Interview With Author Martin Campbell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My professional background is in clinical psychology. I have worked as a psychologist, teacher, university lecturer, ambulance driver and window cleaner. Besides writing, I also enjoy sea fishing and playing poker, with little returns on either of these activities. I was born in Greenock, Sotland and live in Fife.
I am the author of four novels: Bad Beat Hotel – A story about poker and plumbing (2016), the award-winning Sailor’s Heart – A story about cowardice and heroism in the Arctic Convoys (2021), Adrift in the Cemetery – A story about surviving among the dead (2024) and my lastest book, The Insanity Inspectors – A story about lunacy and where to find it (2025).
My novels are all character-driven stories, based on real historical events.
“A combination of fictional novel, documentary and extrapolation of research makes for an interesting read, which often had me reaching out to the internet. to determine which was which!” Book of the Week, THE COURIER.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Insanity Inspectors (A story about lunacy and where to find it).
The inspiration for writing it came from being in an old psychology library that was being cleared out to make way for new books. As part of the clear out, I found a collection of reports by the Scottish Lunacy Commission, the first body set up to inspect the conditions of all ‘lunatics’ in Scotland, at home and in asylums. The reports had fascinating and shocking histortical details. The locations and other details in the new book are real, based on historical and psychiatric records, but I have created some characters for dramatic purposes and some of the scenes are a reimagining of real events.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I am willing to share…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Frank L.Baum (The Wizard of Oz)
Philip Kerr (Research)
Stuart McDonald (The Adventures of Endill Swift)
Donna Tartt (The Secret History)
Charles Glass (Deserter)
What are you working on now?
I’m working on promoting The Insanity Inspectors, which I believe to be my best book so far.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method is to be systematic and determined. Decide who you are going to contact and when. Target bookshops and websites that might be interested. Try to generate interest about the book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t waste hours online looking for advice from other authors.
Get feedback on your writing early from people who you trust.
Avoid the pack of online ‘digital creators’ who will promise to promote your book.
Finally, there are no short cuts. Write your first book, write about what you know, read and re-read it, polish it and get it published.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never let your dingle dangle in the dust. (Translates as “Always be positive, even when times are hard.)
What are you reading now?
The Adventures of Endill Swift by Stuart McDonald. A story recommended for small and big people.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Who knows?
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?
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
True Tales of American Life by Paul Auster
Notes on a Cowardly Lion by John Lahr
Author Websites and Profiles
Martin Campbell Amazon Profile
Martin Campbell’s Social Media Links
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