John May (Founder) is a chartered accountant and an experienced and successful businessman with interests in multiple industries. He is also an enthusiastic reader who embraces the ideas behind Read2Write because he wants to raise the profiles of up-and-coming authors and introduce more people to their work. John passionately believes that reading broadens our knowledge and that anything which encourages people to be better informed is no bad thing!
What is your reading ritual?
Most days I tend to read financial and business news and articles about work related issues, so to relax I immerse myself in all sorts of non-technical books, mainly about history, which I read towards the end of the day.
Some days I just pick a book up at the bookstore, take it home and read it cover to cover in the shortest time possible. It’s not unusual for me to have more than one book on the go at any time.
What’s your favorite book/s?
I don’t have one favourite book. I like books by authors like Charles Dickens, biographies of famous generals like Napoleon and Wellington, along with books about English Kings and Queens. Plays and poetry are also attractive to me.
What are your most read genres?
Historical fiction and non-fiction. The past is always interesting to me. Adventure stories have always had a pull ever since I was a small boy and first went to the library. I also enjoy the classics but only in small doses.
Who is your favorite author/s and why?
Probably the playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. I have always been a bit of an actor and I can easily lose myself playing different roles in works by these two authors. They tend to be historical of course and the plots and how the language resonates is the real appeal. I find that plays and poetry are generally enjoyable to read. When I was young Robert Louis Stephenson was another big favourite.
How do you find new authors?
Usually I read book reviews in newspapers and magazines or follow up recommendations from friends. For many years I belonged to book clubs that sent me books which included up and coming authors. In the past I’ve attended some book readings although I don’t do that anymore as I prefer to listen to radio shows promoting a particular author and book.
If you could meet one fictional character, who would it be and what would you do?
Can I duck that one? Nobody really springs to mind. Maybe Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes. I would
probably take them for drink in a smart London Hotel and discuss the most testing forensic cases they had
encountered.
What’s your favorite part about Read2Write?
I believe education is what will improve and level up chances for people around the world to flourish and
be fulfilled. By reading and writing we can grow in our understanding of how interdependent we are. Showcasing existing and new authors is an integral part of this.
