Reviving reflections on writing

A writer is always a philanthropist too. Glen R. Stansfield, who recently completed his debut novel “Fishing for Stones,” proves it both in his words and deeds. Born in Rossendale, in the Lancashire Pennines, Glen R. Stansfield grew up with a freedom and innocence that he believes children no longer enjoy.

Revisiting his childhood days, Glen feels the magic of playing that was a product of the imagination– a tree trunk became a pirate ship, a stick was used as a sword, all done without the aid of electronics.

At the age of 16 and after his first year of A-level studies, Glen left school to take up apprenticeship as a radio engineer with an airline at Blackpool Airport. His job brought him to Bahrain with his wife and three wonderful kids.

Glen is an active member of the Bahrain Writers’ Circle, a meeting place of several published authors in a variety of genres. He rekindled his skills in writing three years ago when he revived the ‘half-baked’ first chapter of a novel that he began to write about 20 years ago.

But Glen had to ignore that chapter and start from the scratch to complete “Fishing for Stones.” Now he is working on his second book, “Harry”. Apart from writing, he is usually found on two-wheelers to raise money for charity activities.

DT News caught up with this writer cum aircraft engineer, who has an interest in crime, particularly in forensic psychology.  Glen. R. Stansfield speaks about his debut novel “Fishing for Stones” and his other interests. Excerpts:

1. What did inspire you to write this book? How do you recall your interest in writing originated?

When I was working on North Sea Helicopters, it struck me how easy it would be to steal one from where I worked. That hunch planted the seed for the story of the novel “Fishing for Stones”.

I suppose my interest in writing started in primary school. The headmaster encouraged us to use our imagination and write short stories. I always read a lot. So I think it’s inevitable that with the sort of encouragement I had at an early age, I would have a go at writing.

2. How did you land in such a curious title for your book? What’s the message do you want to convey to the readers?

Diamonds are sometimes known as ‘stones’. Several people have an interest in catching these particular ones, hence the word ‘fishing’. There are more to it, but that would give away the story. There are several issues tackled in the book- blood diamonds, war, morality etc. But above all, it’s meant to entertain.

3. How long did you take to finish the novel?

It took about three years overall, although the first chapter was started more than 20 years ago and then I gave up. Two years ago, I started writing seriously about it.

4. Is there anything you find challenging in your writing?

Getting the details right. I spend almost as many hours for research as I spend for writing. When the ‘true’ things in the book are accurate, the ‘lies’ in the story are much more believable.

5. About your passion for two-wheelers and using it for charity…

I started riding two-wheelers when I was 17. I gave it up when I had my own family. Once I came back to it, I realized how much it defined me. It’s a part of me. I’ve been involved with the charity Riders for Health since 2005. I took part in an Enduro event in South Africa in 2006, which supplied motorcycles to the charity for use by medical staff in Zimbabwe.

I have involved in an annual event for them at Silverstone Racing Circuit in the UK.  I also instigated a motorcycle show in Scotland in concert with the local Rotarians, part of the proceeds from that go to the riders.

6. How do you feel as an active member of Bahrain Writers’ Circle and what more do you expect from the circle?

I have always been wary of joining any group. But in Bahrain Writers’ Circle, there are writers in all stages of development and I am learning so much from them. I hope to be able to contribute myself one day. I would encourage anyone, who is writing anything at all, to come along to one of the meetings.

7. What’s it about your upcoming book “Harry”?

“Harry” is set in modern day London. After a series of attacks on homeless people, one of which turns into a murder, a number of bodies crop up in public places. This time it isn’t the homeless, who are being attacked, but criminals. Once a Special Forces soldier, Harry is now roaming the streets protecting the citizens.