Today my guest is my friend and fellow-writer Val Penny. We've known each other for years, and have even worked together a few times!
I first started writing novels when I was recovering from breast cancer and couldn’t stand any more day-time TV! As I was reading a great deal, my husband challenged me to write a book. Challenge accepted!
My first book, Hunter’s Chase, established my main protagonist, DI Hunter Wilson, as leader of a team of dedicated police officers who are determined to solve a series of murders that take place in Edinburgh.
Can you summarise your latest work in just a few words?
My new novel, A Fighting Chance, is the second book in my series of Jane Renwick Thrillers. It sees DS Jane Renwick and her wife, Rachael Anderson, work to solve a series of murders and catch drug vying drug lords in and around Stirling in Central Scotland.
What was the inspiration for this book?
I like Jane and Rachael and the dynamic between them and wanted to set the story in Stirling to share a different part of Scotland with my readers.
Did you do any research for the book?
Yes. I had to research the construction of The Wallace Monument and the history of Stirling Castle. The use of county lines to distribute drugs and the women’s prison, HMP Cortonvale also contributed to my research.
How do you decide on the names for your characters?
I research some of the names, especially foreign names. For example, DI Regina Jallow in A Fighting Chance is of Gambian heritage and I had to find her a name that realistically reflected that. Otherwise, when I have created a profile for a character, I choose a name I think will suit their character, bearing in mind their age and background.
Do you plot your novels in advance, or allow them to develop as you write?
Probably a bit of both. I have a detailed outline of my story prepared in advance, but sometimes my characters go off on a tangent and I have to adjust my framework to account for that.
Now the book is published and ‘out there’ how do you feel?
I am excited. I hope readers will enjoy this new novel and take Jane and Rachael to their hearts in the same way they have enjoyed the DI Hunter Wilson Crime Thrillers.
Do you have any advice for new writers?
Enjoy your writing and sharing your stories, but writing is neither a way to fame or fortune. If you want to make any money from your work, promotion will take as much time as writing the novel.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I am currently writing the third book in the series of Jane Renwick Thrillers, North by North-East, and thereafter the new DCI Hunter Wilson Crime Thriller, Hunter’s Festival, will follow.
Wow, that's impressive. Best of luck!
Thanks to Bittersweet Book Tours for the opportunity to take part in this tour.
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