Sam Collins
My Story
What's on my book shelf? Eye of the World by Robert Jordan, A Time of Dread by John Gwynn, Blood Song by Anthony Ryan, The Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb, The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Most rewatched films? Spotlight, Howl's Moving Castle, Warrior
Favourite TV Shows? Always Sunny, Jujutsu Kaisen, Severance, Succession, Solo Leveling
Best game I have played? Left 4 Dead
Who do I listen to? Redman, My Chemical Romance
If I had to practise a sport? Snowboarding
What superpower would I chose? Telekinesis
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I was born July 1992 in North London. When I was ten my dad bought me Beyond the Deepwoods (by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell) to read for a school trip. It was that series, The Edge Chronicles, that gave me an emotional connection to reading. I still flick through it to this day.
Around the age of thirteen I wrote (by hand) a script for a fourth Lord of the Rings' film. It was a horrid story that followed a descendant of Aragon searching for an elemental weapon to destroy the ring (as the fires of Mount Doom only nullified the ring's power). Needless to say, I didn't understand copyright. And, the script was awful.
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Taking a break from my writing, I completed a BA in Film and Broadcast Production. Not only did it deepen my appreciation for film, but it also helped me better grasp the craft of storytelling.
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For both reading and writing, the fantasy genre is the one I most enjoy. In regards to writing, it's incredibly fulfilling. You can create a reality like no other, with new creatures, languages, religions, etc. You can create an entire new world. As for reading, the fantasy genre inspires me. When I read about soaring over the peaks of mountains or great battles, it ignites a creative passion within me.
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I do try to read further afield, since it is beneficial for a writer to be fully immersed into the world of writing. It can also help you grow as a person. However, I must admit, I struggle to maintain an interest in books that are not fantasy.