Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing in late Dec 2017 when a work colleague told me she had been publishing books using Amazon. I am now midway through writing book 12. All but three are historical detective mysteries – three, coming out in 2022, are set during World War II.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release sees the start of a new detective series set in the late 50’s early 60’s. It is called A Time to Kill (yes, I know!!) but the quote which comes from Solomon is an essential element of the story. The story was inspired partly by a wonderful book by the US journalist, Charles Glass, who wrote about WWII deserters and what happened to them. It’s moving and wonderful – I can’t recommend enough.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I make it up as I go along. If I don’t know what’s going to happen then hopefully the reader won’t either…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My books are pitched somewhere between Agatha Christie, P.G. Wodehouse and Carl Hiaasen! Any of those three!
What are you working on now?
My new book will be published in a month or so. It is set in Monte Carlo where I spent two years of my life. Who could not be inspired by the Riviera and the history of Monte Carlo. It calls to mind Grace Kelly, Alfred Hitchcock & Cary Grant, the Monaco Grand Prix. Pur, unadulterated glamour.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am equally poor on Facebook and AMS but they tend to be my ‘go to’ sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Three pieces of advice:
1. Write!!
2. Have someone who knows what they are doing edit it. Self-editing is the path to hell and bad reviews.
3. Publish it! Don’t put it in a drawer – get it out there!!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A mate of mine, a real entrepreneur, told me that my problem was that I was too risk averse. Meanwhile, he had made a small fortune on Amazon and his website selling supplements without having any experience of the area or the product. He said that he was the sort of person who jumped out of a plane then started to assemble the parachute.
So…I jumped out of the aeroplane!!
What are you reading now?
Mayflower Murders – Anthony Horowitz
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish ‘The Bluebeard Club’ the latest in my Kit Aston Mystery series (the one I mentioned earlier set in Monte Carlo)
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?
David Copperfield
Tom Brown’s Schooldays
Pride and Prejudice
In Search of Lost Time (I’m counting this as one book – in fact, one sentence…!)
Author Websites and Profiles
Jack Murray Amazon Profile
Jack Murray’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile