An interview with Avien Gray
In this interview, Avien Gray reflects on what first inspired him to write, the emotional challenges he faced while creating the book, the deeply personal connection he holds with one of his central characters, and the message he hopes readers will carry with them long after turning the final page. What emerges is a portrait of a writer driven by truth, defined by loss, and determined to shine a light on the humanity that endures even in the darkest of times.
What inspired you to start writing?
A tragic reality inspired me to start writing. As it says in an author’s profile on Amazon:
Avien Gray, the English author behind “Rough Diamond Rough Justice,” brings a wealth of experience to his gripping debut novel. Born in the UK, Gray has led a dynamic, bachelor’s life marked by an impressive array of skills and global adventures. He has a driver’s license, motorbike license, and pilot’s license. His physical discipline extends to martial arts, where he earned a karate black belt, complemented by a lifelong passion for photography that captures the world through his discerning lens.
Gray’s rumoured travels paint the picture of a man unbound by borders. He is said to have spent many months in Saudi Arabia, Australia, the USA, South Africa, Europe and China. This rich tapestry of experiences infuses his writing with authenticity, lending a vivid, worldly edge to the thrilling narrative of his complex protagonist: a man called Cain.”
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
To give you a degree of perspective: When I was fifteen years old, a good friend was killed in a motorbike accident. By the age of 21, six more friends had tragically died in car accidents, or because of unexpected medical conditions. And for the rest of my life, more died in car accidents, from unexpected medical conditions and in military action. It was a continuously recurring tragic part of my life; it never went away.
Therefore, the hardest part – as words were written – was going back in time and once again, coming to terms with reality.
During my life, I met with many people who lived in extreme ways. Some good and tragically, some bad. Con men and perpetual liars, who lived in a world of deceit, theft and corruption, causing financial loss and other tragic situations.
Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?
In real life, my best friend and I shared a flat and went out with various female friends together, we had a had a great time. As it says in “Rough Diamond Rough Justice” when Cain is talking with his best friend: a Royal Protection Officer.
‘We will have to write that book when we retire,’ Cain said.
They looked at each other with knowing smiles – for a long few seconds.
‘All those secrets,’ said Jerry. ‘Perhaps we will.’
And time moved on.
But in real life my best friend tragically died – leaving me to write our book alone.
What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
I want readers to take away the feeling they will always have people to protect them, people to safeguard them. And especially now, in this somewhat tragic, modern-day world, I want readers to believe they will rise above the hatred, the violence and the corruptness in our governments. They will survive.
Praise for Rough Diamond - Rough Justice
“Rough Diamond, Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is a riveting spy thriller that seamlessly blends electrifying elements of espionage, adrenaline-charged action, and daring escapades.
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion
“A gripping high-stakes thriller, “Rough Diamond - Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is driven by the urgent question of whether one can ever truly escape a dark and violent past.”
The Coffee Pot Book Club
“Avien Gray’s Rough Diamond, Rough Justice is a gritty and cinematic thriller that follows Cain, a former professional photographer turned MI5 surveillance agent, as he navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and violence.”
Literary Titan
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment