), then Joe Abercrombie should be an author whose work is at the top of your reading list.

Joe burst onto the scene in 2006 with his darkly violent, funny, and freshThe First Lawfantasy trilogy.

The results were again hugely enjoyable.

What different pressure has this added to the writing process?

Its meant a tight turnaround, but then the books are a lot shorter than my others have been.

Youre known for a very adult throw in of fantasy.

So why the switch into Young Adult (kind of)?

Honestly, the acorn hasnt fallen all that far from the tree.

What would I say to convince my Mum to read this, or any of your other work?

Mum, hey, hey read this right now.

If you dont, the author will have me killed.

The Uruk Hai are already on their way.

I can hear them marching, in my dreams.

So with this in mind what were your inspirations and research required for the new books?

My big inspirations were really the books I read as a kid.

Do you think writing for a slightly different audience has reinvigorated your writing?

Recharged the batteries so to speak?

Its definitely been good to try something new.

The First Law trilogy is the work youre best known for.

Eight years on from The Blade Itself being published, how do you feel about those three books?

I feel the house they paid for is beautiful.

Theyre fantastic, fantastic books.

Everyone should read them.

Or at least buy them.

Do you have a favourite of them all?

I thinkThe Blade Itselfhas an impact of newness, a kind of rough-edged exuberance you cant necessarily repeat.

Which character do you enjoy writing for the most?

Generally, whichever one is pissing me off the least at any given moment.

What can we expect in the future?

Undoubtedly the emergence of new economic powers throughout the world will cause continued political and social upheaval.

Does fantasy need a certain grimness/darkness these days to be a) taken seriously, and b) successful?

No, I dont think so.

Whats your average day/week like as a writer?

How was making the leap into writing full-time?

I never had to storm out of the office telling everyone I was better than them now.

What first made you want to become a writer?

Was it a certain book you read, or lack of them?

I was always a big reader of fantasy as a kid, player of roleplaying games etc.

From conception of an idea to publishing, how long does it generally take to produce a book?

These shorter books have been more in the 6-10 month range.

Do you think its important for writers to be approachable?

No one in the universe anywhere is more humble and easygoing than me.

But I also think people can get carried away with that side of things.

In the end its the writing that will make you a success.

Finally, one piece of advice to aspiring writers out there?

Every day, get dressed.

Joe Abercrombie, thank you very much!