Firstly, OP, bloody well done for cracking what is a very tough nut.
How many novels had you got published before you were earning enough for it to qualify as 'a living', and allow you to give up the day job?
My first UK book deal didn't really pay quite a living wage (though close) but together with foreign deals I could have given up almost immediately. I earned enough from my second two-book contract (books 3 and 4) to be paid a good wage.
What did you do before you became an author?
I'd rather not say because it's super outing.
Thank you for the reply. Much appreciated.
I love a thriller and will look out for you in the supermarket.
Do you scope out the plot before you start writing?
Yes, I am a planner and my publisher likes to see a synopsis.
How much time do you spend researching before writing a book?
It depends on the book. Some need almost no research, some need a lot. Usually I spend a couple of weeks reading around the subject to check my set up works, and then look things up as I go/email people and ask questions, and then I get it read by someone who is 'in the know'. People are very kind and seem to want to help authors to read.
Hmmm your description sounds very like an author I've just got VERY into. 5 books with the same male detective lead. Very "shocking" and at times harrowing. Excellent female characters too (some being evil - others just standard bitches grin).
If they are yours the one I've recently read is set in the next big city to me (as they all are), but the city they are in cahoots with (as it were) or linked to , is my home city. Really hope it's you.
It's not me!
*Could you write a very short piece on here for us?
Your own choice of subject, or if you like 'The Mumsnet Abyss', a thriller - naturally.*
Ha, never write for free.
Were you working when you wrote your first book? How did you carve out the time initially?
Yes. Evenings, weekends. On my commute.
What motivated you early on?
I really wanted it. I had been writing for much of my life, on and off, and never finished anything. I hit a significant birthday and realised I'd never achieve it unless I actually changed something. From that day I never missed a day's writing.
Are you open to a spot of bribery to be a character in one of your books?
If so pm me, I'll give you my name.grin
No pressure but I'd love to be involved in the villainous antics of your thrillers.
Ha, too outing I am afraid, though I am always after character names.
How do you plan your novels and does the plan change much when you start writing?
I decide on the premise/topic of my book. And then I decide on the beginning and the ending. And then I sort of fill it in. Inevitably, I do quite a few large edits on my own and then with publisher too...