How did your success as a writer begin?
Probably when I’m wrote my first book, Just One Damned Thing After Another. By great good luck it did really well, which was extraordinary, because I hadn’t a clue what I was doing. Twenty-seven books later, I’m still somewhat clueless but people seem to like my books, which is great.
Your latest novel, Killing Time is now out. What was your inspiration for this in the Time Police series?
I came across the story of the mysterious Zanetti train, an Italian passenger train that entered a tunnel and never came out. I could say it was never seen again – dramatic though that would be – but it was actually spotted all over the world – Modena in the middle ages, Ukraine in the 20th century and so on, ending up in Mexico City in the 19th century, some fifty years before it actually set out from Rome.
I felt the Zanetti train would be ideal for the Time Police to investigate. Obviously everything goes horribly wrong – because it’s no fun if it doesn’t – and we have two officers trapped on board as it hurtles through time and space.
What is your writing process?
Somewhat chaotic, I’m afraid. I write all day, every day. Sad, I know, but true. I can write longhand into a notebook or directly on to my laptop – it depends how I’m feeling at the time. I often have several books on the go because that means I can switch from one story to another if I get stuck.
I don’t write in a linear fashion – starting at the beginning and working my way through to the end. Often I start in the middle of a book so I can move backwards and forwards as ideas come to me.
I do like to have the ending worked out in advance though, because I like to know where I’m going and all I have to do is get there.
Who are your favourite three authors?
This is a tricky one. My favourite authors change as I discover new books – or even depending on my mood at the time. Currently – Ben Aaronovitch, JRR Tolkien and T Kingfisher
What plans are on the horizon for you?
Well, more writing obviously. I’ve just released The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal and I’m currently working on Out of Time, the sixth in the Time Police series.
There are some thoughts of turning A Bachelor Establishment into a TV series so I’m doing a little work on that and Just One Damned Thing After Another is also out for option so busy-busy. As always.
The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal – out now in hardback, eBook and audiobook formats ISBN 978-1035415892
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