Chris Bradford has earned his black belt in Tai-jutsu, the secret fighting art of the ninja. He has also trained in judo, karate, kickboxing and samurai swordmanship.

Before writing Young Samurai, Chris was a professional musician and songwriter. He lives in the South Downs with his wife and two cats called Tigger and Rhubarb.

Let your training commence at www.youngsamurai.com 

Place of birth and birthday?

What is your favourite book?

IT by Stephen King. The scariest, and his best. The book is terrifying and deals with childhood fears that enter the adult world. A clown, who is often the source of laughter, becomes the focus of fear. Yet Stephen King is not just a Horror writer; he also wrote brilliant stories such as The Green Mile, Stand By Me and The Shawshank Redemption. Check them out!

What is your favourite song?

Fields of Gold by Sting. This song was performed at my wedding, but my wife-to-be was late to the ceremony and so the poor musicians had to play it five times before she actually arrived!

What is your favourite film?

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The action scenes are magical and literally defy gravity, they’re like fighting ballerinas, and it features one of the greatest female movie martial artists, Michelle Yeoh.

Wha...

Place of birth and birthday?

What is your favourite book?

IT by Stephen King. The scariest, and his best. The book is terrifying and deals with childhood fears that enter the adult world. A clown, who is often the source of laughter, becomes the focus of fear. Yet Stephen King is not just a Horror writer; he also wrote brilliant stories such as The Green Mile, Stand By Me and The Shawshank Redemption. Check them out!

What is your favourite song?

Fields of Gold by Sting. This song was performed at my wedding, but my wife-to-be was late to the ceremony and so the poor musicians had to play it five times before she actually arrived!

What is your favourite film?

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The action scenes are magical and literally defy gravity, they’re like fighting ballerinas, and it features one of the greatest female movie martial artists, Michelle Yeoh.

What is your most treasured possession?

My samurai sword. The blade gleams like lightning and whistles when it cuts through the air.

When did you start writing?

I’ve been writing all my life, but mostly lyrics for songs. I didn’t start writing stories until much later, though I remember making up stories in my head as a child, especially on long car journeys to stop myself getting bored.

Where do your ideas and inspiration come from?

Inspiration comes from my own life and my travels to different countries around the world. Many of the scenes in Young Samurai have an element of truth in them, whether it be a lesson learnt, a place visited or a problem overcome. The initial idea for Young Samurai developed from the fact that I began learning martial arts at an early age and have always dreamed of what it would be like to be a true samurai.

Can you give three tips to becoming a successful author?

My three tips would be:

1) Write and read lots. Continually feed your creative side.

2) Every day try to do something that will help your writing career. It can be as big as writing a full chapter; or as small as finding out the name of the editor at a publishing company.

3) Write the story you would love to read yourself. If you get excited by it, then others will too.

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

It tends to be wherever I am going to visit next – the anticipation is great. However, if I had to choose one glorious place it would be Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, where I watched a baby elephant drink from a river – the place was so idyllic, it was like being in the Garden of Eden. Africa is the heart of the world.

What are your hobbies?

I am very lucky that my work is my hobby - reading is a great passion of mine. I love martial arts, which I do at least three times a week. I also run every day to stay fit and like to travel to far-flung places around the world.

If you hadn't been a writer, what do you think you would have been?

Prior to being a writer, I spent ten years working as a musician, so whatever I’m involved in tends to be creative. But if it was something completely different, then I would love to be an explorer. It’s great visiting different countries and lands.