Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am based in the Cotswolds area of the UK. I’m the author of four published books and I am currently working on a fifth.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ‘Too Many Heroes’. Unlike my previous books – which are Nordic thrillers set in the near future – this book is set in London in 1952. The inspiration for the story came from my reading about the lesser known crime culture which thrived in the UK during the second world war and continued afterwards. My ‘hero’ and ‘heroine’ are flawed but essentially moral characters facing an impossible situation.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write every day when I’m in the middle of a book so that I can stay in that world. If I have too much time off from writing I might not be able to get back to where I was.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m an avid reader so I would have to say there are so many writers who have influenced me in some way – even the bad ones. That said I’m a big fan or Margaret Atwood and Kate Atkinson.
What are you working on now?
My current work in progress is a psychological thriller. The action takes place between 1938 – 1958 which is quite a challenge. It’s essentially the story of two close friends – two women – who become estranged when one becomes involved with a man the other becomes increasingly suspicious of.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have used a number of websites to promote my work with varying degrees of success. I think it’s a question of trial and error.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Before you put your work out there you need to learn your craft and make sure your book is as good as it can be.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Once you’ve written the first draft put your book away for a while. When you come back to edit it you are more likely to be able to judge it with fresh eyes.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading ‘Even the Dogs’ by Jon McGregor and ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ by Ali Bacon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I have finished this manuscript in progress, I plan to take a short break before working on a contemporary story I put aside a while back.
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?
I would go for fictional compendiums” the complete works of Margaret Atwood, Kate Atkinson, Kurt Vonnegut and Raymond Chandler.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jan Turk Petrie Website
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