An Interview with Oakley Beaumont
Oakley Beaumont is a primarily fiction writer who has primarily explored self-publication of fantasy novels. These include She Amongst the Pigeons, 2025, and A Boy Named Bliss, 2025, and under the name J.S. Young, The Weaver Heir, 2019, Dragonsoul, 2021. In traditional publication, he has recently debuted in Spirit of the Wolf, 2025, a short story collection. Alongside his writing, he is currently studying creative writing and works in education.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
Oddly, the biggest motivation for writing this was the titular animals, pigeons. I was walking through the town centre where I lived and was just shocked by the brashness of pigeons. They’ll walk anywhere and go past anyone, and they don’t care. Also, they have such a poor reputation, and I wanted to sort of put a twist on that.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title was the first thing that came to mind for this story. I have a habit of coming up with odd little phrases, and they become book titles that I have to think of a plot line for. She Amongst the Pigeons’ story evolved from the title; without my brain’s preoccupation with creating phrases, this book would not exist.
Another of my books was the same: A Boy Named Bliss. The title came first, and the rest fell into place after. It sort of is one of the best ways for me to write!
Describe your dream book cover.
I just like pretty books. If I could have a cover that was completely done in watercolours, that would be amazing. I love traditional watercolour art, and while I am not in the slightest bit capable at painting it, I think for a really whimsical book that would be perfect.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
Well, I read a variety of books. This year I’ve done a lot of sci-fi and tried to get through some books off my enormous to-be-read pile. Currently, though I am reading Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor and it has been extraordinary so far, if a bit difficult at points.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I work in education currently, particularly working with children with additional needs, which is a challenging but fulfilling role. In the past, my biggest career was as a gymnastics coach; I did that from the age of fourteen to the age of twenty-six. Luckily, though I am still able to do some coaching, which is a wonderful little top-up to my work week!
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I have wanted to write for a very long time – so long ago, in fact, I couldn’t tell you where it started. There is a very clear memory of a staggering nine-page short story I wrote called Ebro Nightmare about a mechanic catfish which terrorised a village, when I was about twelve years old. That was, I think, the first story I clearly remember writing up. For a long time, I was told that being a writer was not a viable career, which is really hard to hear when it is your dream. And it does remain to be seen whether it will be a career or a hobby, but to have given up back then because of the words of the few would be a devastating loss to me. Writing is such a part of my core, I’m not sure who I’d be without it.
Influences are harder to note. I know that Rick Riordan remains one of my all-time favourite authors; Percy Jackson has had a huge impact on my life, and I have read almost everything Riordan has put out. As I’ve got older, Brandon Sanderson’s impressive worldbuilding is something I aspire to. Lastly, Nora Sakavic, a fellow self-published author, has written a series that is one of my most read, All For The Game, and there is an engrossing addictiveness to her books that does capture me whenever I pick up any book from the series.
Where is your favorite place to write?
I used to say my bed. I used to write in my bed constantly, but now I think my favourite place would be wherever my partner is. Having them there, whilst I’m working away, is the greatest feeling. Just having them there where I can read them bits that I think are funny, or bits I’ve written really well, and have them smile at me, keeps me going even when it’s tricky.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Keep going, just keep going. Also, do that degree. It’s a bit dodgy at points, but at the very least, it’s worth doing.
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