Andrew Cartmell

View Reviews of books by Andrew Cartmel

Countdown with ...

Andrew Cartmel

Andrew Cartmel was born in London and grew up in Canada where, among other things, he learned the meaning of the words “wind chill factor.”  Ever since he first learned to read (Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, the Oz books), Andrew never wanted to be anything except a writer. On returning to London to study at university, his game plan was to support himself writing scripts for television while getting established as a novelist. This led him into a detour — and down a rabbit hole — which included a distinguished sojourn script-editing Doctor Who for three years (google “Cartmel masterplan”).

At the same time, very much under the influence of Alan Moore, Andrew began writing for comics, first the Doctor Who strip and then Judge Dredd and, most recently, collaborating on the Rivers of London series of graphic novels with their creator Ben Aaronovitch — an old comrade in arms from his television days.

Andrew is also a passionate playwright, with several runs of his work already produced on the London fringe, and many more to come when the theatres eventually reopen. He also had a brief but memorable career as a stand-up comedian, where he learned that being heckled is far from the worst thing that can happen to you. Andrew Cartmel lives in London with too many books, too many records and just enough cats.

Interviewed 24 April 2021

Ten words to sum up your working life to date ...

Books, plays, screenwriting, graphic novels and now books for kids.

Nine things you can see from where you're sitting ...

A remarkable record player, two lovely single ended triode amps (monoblocks, since you ask), two majestic speakers, one magnificent record playing on the remarkable record player (vintage Rolling Stones on Decca, soon it will be the Beatles on Parlophone), two more LPs ready to go… And rather a nice house plant, Aloe vera, edging into view over the speakers.

Eight minutes to prepare a meal. What's it going to be ?

The portabella mushrooms with tarragon vinegar and Sicilian olive oil poured into the inverted caps. And then you put the slices of taleggio on top and just stick it under the grill and cook briefly until the shrooms are succulent and the cheese melted. You snap the stems off the portabellas first, of course, you fool.

Seven people you'd like to go for a drink with ...

Thomas McGuane, Melody Gardot, Lucy Prebble, Taylor Sheridan, Janelle Monáe, Oliver Stone, Tom Stoppard.

Six things you can't live without ...

Cat, computer, hope, love, insanely large record collection, wait that’s only five…

Five favourite words ...

Can one of them be cunt? Also lush, groove, storm, sublime.

Four places you'd run away to ...

British Columbia, the wine growing region. California ditto – what’s left of it. Central Otago in New Zealand. France with special reference to the Rhone Valley.

Three books you've bought recently ...

Twelve Stories by Katherine Mansfield. The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin. Ennio Morricone, his autobiography written with Alessandro De Rosa.

Two things that make you rant ...

People who keep their engines running when they’re parked, pouring out noxious fumes. And people who keep their engines running when they’re parked, creating insufferable noise. Hey, wait a minute, come to think, of it they’re the same people.

One thing you'd tell your teenage self ...

Invest in Harry Potter first editions.