Describing himself as a writer of vaguely believable tales, Keith A Pearson has released thirteen novels over the last six years. Since his first novel, The ’86 Fix, landed on Amazon’s virtual shelves in 2016, Keith has sold over 500,000 books and now writes full-time from his home in Surrey.
His latest novel, The Strange Appeal of Dougie Neil, was published last month and has already proven a hit with Keith’s loyal band of readers.
God Is In The TV caught up with Keith to find out what’s in his suitcase for a trip to his very own desert island.
God Is In The TV: Which two albums will you be taking along, Keith?
Keith A Pearson: Pet Shop Boys – Actually
I’d just turned sixteen when I bought Actually on cassette, the day it was first released (in 1987). I played it so much, I had to buy another copy within a year. Every track summons such fantastic memories of my teenage years.
Various Artists – Now That’s What I Call Music
It’s probably cheating to take a compilation album but back in the days before every song was digitised, the Now albums were a brilliant way to sample a wide variety of music. For much of the ‘80s and early ‘90s, I never left the house without my trusty Walkman and a Now double cassette.
You are also allowed two singles…
Prince Buster – ‘Enjoy Yourself’
The message in this song is simple, but it amazes me how many people fail to heed it. Enjoy yourself – it’s later than you think. Wise words.
Simple Minds – ‘Alive and Kicking’
For my sins, I’m a lifelong fan of Aldershot Town FC and this song is played before every home game. Sadly, Jim Kerr and his band have provided the only matchday entertainment for the last four seasons.
…and a TV box set?
Detectorists (three series)
I can only image the pitch for Detectorists: a comedy about middle-aged men with metal detectors hunting for ancient treasure in the English countryside. It sounds like the dullest concept for a comedy.
Despite the challenging subject material, MacKenzie Crook created one of the best British sit-coms of all time, in my humble opinion. Beautifully written, filmed, and acted, the show is a national treasure. I’ll never tire of watching the repeats, and the associated warm glow every scene invokes.
What about a film?
Forrest Gump
There’s very little I can say about this film that hasn’t already been said but looking at it from an author’s perspective, I can appreciate just how much work must have gone into writing the original story. It’s a complete one-off, and every time I watch it, I see something I haven’t noticed before.
You are allowed a book (or set of books)…
If I’m stuck on a desert island, I can think of no better reading material than Bill Bryson’s incredibly entertaining back catalogue.
The moment I first read Notes From a Small Island, I was hooked on Bill’s charming and witty way with words, and I’ve read everything ever published under his name. Honestly, he could write a book about the history of inner tubes and I guarantee it’d be fascinating and funny.
You can have access to just one radio station…what will it be?
If I can’t have Radio 1 from the ‘80s, I’ll chose a station I stumbled upon last year: 45 Radio. They only play music from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, so it’s like listening to the soundtrack of my formative years. The fact they don’t shoehorn adverts into the schedule every ten minutes is another bonus.
You are also allowed to take one of your own creations.
I’ve penned thirteen novels over the last six years so choosing only one of them to take to a desert island is akin to asking which of my children I prefer.
However, I wouldn’t be participating in this interview if I hadn’t written the first novel, The ’86 Fix (a time-travel tale set in 1986). Much to my surprise, thousands of readers purchased it and said nice things in the reviews, and it eventually proved to be the catalyst for a much unexpected change of career.
And how about a live streamed gig, from an artist of your choice?
It’s tempting to go for the obvious – Queen, Bowie, or The Beatles – but if there’s one band I’d love to see live (and I’m still planning to), it’d be Madness.
Not only do they have an eclectic catalogue of songs covering five decades, but I can imagine their gigs are a lively affair. Complete Madness (1982) was also the first album I ever purchased, and my eleven-year-old self would never forgive me for choosing another artist.
You can discover more about Keith and his novels via his website, www.keithapearson.co.uk. He’s also available on Twitter and Facebook.
