You may not realise it but you’ve probably come across Faringdon author Paul Cornell’s work in one way or another. Paul is best known for his involvement with Doctor Who - he wrote three episodes in the last three series as well as several Who novels, scripts for audio and internet-based Who adventures and several other sci-fi, comic strip and TV-related books. However,  he’s also written for other TV shows including Holby City, Casualty, Robin Hood, Children’s Ward and soap operas Springhill and Coronation Street! I caught up with Paul to find out a bit more about his life.

Where do you live?

In Faringdon.

Family?

My wife, Caroline.  My parents live over in Wiltshire.

What was your first job and where has your career gone since then?

Half a day of temp work, putting frozen meat through a circular saw.

Since lunchtime on that day, I've been a freelance writer.

How/why did you become an author?

Having failed at being an astronomer, left the course and very poor, there was nothing else I could do.

Who or what inspires you in your work?

It's almost impossible to say.  Everyone has good ideas, writers write them down and keep them.

Aside from writing what other interests do you have?

Cricket, boardgames, the thriving (if under threat) musical life of Faringdon.

What are your plans for the future?

A new novel next year, more comics, hopefully my own series.

What's your favourite local shop?

The White Horse Bookshop in Faringdon.

Favourite local pub or restaurant?

The Portwell Bar and Bistro.  It's my local and I'm very rarely out of it.

Which is your favourite book?

My favourite book is probably The Most Dangerous Enemy, a history of the Battle of Britain by Stephen Bungay.

Favourite film or TV show?

A Matter of Life and Death with David Niven, and, for the TV show, Veronica Mars.  (Doctor Who isn't a TV show, it's a lifestyle choice.)

Desert island choices - one book, one song, one luxury:

The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene (incredible popular cosmology), Kate Bush's 'Sunset' (from her latest album), and an internet-connected PC please.

To find out more about Paul Cornell and his work, visit his website at

paulcornell.blogspot.com/