Today we chat to Peter Carvell about his new book ‘Older? Yes. Old? Never’, which explores how to ‘plan your future, stay young and have fun’. Find out what inspired the book, hear a bit about Peter’s previous work, and there’s also some advice for those among you looking to get published in the future (maybe when you’re older)…
About your book:
Tell us a bit about your new book ‘Older? Yes! Old? Never!’
It is aimed at the 45-plus market, on planning the ‘third act’ of their lives (the 30 years after 50).
What was the initial inspiration for writing it?
The ending of the default retirement age this month should change all our lives, and the book shows how we can take advantage of this to have the best years of our lives.
Do you have any advice for others out there who’d like to get a book published?
Write it and then shunt it everywhere, especially the smaller publishers. If all else fails, publish it yourself on Amazon.
Are there any writers you look up to yourself?
Enormous number, but especially Hemingway, Eliot, and Le Carre.
Any plans for a future update or companion piece on ‘Older? Yes! Old?
Never!’?
Yes; special books on money, lifestyle, health and sex for this market.
About your work:
Apart from ‘Older…’, what has been your favourite writing assignment so far in your career?
‘A Profile of Lisbon’, ‘Modern Italian Painters’, ‘The Great 20th Century Conspiracies’.
What’s your process when undertaking a new piece?
Research and research; condense it into a writing brief, and then write without looking at it for the first draft.
Are there any other features, books or interviews you’d still love the chance to do?
Yes. I’d love to write a book on the life of the billionaires, do a TV interview with Tony Blair, and investigate the world of beauty to find out how much is useful to us and how much is a scam.
About you and PRs:
Where do you source ideas for articles/features/etc?
From things I read and from reader responses.
How can PRs be useful to you?
Always happy to hear from those who have a client of interest.
How and when do you like them to get in touch?
By email first.
Do you find press conferences, trips, parties and other events useful or an interruption?
In general I have little time for parties etc., but I travel a great deal writing about property and travel, and find a good press trip invaluable.
If you could make one change to the way PRs deal with you, what would it be?
Contact less, but make a strong pitch when a client really has something to offer.
About you:
What is the last film you watched/book you read?
Last film was ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’. Last book was ‘Poker’.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing now?
Painting. I have a studio and paint for an exhibition each year.
If a film were made about your life, who would you choose to play you?
Colin Firth.
More information on ‘Older? Yes. Old? Never!’ can be found here.
[img|jpg|Peter Carvell]