Tony Diamond

The Deckchair Interview

Tony Diamond

When Pebble on the Beach was published by QueenSpark Books in October '06, it became an instant best-seller. The true story of Tony Diamond's harrowing childhood, the book has been described as 'England's answer to Angela's Ashes.'

How did you get your first break?
A chance visit to QueenSpark Books.

Could you describe your working day.
I'm retired. I know it sounds vain, but I enjoy visiting bookshops to promote my book.

Which book do you wish you'd written?
Financially I wish I'd written Harry Potter. But for me Pebble on the Beach is my crowning achievement.

As a reader, do you always finish a book you've started?
I've never read a book in my life.

Describe some of the jobs you have done.
How long's a piece of string. You name it I've done it.

Describe your perfect day.
The sun is shining and all my family are in good health. Oh and Gardners* have just ordered 200 copies of my book..ha ha ha. (*Gardners is a book wholesalers based in Eastbourne)

What keeps you awake at night?
Nightmares from my childhood.

Why did you choose to live in Brighton and Hove and what keeps you here?
I was born in Hove and have lived all over the world but always return here. I've said many times if I couldn't live in the city of Brighton, I'd emigrate.

How does living here inspire your work?
It's the best place in the UK to live. No where else compares.