Peter Buckmaster

Biography

I was born in the UK but now live in Japan with my family, this year being my 22nd year here. I grew up reading Tolkien, Fighting Fantasy and Forgotten Realms; watching 80s sword & sorcery flicks; and playing with Star Wars, GI Joe, MOTU and Action Man. I did read other stuff, like Roald Dahl, the Famous Five and Asterix. And secretly watched BBC2 & C4 films late at night in my room. And I ate a lot (especially cheese) but was skinny as a rake. But that's probably more detail than needed...

Fun Facts

Hobbies

Currently I have little free time, being house-husband (Defender of the Hearth sounds better!), but try to read as much as I can. The whole family used to play taiko with a local group, and that was a fantastic experience performing on stage and at festivals. I hope we'll all get back to it someday. I also enjoy cooking, exercise and beer.

Most Exotic Place Visited

Not sure I've been to any "exotic" places, but we lived in California when I was a kid, and we visited Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Hollywood. Been around western Europe a bit (France, Holland, Italy, Spain, Belgium & Germany, with youth exchanges in the last two). I've seen many wonderful places here in Japan, including Hiroshima which completely humbled me. I lived for two years up in Iwate in a place called Rikuzen-Takata. The town was sadly devastated in the tsunami but is now rebuilding. I hope to go back someday.

What Shampoo Do You Use?

Erm, I use soap in the summer because I shave my head in June, due to the excruciating humidity here. And cheap shampoo in the cooler months, because I don't have that much hair anyway!

Your Dream Car

Sorry to be boring but I have zero interest in a flashy car. If it gets me from A to B, then that's enough. We currently have a Toyota Raum, and it's very reliable. The public transport here in Japan is also excellent, so we don't drive that much.

Favorite Sport

I enjoy watching football (as in soccer) and hope Spurs are not Spursy this season! My interest in volleyball and basketball is growing due to these sports being what my sons do.

Mountains or Beach? Why?

Mountains! I love the fresh air, the rivers and the escape from civilisation. I'm no good with heat so lying under the sun is not my idea of fun. I love walking along a beach at night though, when there's nobody around.

Pet Peeve

People using their mobile phones whilst walking, or even worse, whilst driving.

Number of Published Books

Book that Changed Your Life

LOTR

Favorite Place to Write

In my "study", away from distraction.

Do You Listen to Music While Writing? What Kind?

Not while writing but I love music, and have a slightly broad, weird taste range.

Favorite Character You Created

So far... Hmm, tricky. I'll go with Rencarro for now, as I just re-read part 1 of Ragnekai Moons.

Where Do You Live?

Yokohama, Japan