Planet Angel - Live an Ordinary Life in an Extraordinary Way

Getting under the skin of Shane’s creator
By Frani Heyns

From his very first moment at Planet Angel, Tim Orchard was hooked. With his core philosophy to live for love and creativity, he blended right in and has attended just about every party since then. This month Tim deserves the spotlight – he has just published his first novel on fictiondirect. Sit back, relax and join us as the London-based writer guides to his inspiring world of writing.

You have just published your first book, Shane. Can you give us a sneak preview and tell us more about the storyline?
I'd say Shane is a modern day western. The storyline comes from the 1954 Oscar winning film of the same name starring Alan Ladd. In the film, Shane arrives at an isolated farm in the American West. The family is harassed by the local big cattle rancher who wants their land. What I've done is take that situation and plant it in the claustrophobic atmosphere of a council estate. Shane is the stranger, the outsider. He arrives and deals with the problem in a way that members of the community cannot - then leaves.

You’ve had raving reviews so far. Readers describe Shane as “raw, edgy and convincing”; “a gaspingly easy read”; and “fabulous and edgy”. What inspired you to write this story?
I wanted to create a character who is outside of everyday society. A murderer, a criminal, someone who blurs the moral boundaries, yet someone the reader can't help rooting for. I also wanted to write a book the reader couldn't put down. So far I have been really pleased with the response.

Tell us more about the actual writing process. How long did it take to complete the book? Did you know exactly how the story would unfold before you started or did the idea gradually develop while you were writing?
Shane took me about a year to write. All I knew when I started was, he would arrive in a taxi and leave in a taxi. Oh yes, and he would meet a family. I write without notes and keep the plot in my head as I go, so it can grow organically. I turn the laptop on everyday, correct what I did the day before, maybe add or take away a few words to make it flow better and then I start writing again. I put my people in situations and the plot turns on what they say or do and I never quite know exactly what will happen next. I like this style of writing, because it keeps it very alive for me - and I hope for the reader too. I test my work by reading it out loud. If it doesn't read well, I cut and rewrite.

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements to consider when you write a book?
A cushion for your seat, as you spend a lot of time sitting down and the need to write. Writing a book isn't all about inspiration. It's about applying yourself over long periods of time. I don't know about other writers, but I want to grab you and pull into the world of my book.

Was it always one of your dreams to publish a book?
I've been writing for years but I earn my money as a carpenter. Writing isn't a hobby. It is what I do. Carpentry and all the other things I do in my life are by the by, the things I do to survive so I can write. Of course I want success, I'd be an idiot to pretend I didn't. But it is the writing, the process of it that I love.

You say that love and creativity are two of the most important things in your life. Tell us more about this inspiring revelation.
Inspiring revelation? Now you're scaring me! For me at least, love and creativity go hand in hand. Creativity isn't about writing a book or painting a picture, it's about how you live your life - it's a positive energy, as is love in all its forms.

You also believe that your writing has helped you to change, survive and love. Can you tell us more about this?
As a writer you look at all sides of a question or situation, which means your own views and morality are always up for question. You can't help but look at your own ways of acting and thinking and that hopefully allows you to become less judgemental, maybe less dogmatic. Life is long, if you can change a bit as you go along, you can usually survive. I don’t want to have the same thoughts I had 20 years ago. I want to be open and adaptable.

You are the founder of fictiondirect. Tell us more about this business venture and can other writers get in contact with you to publish their work?
I wanted to take control of the means of production. I wanted a way to get to the reader direct. But a business venture? I'm not expecting to make any money with this. In fact, with Shane now, I need to sell about another 30 books to break even. If I manage that, I'll be happy. What fictiondirect has given me is a platform, a way out into the world.
 
I would be interested in other writers contacting me. They can do that through the website www.fictiondirect.com – there is an email connection. I would only be interested in completed work, novels mostly as that is where my interest is. Also they would have to be self-motivated, because as I said, fictiondirect is a platform and a small one at the moment.

Can we expect another book from you soon?
Yes - there will be three Shane books. I've recently finished Shane Dos and I’m getting it ready for the printer just now - with a mid March publication date. I've also started writing the third book, Shane B I T D.  Shane Dos is set in Spain, 6 years earlier than Shane and in Shane B I T D you met Shane as a twelve year old.

And finally – tell us more about you and Planet Angel. When were you introduced to the party for the first time and how would you describe the experience?
I went to the first party at Imperial Gardens, Camberwell. It blew me away. The sheer openness of the people was fantastic. I went to practically every party after that night – up until about two years ago. Even now most of my friends are people I met at Planet Angel. Long may it thrive and bring joy to people the way it did to me.