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The Interview - Gary Powell

The Interview - Gary Powell

When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?

I think most authors of whatever genre have an ideas book or computer file to record ideas that often pop into your head at the most unusual times - if you don't record it you will forget. I do read several books at the same time, but couldn't write in such a fashion; so record it for the future and concentrate on the project at hand would be my advice.

Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?

I produce a framework to work to which consists of the beginning and and a general direction I want the book to go. I find that the characters direct me from something they say or do which does make it quite spontaneous, which I really enjoy, its a lot like reading the book as a reader for the first time. The ending usually develops as I go along and is rarely planned.

Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in [jobs/education] in your writing?

Yes, as I said I was a career detective retiring after 33 years service. I was in the British Transport Police which is a very unique policing environment with a transient population which I use in my novels.

Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?

Its a question I often get asked. I create all my characters from scratch but often draw on characteristics and traits of people I have met through life not just my former career. I have a picture in my head of the characters and go out of my way to make sure they are nothing like me although some of my opinions around politics, sport and general living can occasionally come through in my characters .

Did you have any say in the cover design?

Yes, I gave the publisher an idea that I had, and after several amendments we got there.

What are you reading right now?

I like historical fiction and have read the whole of the CJ Sansom 'Shardlake' books which are fascinating especially the last in the series Tombland set in Norfolk, England where I now live.

What can we anticipate from you moving forward?

I hope to keep writing the McNally/Frost series - I'm currently writing the third.

Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I joined the police at a very young age and became a detective aged 22. One aspect of a detective's day to day routine is to interview and record real stories from victims and witnesses of crime and interview offenders/suspects, so in a way I have always written. The idea of being an author just followed on naturally.

How long did it take you to write this book?

I wrote the first of my crime novels 'Mind The Killer' during the Pandemic lockdown so about three months.

Where do you like to write? In a coffee shop? In your home office? On the beach?

I find it hard to write at home as I get distracted. Coffee shops libraries are good for me.

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

Yes I do listen to music. I love all sorts of music but when writing or indeed drawing (another passion of mine) I enjoy classical music in the background.

What other hobbies do you have outside of writing?

I love reading - obviously. I live on the Norfolk coast so have a passion for walking along the coastal paths in all different weather especially when its stormy, you realise how powerful Mother Nature is. I am also a guide at St Paul's Cathedral in London.

Gary Powell

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