What are the original Afrikaans titles of English translations?

You'll find this information, and more, on "The Books" page

My bookstore does not stock your books Where can I buy them?

The best way to get hold of my books is through Amazon:

• American editions: Amazon.com
• UK editions: Amazon.co.uk
• French editions: Amazon.fr
• German editions: Amazon.de
• The original Afrikaans is available at Kalahari.

How did you get started as a writer?

I started writing short stories in my early thirties. It is a wonderful way to learn the craft of writing (and you don't feel so devastated if you can't find someone to publish it). After selling about twelve short stories to magazines - and collecting as many rejection slips in the process - I started my first Afrikaans novel.

Although it was published in South Africa, it was never good enough for the international market. My second Afrikaans novel attracted the attention of someone who knew my wonderful agent, Isobel Dixon, who managed to sell the translation to a British publisher, Hodder & Stoughton. That was way back in 1995.

The rest happened mostly thanks to Isobel's hard work.

Which authors' books do you read?

This is one of the most difficult questions to answer, because I read and enjoy everything - from J.M. Coetzee to William Gibson, with everything in between.

Growing up, I cut my thriller and crime teeth on the great masters: John D. MacDonald, Ed McBain, John le Carré, Frederick Forsyth, Ted Allbeury, Robert B. Parker ... And I still admire them all.

Current authors I love to read an have huge respect and admiration for are Michael Connelly, Robert Harris, Ian Rankin, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Michael Ridpath, John Sandford, Val McDermid, George P. Pelecanos, Douglas Kennedy, Mark Bowden, Dan Brown, Harlan Coben, David Morrell, Jeffrey Deaver, Ken Follett, to name but a few.

I can't get enough of Stephen Pinker, love biographies and travel writing, read at least one newspaper every day, one news magazine every week, three motorcycle magazines every month ...

What would your advice be to young writers?

Writing is a lot like riding a bicycle. When you try for the first time, you will most probably fall, and bleed a little.

But the more you do it, the better you become. There is nothing that improves your writing more than just sitting down and doing it.

And read, read, read. See what is happening in the genre you plan to write in. Study and analyze what the really good authors are doing, and how they are doing it.

Lastly: By all means show your writing to your loved ones, family and friends. But remember that their opinion will always be biased, and is seldom based on experience in the publishing trade. If you want a professional opinion, get your manuscript to an agent or a publisher.

Oh, and to quote my friend Michael Ridpath: Have fun.

Where do you get your story ideas from?

I don't know. They sort of come together slowly - you read something here, hear something there, add this and subtract that, and eventually write an entirely different story than the one you planned.

It is a weird and wonderful process, and a part of the process of writing that I love.

Are you a lot like your characters?

I should hope not. Having multiple personalities can be quit a drag, I understand.

Do you write every day?

Well, almost. But I do take a few weeks off after a novel is done.

How long does it take you to write a novel?

It used to take about 18 months, including time for research, weighing story options, and worrying that it will work. But since I started writing full-time, I complete a novel per annum.