Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Edward Arno was born in a field in Frankley Beeches, Birmingham, England. My father was a milkman and my mother was a house parlor maid. They met during a bombing raid at the end of the Second World War. Growing up on a council estate in Birmingham England, I attended the local state schools. The Issigonis Mini auto plant at Longbridge was the symphonic sound of my childhood. After attending the Royal Radar Establishment College of Electronic I joined the entertainment industry. Performing as Brinarno the Clown in Clown Cavalcade. I was writing, directing, and performing in a string of plays based on traditional Comedia del arte in theatres all over Britain, including the Royal National Theatre. After making two films with David Bailey, as a clown, I had the opportunity to appear on the front cover of European Vogue. Moving forward with my career I directed many music videos for Eurythmics, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Dylan. I wrote and directed Willie and the Poor Boys, a 30-minute film starring Rolling Stones’ Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Ron Wood, as well as Pete Townsend from The Who and a cameo role from Ringo Star. This led to directing and producing Celebration Jazz – featuring the Charlie Watts Orchestra in concert with performances from virtually every name in the British jazz scene, including Courtney Pine and Gail Thompson. My next project was writing and directing the film Murder Story, staring Sir Christopher Lee. I moved to America after a short spell of teaching in corporate America he began writing murder mysteries. So far, I have written eight books and have five published. I reside in Burbank, California, and an active member of the Mystery Writers of America.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Artist Within. The life I wanted as a teenager inspired the Artist Within. Forced by my father to get a proper job. I had won a place at a prestigious Art School only to cancel and take up electronic engineering.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a teddy bear on my desk and read to him after I have written something. He usually just looks at me and thinks, is that it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anything by P.D. James, Ruth Rendell and Gar Anthony Haywood. For a book that influenced my I would say Breathing Life into your characters by Rachel Ballon.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a spy mystery set in Los Angeles. The protagonist is accused of being a traitor and set up for two murders.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Obviously I use social media, my research has suggested that Awesome Gang is the best for promoting my book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book, then edit. I know too many new authors who, several years later, are still on their first chapter. I think knowing your audience (readers) will be is very important.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Start at the beginning, go onto the end, then stop. Then edit.
What are you reading now?
I am re-reading Police at the funeral by Margery Allingham. Just finished Death in Shangri-La by Yigal Zur.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have five ideas which might become books. My James Pidgley series is crying out for a new story.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Literature by Edgar V. Roberts and Henry E. Jacobs. The Culture of Make Believe by Derrick Jensen. Alan Turing The Enigma by Andrew Hodges. When A Stranger Comes to Town a Mystery Writers of America anthology.
Author Websites and Profiles
Edward Arno Website
Edward Arno Amazon Profile
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