How to write a Book-Iain Banks Interview Part 3 of 3

Possibly Scotland's most lucrative export since whisky, Iain Banks has written over 20 novels (including in the science fiction genre) which are read widely around the world.

Famously left-wing, Iain cut up his passport at the start of the Iraq war in 2003 and sent it to Tony Blair: "I felt ashamed to be British and that was the one symbol of Britishness that I owned." He adds: "It seemed like a good idea at the time."

Not one to do things by half, he has sold all his cars (including a BMW M5, a Porshe 911 and a Land Rover) and now drives a hybrid. "I now drive around these country roads and can actually enjoy the scenery! Plus as you get older, you know, your reflexes go a bit." He also admits to being "tickled pink" that he can get 60 miles to the gallon in his new wheels.

Wanting to be a writer from an early, Iain certainly puts the hours in. He writes for 8 hours a day and aims to hit 10-15,000 words a week. "There was no other plan for me, I said at 11 I wanted to be a novellist and 19 years later, I was an overnight success!"

"I'm really a failed political writer, I never seem to be able to get it into the fabric of the novel. You'll notice that in my mainstream books the central character always has a rant - which is basically one of mine. The science fiction ones are a bit different - you can write how you would like to see society."

Listen to the interview with Giles McMullen to hear Iain's thoughts on Margaret Thatcher, the war in Iraq and on how much he earns.


Please note this interview contains some swearing.

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[cheuche]

thx mate



[Ld0212]

@cheuche yep 2:10

[cheuche]

Anyone who heard Part 3 knows if they actually talk about Iain m Banks books?

I got impatient during part 2

thx