: James Field: books, biography, latest update or on my WEBSITE. If anyone would like to join my weekly newsletter, I’m giving away a collection of short stories, including The Professor’s conundrum, HERE.

Conclusion

Fiza: I really enjoyed interviewing James Field on my blog insaneowl.com today. You can find all of James Field’s books easily on Amazon. Please feel free to reach out to him on Goodreads as well as his website and do check out his amazing books. I hope to interview James once again soon in the near future on this blog which contains quality bookish content always.

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