PHOTO: Clive Owen Barry, acclaimed author, blending imagination and life experience to craft stories that resonate across genres and generations.
A Master Storyteller Embracing Fantasy, Horror, And Realism Across Borders
Clive Owen Barry transitioned from industry to writing, drawing on global experiences to craft diverse stories spanning children’s fantasy, supernatural horror, and gritty adult fiction with deep empathy and creativity.
Clive Owen Barry’s literary journey is anything but conventional. The acclaimed British author, known for works ranging from whimsical children’s adventures to eerie supernatural tales and gritty adult fiction, brings a storyteller’s eye and a world traveler’s heart to every page he writes. His ability to effortlessly cross genres is a hallmark of his creative spirit, shaped by a career that began not in literature, but in the petrochemical and marine industries.
Born in Scarborough, Barry’s early life and professional path led him across continents, immersing him in a variety of cultures and human experiences that continue to shape his characters and stories. After retiring in 2016 on medical grounds, Barry turned to writing and art as a way to remain mentally and creatively active. “I decided to author a children’s book, Granule Speck and the Ichkin, believing this the easier alternative to that of a long novel,” he recalls with a touch of humor. “How naïve could I possibly have been?”
Barry’s remarkable versatility and authentic voice illuminate every genre, making him a captivating storyteller whose imagination knows no limits.
While writing for adults allows for freedom, Barry views writing for younger readers as a delicate balance of creativity and responsibility. “It means accepting the responsibility of restraint and censorship, whilst feeding an innocent enthusiasm for action and adventure,” he says. Portrait drawing, another passion of his, provides not only a creative outlet but also a therapeutic one—especially when combating writer’s block.
His storytelling is deeply rooted in the values and experiences of his formative years. Having lived in both Canada and England during the 1950s and 60s, Barry is influenced by a time when “good manners and simple common courtesy prevailed.” These ideals find their way into his books, even those exploring darker themes. “With the exception of my two adult novels whereby violence, both physical and verbal, play major roles, I try to bring some element of that long-lost integrity into my work.”
The character of Granule Speck, beloved by young readers, was inspired by Barry’s great-grandfather—a handyman with a knack for creating something out of nothing. Childhood memories of riding through cobbled streets in Middlesbrough and summers in rural Canadian forests became the basis for the Daring Forest, a vivid setting in his children’s stories.
Barry’s ability to move from fantasy to horror to realistic adult fiction stems from a desire to avoid creative stagnation. “Boredom!” he declares. “Once I’ve completed a project, I need to take a break from that genre.” His foray into supernatural fiction began with a magazine invitation to write a ghost story, which quickly led to a series of well-received tales in the horror genre.
Travel has also been a crucial influence in his work. Barry has sailed with international crews and shared fireside moments with Bedouins in the Egyptian desert. These interactions, often during quiet moments in the early hours, revealed a shared humanity that informs his characters. “Every working man, regardless of his background, faith or race, is the same. We all have comparable thoughts.”
For aspiring writers looking to explore multiple genres, Barry’s advice is straightforward: “Just go for it. Write about everything.” While some may thrive within a single genre, Barry finds joy in the challenge and continual learning that comes with exploring new territory. “My enjoyment is from creating those characters,” he says, pointing to the freedom that genre-diversity provides.
Clive Owen Barry’s career is a testament to the idea that storytelling has no fixed boundaries. With a life rich in experience and a mind brimming with imagination, he continues to create stories that resonate across ages and genres.
Source: Reader’s House Interview with Clive Owen Barry
