Mike Wild is much older than he has a right to be, considering the kebabs, the booze and the fags. Maybe it's because he still thinks he's 15. Apart from dabbling occasionally in publishing and editing, he's been a freelance writer for ever, clawing his way up to his current dizzy heights by way of work as diverse as Doctor Who, Masters of the Universe, Starblazer, 'Allo 'Allo! and ­ erm ­ My Little Pony. Counting one Teen Romance, one ABC Warriors and two Caballistics Inc, The Clockwork King of Orl is his fifth novel. However, only his beloved wife and tuna-scoffing cat give him the recognition he deserves.