Interview With Author Martin Campbell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Greenock, Scotland. I have worked as a window cleaner, ambulance driver, teacher and psychologist in London, New York, Edinburgh and St Andrews.
I have written two novels, Bad Beat Hotel – a story about poker and plumbing (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Beat-Hotel-story-plumbing-ebook/dp/B01F19UJZK) and Sailor’s Heart- a tale of cowardice and heroism in the Arctic Convoys (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Martin-Campbell/e/B01F47KDTG/ref=aufs_dp_fta_an_dsk). Both books are available in paperback and in Kindle format and Sailor’s Heart is now available as an audiobook on Audible.com.
Sailor’s Heart was Book of the Week in The Courier, Book of the Month in Yachting Monthly and also 5* reviewed in The Herald, Press and Journal and National.
Besides writing, I also enjoys fishing and playing poker, with little returns on either of these activities.
Latest book reviews: https://www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/post/the-psychiatric-casualties-of-wwii-an-editorial-review-of-sailor-s-heart
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Sailor’s Heart, inspired by true events in WWII.
In 1942, one per cent of all naval personnel were being referred as psychiatric casualties. The British Admiralty introduced the Stone Frigate approach; experimental psychiatry at an isolated facility set up to recycle men back into battle.
Three of these men fought for their country in the Arctic convoys of World War II, then for their sanity and dignity, labelled as cowards and subjected to controversial treatment.
The places in this story are real, but everyone who played a part in what happened is now dead. It is safe to tell what really happened. What was important then, nobody cares about now.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Same place, same time, every day, so not unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Deserter – Charles Glass
Secret History – Donna Tartt
A Man Without Breath – Philip Kerr
Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – Robert Tressell
What are you working on now?
I have just completed my next book, Living in the Boneyard, to be published in January 2024.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon, Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick at it. Get through the first book and on to the second. Be clear about why you are writing – clue: not to get rich.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never let your dingle dangle in the dust.
What are you reading now?
Stalingrad – Antony Beevor
What’s next for you as a writer?
The long haul of promoting my new book, Living in the Boneyard,
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?
Secret History – Donna Tartt
Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – Robert Tressell
Author Websites and Profiles
Martin Campbell Amazon Profile
Martin Campbell’s Social Media Links
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