Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write in the crime fiction thriller genre and this is my first book. I’ve spent the last three years writing. I’ve been fitting it in before and after work on most days. During that time I’ve been developing two distinct series and drafting a standalone psychological thriller. I hope to release all of these throughout 2016 and in to 2017.
The other series is about a rogue cop but I’m keeping it under wraps for now.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Violence in the Blood is book one in the Crime Syndicate series featuring aspiring crime boss Malkie Thompson, a ruthless, ambitious sociopath who will stop at nothing to get to the top. The book centres around the early days of Thompson’s activities, it’s set in the 80’s in Glasgow but moves south of the border to the industrial heartland of the Midlands. It’s a scene setter for the rest of the series which brings the reader right up to the present day. It deals with complex relationships and the constant state of paranoia that exist in the world of organised criminal gangs
The book was inspired by my youth growing up in an inner city environment and also by my experiences working as a police photographer and later a prison tutor. It’s really a fusion of my own and others experiences.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Depends on what you class as unusual. I tend to write in various locations at different times of the day and night throughout the house, depending on how many people are in and how noisy it is.
I always like to begin with a cup of tea in hand. When I can, I try to get an early start, about 5am weekdays, so that I get a couple of hours in before I go off to the day job. I can also by found walking my dogs dictating in to my phone, which might seem a bit odd or unusual to passers-by.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lots and lots. Here are a few in no particular order: Ian Rankin, John Harvey, Don Winslow, George Pelecanos, Denis Lehane, Jack Higgins, Elmore Leonard, Ed McBain, James Patterson, Lee Child, Stephen King, Val McDermid,
What are you working on now?
Trying to multi task. I’m redrafting book 2 and 3 of the Crime Syndicate series, I’m also working on a standalone psychological thriller.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to this so I’ll let you know
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sit your ass in the chair and type!
What are you reading now?
Lee Child: Worth Dying For
James P Sumner: True Conviction
What’s next for you as a writer?
Put more books out there and try to build an audience of loyal readers who enjoy fast paced gritty crime fiction thrillers
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?
What no e-reader?
If we’re talking paperbacks: Lee Child Kill Shot, Don Winslow The Winter of Frankie Machine, Ian Rankin Knots and Crosses, Ian Rankin Exit Music
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark J Newman Website
Mark J Newman Amazon Profile
Mark J Newman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account