The Darren Sant Interview
Question One.
You live in Hull. Is that your hometown and how has it changed over the years?
How do. I’m originally from Stoke-on-Trent but I moved to Hull in 2001. Although I still have a fond place in my heart for Stoke I guess Hull is home now. Hull has always been an underrated city. I’d urge anyone visiting to check out the old town for gorgeous architecture and some great old pubs. The city has had a lot of investment since it was designated the city of culture in 2013 and it has been modernised a lot. In the case of the maddening traffic control, not always for the better!
Question Two.
I see that you’re an EV driver- as opposed to an Easy Rider – why did you make that choice? Is your local infrastructure suited to such 21st gizmos?
This possibly dates back to my childhood when my Dad used to take me round in his milk float (his name was Ray not Ernie). I’ve always been a technology nerd and the convenient nature of an EV appealed to me – I can charge up at home whenever I like, no visiting petrol stations. In 2015 I test drove a Nissan Leaf and I was hooked immediately by the quick acceleration smooth ride. I’d never go back to an ICE (internal combustion engine) car now. The internet is full of misinformation about electric cars but they really are the future. I’d urge anyone to try one before believing the fossil fuel sponsored misinformation online. Public charging in cities these days is more than good enough.
Question Three
I know that you’re a sci-fi fan and writer, which do you consider to be the classic sci-fic books, films and TV shows?
I like many genres but I grew up reading sci-fi and that love of the genre has never left me. So many films to mention. I’ve a love of the dystopian side of things so 1984, Mad Max, I am Legend, Soylent Green, One Boy and his Dog, Blade Runner are among my favourite films.
TV shows I like Red Dwarf, Star Trek, All of the many Star Wars spin offs, Babylon 5.
As for books I like of the classic authors: Heinlein, Niven, Piers Anthony, Arthur C Clarke, Asimov, Harry Harrison.
Question Four
I love reading your Substack posts about music. When was your favourite era for music and what current music do you listen to?
I’ve been lucky enough to have some great friends and family who has steered me down a very diverse path when it comes to music. Although I was born in 1970 I probably didn’t appreciate music properly until I hit 20. So it’s the 90s for me. The indie scene when that word actually meant something. Lately I listen to quite a bit of electronica bands like Bicep, Mogwai and Four Tet. That said I still plunder my playlists and last week I was stuck in a traffic jam for an hour and listened to the whole of the Dark Side of the Moon by Floyd.
Question Five
What are your thoughts on AI? Devil or angel?
It’s a very powerful tool that can be used for good or ill. At best it is the finest aid to creativity that mankind has ever known. At worst it is the death of the imagination. I’m not going to worry about it taking over the world until there are such things as realistic cyborgs with free will. Right now we really should be worried about people using it to manipulate computer systems and data.
Question Six
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Harry Hill. We’re practically twins.
Bio: Darren Sant is a short story and novella writer. He likes tall tales that have humour and heart. He likes to let the story lead the way and doesn’t let small things like genre get in the way. Stick his name in Amazon and you’ll find his work easily enough.
And for your delectation …