Elizabeth’s Chatting With…Paul K Joyce

My guest this month is multi-talented. I met him when he joined Chudleigh Writers’ Circle and we were all thrilled when he published his first novel, The Will of the People. But he is also a musician, composer, producer and actor. While he is possibly best known for his award-winning theme to Bob The Builder, his music crosses several genre. This week sees the release of his latest composition We Will Remember (We Can’t Forget) which was commissioned by the British Medical Association to commemorate all NHS workers who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am delighted to be chatting today with Paul K Joyce. 

Hello Paul and welcome to my blog. Let’s start back at the beginning. What is your earliest memory — and how old were you at the time?

I was five and remember my mother arriving home with my new sister in her arms.

What was your favourite subject at school — and which was the lesson you always wanted to avoid?

I loved science — biology, physics and chemistry. I quite enjoyed PE but hated cricket.

If you had to escape from a fire, what three things would you take with you?

As many photos as I could carry, my hard drives and my phone.

Talking about yourself, how would you finish the sentence “not a lot of people know…”?

…that I used to be a chimneysweep.

Okay, we need to hear more about that in a CWC meeting at some point. But, to continue, where is your favourite place on earth — and why?

Cadiz, Spain as I have had so many wonderful holidays there.

How do you relax?

Swimming and playing the piano.

If you knew you only had 24 hours left, how would you spend them?

I would have a really good breakfast and go for a long walk by the sea. Then I would write letters to the people I care most for in the world.

If you could change one law, what would it be?

The law that allows the mistreatment of animals in the name of mass food production.

If you could change one thing about yourself or your life so far, what would it be?

To not let ambition get in the way of personal relationships.

Describe your ideal menu — and where would you like to eat it?

Seafood linguine with a glass of chilled white Rioja followed by crème brûlée. Location: Port de Soller, Mallorca.

What would be in your ‘Room 101’?

Cars.

Hmm; in view of your previous answer, I’m not sure about this next question, but here goes: if you were a car, what type would you be — and why?

An autonomous vehicle with attitude! Driverless cars will become mandatory, I believe, and will dramatically reduce road injuries and deaths.

If you could meet one person from history, who would it be — and why?

Chopin, so that I could better understand how he wrote such exquisite music.

There is a saying: to make the punishment fit the crime. Which character from fiction would you like to punish — and how?

Edward Murdstone, for his cruelty towards David Copperfield. I would remove him from everyone and everything that he cares for and relies upon until sufficient time had elapsed for him to learn the error of his ways.

Watch a film, go to the theatre, read a book or talk to friends — which would you prefer?

Read a book.

If you could take part in one television programme, which one would it be?

Who Do You Think You Are?

Upload a picture or a photo that best represents you, and tell us why.

I hope that this portrait captures both my optimism and sensitivity.

What would you have printed on the front of your T-shirt?

Failed pop star!

Would you describe yourself as left-brain (analytical), right-brain (intuitive) or a mix of both?

A mix of both.

What are you most proud of?

The chord progressions and melodic line in my 2003 song, Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep from the BBC film, The Snow Queen. I wrote it to honour my friend, Philippa Smith. 

Thank you, Paul, for taking the time to chat to us today. Readers, you can find out more about Paul and his music here; or about his book here 

By Elizabeth Ducie

Elizabeth Ducie was a successful international manufacturing consultant, when she decided to give it all up and start telling lies for a living instead.

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