Simon Mason on redemption and Margate’s creative community

By Lacey Lawley

At this year’s Margate book festival, Simon Mason joins Margate Bookie in the Local Authors Showcase with his gripping memoir Too High, Too Far, Too Soon.  

The book delves into the rock ‘n’ roll chaos of the 90s, from his experiences in the music scene to the gritty reality of addiction. Here we talk to the author about his book.

What was the message you hoped to convey through your memoir?  

Simon: I’d like to think that it’s a story of redemption and carried a positive message, that someone, like me in this instance, can go through these experiences and hopefully turn it around.  

How did your experience in the music industry influence your passion for writing? 

Simon: I didn’t record or write anything in the 90s or 00s because I was a drug addict — we can’t all be Pete Doherty you know.  

For me, if I was taking drugs, that’s all I was doing. Since I got clean, the idea that I was going to be a famous rock ‘n’ roll star became more and more ludicrous; you get past an age where no one cares anymore. It’s how the industry works and it’s a different beast today. So there’s a freedom in not trying to write a hit. 

Margate has a strong artistic connection to bands such as The Libertines, how do you feel about the new artistic buzz of Margate? 

Simon: I like the fact there is a lot of creativity here. You’ve got Where Else, the Tom Thumb Theatre and Olby’s, where everybody plays in everybody’s band.  

Being from London, the strong sense of community is obvious in Margate; it’s really alive here. You’ve got the literary festival, Tracey Emin reenergizing the art scene — there’s a lot going on and it all seems to be interconnected. 

What advice would you give aspiring writers who want to tell their own stories? 

Simon: Just write and write. I’d been keeping a diary for some time, some of that became the initial manuscript for Too High. Too Far, Too Soon. You can only really speak your truth. You have to be brave and be prepared for people to say things that seem unfair. It’s important to network with publishers and agents, go to lots of literary events and speak to other writers. 

Do you have any plans for future projects? 

Yes, I’ve almost finished writing the follow up book which is called The Other Side of Nothing. If you look up the word nothing in the dictionary it says ‘null, void, having no prospects’ which is a good a word as any to describe addiction. I’m also writing new music for Hightown Pirates, and that’s what Margate has allowed me to do. 

Simon Mason will read from Too High, Too Far, Too Soon as part of the Local Writers Showcase, on Tuesday, October 1 at The Margate School. Tickets £5. Book now.