Pauline Rowson's Blog - Posts tagged "horton"
I’m often asked this question. Who would play Inspector Andy Horton if there was a film or television series made of my Marine Mysteries. It’s quite a tricky question to answer in a way because my view of the actor to play Andy Horton might not fit with yours.
Andy Horton has had a tough upbringing. Illegitimate and brought up on the streets of Portsmouth, his mother abandoned him as a child. He has no idea where she is or even if she is alive. Horton has been raised in children’s homes and with a succession of foster parents which makes him a loner, but with a desperate desire to belong. He finds this sense of belonging through joining the police service.
He’s fearless where others are concerned, an action man rather than a thinker with a strong sense of justice. He’s tall and fit with short cropped fair hair. He rides a Harley Davidson and lives on a boat. The rest I leave to you.
He first appears in Tide of Death then Deadly Waters, The Suffocating Sea and soon, Dead Man’s Wharf. How do you see Andy Horton? Let me know if you have any thoughts on this. You can read more about Horton and my news on my official web site http://www.rowmark.co.uk
Andy Horton has had a tough upbringing. Illegitimate and brought up on the streets of Portsmouth, his mother abandoned him as a child. He has no idea where she is or even if she is alive. Horton has been raised in children’s homes and with a succession of foster parents which makes him a loner, but with a desperate desire to belong. He finds this sense of belonging through joining the police service.
He’s fearless where others are concerned, an action man rather than a thinker with a strong sense of justice. He’s tall and fit with short cropped fair hair. He rides a Harley Davidson and lives on a boat. The rest I leave to you.
He first appears in Tide of Death then Deadly Waters, The Suffocating Sea and soon, Dead Man’s Wharf. How do you see Andy Horton? Let me know if you have any thoughts on this. You can read more about Horton and my news on my official web site http://www.rowmark.co.uk
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Published on February 26, 2009 23:11
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Tags:
crime, horton, inspector, marine, mystery, novels, portsmouth
When I first started writing fiction I wrote from the female character's point of view but often I found myself wanting to switch main characters from the female to the male in the novel. It wasn't until I started writing crime novels and Tide of Death and introduced Inspector Andy Horton that I found my 'voice' as they call it in writing parlance. Once I started writing from the male point of view everything began to fall into place.
I also prefer single person point of view which means that you follow the story through the eyes of Andy Horton in my marine mystery crime novels and through Adam Greene in my thriller, In Cold Daylight and Alex Albury in In For The Kill.
When people ask me why I write from the male character's point of view I often joke that maybe it's because I am a closet man. But I don't really know. Perhaps it's because I have worked in male dominated environments for most of my life, or perhaps it's because of my personality. Whatever it is, though, I don't think it matters, it's just the way I write and if people enjoy it - great!
You can listen to an interview I did with Rob Richardson on Express FM about how I write my marine mysteries at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/marine_mysterie...
I also prefer single person point of view which means that you follow the story through the eyes of Andy Horton in my marine mystery crime novels and through Adam Greene in my thriller, In Cold Daylight and Alex Albury in In For The Kill.
When people ask me why I write from the male character's point of view I often joke that maybe it's because I am a closet man. But I don't really know. Perhaps it's because I have worked in male dominated environments for most of my life, or perhaps it's because of my personality. Whatever it is, though, I don't think it matters, it's just the way I write and if people enjoy it - great!
You can listen to an interview I did with Rob Richardson on Express FM about how I write my marine mysteries at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/marine_mysterie...
One of the questions that I often get asked is how do you choose titles for your novels?
Titles either come to me instantly, as in my new Marine Mystery crime novel Dead Man's Wharf due out on 29 April, or I struggle for ages. The first title in the series was simple, Tide of Death but I had to change the title of the second in the series from Deadly Harbour to Deadly Waters because it was being published in the USA and the publisher didn't want the English spelling of harbour on the cover. I struggled with the title of the new Inspector Horton Marine Mystery I'm writing, but I have now called it Blood Upon the Sand though that could change before publication.
In Cold Daylight began as The Cold Light of Day before I found another book of the same title in the same genre, a thriller, so I changed it - just to be on the safe side - to In Cold Daylight. And In For The Kill came instantly to me and explains just what that thriller is about - Alex Albury on his quest for revenge is in for the kill after his identity was stolen and he was wrongly convicted for fraud and embezzlement.
There is no copyright on a title but if you choose a title that is the same as another in the same genre you could find the publisher of the original book objecting and in danger of having your book pulled.
Titles, just like book covers, have to fit the type of novel or genre, and in my case, because my novels are Marine Mysteries they also have to have a 'sea' element in the title and cover image. Both are very important in attracting the new reader although once readers discover your novels and enjoy them they will then specifically look out for the new one.
Many people rarely remember the titles after they've read a book (unless the book becomes film). People might not even remember the author's name but what they often remember is the main character and they'll look for the next Inspector Horton, or the next Marine Mystery.
I did once, however, meet a reader who told me that she only ever bought crime books with murder or death in the title!
What do you think? How important are book titles to you and what influences you when you buy a book?
http://www.rowmark.co.uk
Titles either come to me instantly, as in my new Marine Mystery crime novel Dead Man's Wharf due out on 29 April, or I struggle for ages. The first title in the series was simple, Tide of Death but I had to change the title of the second in the series from Deadly Harbour to Deadly Waters because it was being published in the USA and the publisher didn't want the English spelling of harbour on the cover. I struggled with the title of the new Inspector Horton Marine Mystery I'm writing, but I have now called it Blood Upon the Sand though that could change before publication.
In Cold Daylight began as The Cold Light of Day before I found another book of the same title in the same genre, a thriller, so I changed it - just to be on the safe side - to In Cold Daylight. And In For The Kill came instantly to me and explains just what that thriller is about - Alex Albury on his quest for revenge is in for the kill after his identity was stolen and he was wrongly convicted for fraud and embezzlement.
There is no copyright on a title but if you choose a title that is the same as another in the same genre you could find the publisher of the original book objecting and in danger of having your book pulled.
Titles, just like book covers, have to fit the type of novel or genre, and in my case, because my novels are Marine Mysteries they also have to have a 'sea' element in the title and cover image. Both are very important in attracting the new reader although once readers discover your novels and enjoy them they will then specifically look out for the new one.
Many people rarely remember the titles after they've read a book (unless the book becomes film). People might not even remember the author's name but what they often remember is the main character and they'll look for the next Inspector Horton, or the next Marine Mystery.
I did once, however, meet a reader who told me that she only ever bought crime books with murder or death in the title!
What do you think? How important are book titles to you and what influences you when you buy a book?
http://www.rowmark.co.uk
I've just started working on the new Inspector Andy Horton marine mystery; the sixth in the series. At first it all seems rather messy, lots of ideas and threads and none of them joined up enough to make a worthwhile plot, until yesterday that was.
I do all my plot outlines and characters in pencil before starting the creative process but this time something was urging me to start typing on to screen and get on with the creative process right away. Perhaps it was because I'd left Andy in the last novel in a turmoil and I needed to continue with his thinking. Or perhaps it was because one germ of an idea I had would take hold on screen during the creative writing process and flourish into a full blown infection. Anyway it worked (I think) I have now begun Andy Horton number six.
What I have written so far (two thousand words) might never see the final light of day because it will be changed many times before I am happy with it, but it's a start. Only another ninety eight thousand words to go before the first draft is complete. So I'd better sign off now and get on with it.
I do all my plot outlines and characters in pencil before starting the creative process but this time something was urging me to start typing on to screen and get on with the creative process right away. Perhaps it was because I'd left Andy in the last novel in a turmoil and I needed to continue with his thinking. Or perhaps it was because one germ of an idea I had would take hold on screen during the creative writing process and flourish into a full blown infection. Anyway it worked (I think) I have now begun Andy Horton number six.
What I have written so far (two thousand words) might never see the final light of day because it will be changed many times before I am happy with it, but it's a start. Only another ninety eight thousand words to go before the first draft is complete. So I'd better sign off now and get on with it.
My radio phone in interview with Alex Dyke on Wight FM on 16 April was lots of fun. It was great to talk to people via a phone-in and to answer questions they’d e mailed in regarding my novels and how I write. I'd love to do more radio phone-ins so hope I can link in with other radio stations on this soon.
I was also delighted to find that the Captain sailing the Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, on my way over to the Isle of Wight for my radio interview, was Captain Paul Marshall who was the Captain on the St Clare at the time of my eight hour marathon book signing event in May 2008. He left the bridge on Wednesday - in the capable hands of his chief officer I hasten to add - to come and say 'hello' and chat while we waited to sail into Fishbourne.
All in all a pleasant couple of days on the Isle of Wight, where my thriller, In For The Kill is set. The Suffocating Sea (an Inspector Andy Horton crime novel) also ends on the Isle of Wight. You can read all about my novels, business books and more on my official web site www.rowmark.co.uk
I was also delighted to find that the Captain sailing the Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, on my way over to the Isle of Wight for my radio interview, was Captain Paul Marshall who was the Captain on the St Clare at the time of my eight hour marathon book signing event in May 2008. He left the bridge on Wednesday - in the capable hands of his chief officer I hasten to add - to come and say 'hello' and chat while we waited to sail into Fishbourne.
All in all a pleasant couple of days on the Isle of Wight, where my thriller, In For The Kill is set. The Suffocating Sea (an Inspector Andy Horton crime novel) also ends on the Isle of Wight. You can read all about my novels, business books and more on my official web site www.rowmark.co.uk
I'm back from the London Book Fair after two very hectic and productive days. Can’t say it’s the best way to spend two gorgeous hot sunny days in England stuck in a giant air-conditioned hanger in the middle of London but needs must, and it was great to see so many friends in the publishing and bookselling world, and meet people who I’ve connected with on LinkedIn and on Facebook.
The London Book Fair seemed to be buzzing with activity with everyone in a positive and upbeat mood. Not so the taxi drivers who say that business in the capital is certainly down on this time last year. Though judging by the number of tourists on the embankment and river tours on Sunday I’d say the visitor figures must be well up. Those who live and work in London though (according to my source) are letting the tube take the strain. The buses seemed to be faring well and the number of cyclists whizzing along the busy fuel-choked roads seemed to spawn daily while we were there.
Anyway back to the London Book Fair. I met with my Literary Agent from Brazil who is very upbeat about my novels and has considerable interest from a number of publishers and producers in both Latin America and North America. My agents in Spain and Italy also have interest from publishers for translation rights, so fingers crossed. And it was nice to catch up with my agents from the Middle East and the Far East.
While on the stand I had a surprise visit from Paul Daniels – yes, the magic man. It was great to see him and he promised to follow my antics on Twitter!
I was pleased to meet with my e book and audio publisher, Summersdale Publishing, and my business book publisher, Crimson, who gave me a copy of the jacket cover of one of my new business titles due to be published in August 2009. They’re doing a big marketing push behind the launch of a major new series of business books including my titles: Successful Marketing, Successful Sales and Successful Customer Service. As soon as I have jpegs, I’ll post them on my official web site www.rowmark.co.uk with all the details.
Many people stopped by to tell me how much they loved my rugged, edgy detective, Inspector Horton and to them I very grateful. I hope many more will enjoy reading my crime novels in the months and years ahead. Dead Man's Wharf is being published in hardcover next week and I am now waiting to see who will offer on the fifth Inspector Horton crime novel, Blood Upon The Sand, which is now finished. On with number six...
The London Book Fair seemed to be buzzing with activity with everyone in a positive and upbeat mood. Not so the taxi drivers who say that business in the capital is certainly down on this time last year. Though judging by the number of tourists on the embankment and river tours on Sunday I’d say the visitor figures must be well up. Those who live and work in London though (according to my source) are letting the tube take the strain. The buses seemed to be faring well and the number of cyclists whizzing along the busy fuel-choked roads seemed to spawn daily while we were there.
Anyway back to the London Book Fair. I met with my Literary Agent from Brazil who is very upbeat about my novels and has considerable interest from a number of publishers and producers in both Latin America and North America. My agents in Spain and Italy also have interest from publishers for translation rights, so fingers crossed. And it was nice to catch up with my agents from the Middle East and the Far East.
While on the stand I had a surprise visit from Paul Daniels – yes, the magic man. It was great to see him and he promised to follow my antics on Twitter!
I was pleased to meet with my e book and audio publisher, Summersdale Publishing, and my business book publisher, Crimson, who gave me a copy of the jacket cover of one of my new business titles due to be published in August 2009. They’re doing a big marketing push behind the launch of a major new series of business books including my titles: Successful Marketing, Successful Sales and Successful Customer Service. As soon as I have jpegs, I’ll post them on my official web site www.rowmark.co.uk with all the details.
Many people stopped by to tell me how much they loved my rugged, edgy detective, Inspector Horton and to them I very grateful. I hope many more will enjoy reading my crime novels in the months and years ahead. Dead Man's Wharf is being published in hardcover next week and I am now waiting to see who will offer on the fifth Inspector Horton crime novel, Blood Upon The Sand, which is now finished. On with number six...
Three of my crime and thriller novels feature the Isle of Wight on the South Coast of England. In For The Kill, the fast-paced thriller starring Alex Albury, is set there; The Suffocating Sea, an Inspector Andy Horton Marine Mystery ends there, and Blood Upon The Sand, another Horton crime novel, which I've just finished writing, is also set there. I've posted some photographs on my blog http://www.paulinerowsonmarinemysteries....
In In For The Kill, Alex's life descends into a living nightmare when his identity is stolen. Newly released from prison and living on a houseboat in Bembridge Harbour, Alex sets out on a quest to discover who framed him for fraud and embezzlement, vowing to destroy this man as he has destroyed Alex's life. You can listen to me reading the prologue on my web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/in_for_the_kill...
In The Suffocating Sea, Andy Horton is forced to confront the past, not just that of the victim found badly charred on a burning boat, but of his mother's disappearance thirty years ago. As the pieces of a long ago puzzle begin to unravel it soon becomes clear to Horton that this is one mystery someone is determined he should never solve - masterminded by a dangerous adversary who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out. You can read more on the web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/the_suffocating...
And the new Inspector Andy Horton Marine Mystery is called Blood Upon The Sand. It is not yet published because I've only just finished writing it. On his way back to Portsmouth from Guernsey, Andy moors his yacht at Bembridge Marina on the Isle of Wight and discovers a woman leaning over the body of a man in the disused bunker on St Helens Duver. Soon Andy finds himself embroiled in another murder case, this time complicated by the emotional turmoil he feels for the woman who everyone believes is the killer.
I'll be reading an extract from Blood Upon The Sand shortly and posting it on my web site, ( and my You Tube channel http://www.youtube.com/paulinerowson13 but for now you can read a more detailed blurb at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/rights.php
I'll let you know when it's going to be published.
Hope you enjoy the photos. If you get the chance, the Isle of Wight is well worth a visit. It has some stunning scenery and is great walking country.
In In For The Kill, Alex's life descends into a living nightmare when his identity is stolen. Newly released from prison and living on a houseboat in Bembridge Harbour, Alex sets out on a quest to discover who framed him for fraud and embezzlement, vowing to destroy this man as he has destroyed Alex's life. You can listen to me reading the prologue on my web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/in_for_the_kill...
In The Suffocating Sea, Andy Horton is forced to confront the past, not just that of the victim found badly charred on a burning boat, but of his mother's disappearance thirty years ago. As the pieces of a long ago puzzle begin to unravel it soon becomes clear to Horton that this is one mystery someone is determined he should never solve - masterminded by a dangerous adversary who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out. You can read more on the web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/the_suffocating...
And the new Inspector Andy Horton Marine Mystery is called Blood Upon The Sand. It is not yet published because I've only just finished writing it. On his way back to Portsmouth from Guernsey, Andy moors his yacht at Bembridge Marina on the Isle of Wight and discovers a woman leaning over the body of a man in the disused bunker on St Helens Duver. Soon Andy finds himself embroiled in another murder case, this time complicated by the emotional turmoil he feels for the woman who everyone believes is the killer.
I'll be reading an extract from Blood Upon The Sand shortly and posting it on my web site, ( and my You Tube channel http://www.youtube.com/paulinerowson13 but for now you can read a more detailed blurb at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/rights.php
I'll let you know when it's going to be published.
Hope you enjoy the photos. If you get the chance, the Isle of Wight is well worth a visit. It has some stunning scenery and is great walking country.
This week sees the official publication of the new Marine Mystery crime novel featuring my flawed and rugged Portsmouth detective, Inspector Andy Horton.
Dead Man’s Wharf, which is published in hardcover, is the fourth in the marine mystery series. It is set against the backdrop of the Solent on the South Coast of England.
I'll be signing copies of Dead Man’s Wharf and others in the series at The Hayling Island Bookshop during Independent Booksellers Week on Saturday 20 June at 11am. Before then I am in Cornwall, Bristol and Dorset for book signings.
For more information visit my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk
Dead Man’s Wharf, which is published in hardcover, is the fourth in the marine mystery series. It is set against the backdrop of the Solent on the South Coast of England.
I'll be signing copies of Dead Man’s Wharf and others in the series at The Hayling Island Bookshop during Independent Booksellers Week on Saturday 20 June at 11am. Before then I am in Cornwall, Bristol and Dorset for book signings.
For more information visit my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk
It's always great to get positive feedback on one's novels and I am delighted to have received some lovely comments from readers over the last couple of weeks concerning the latest Inspector Horton Marine Mystery crime novel, Dead Man's Wharf.
I've also had some great comments from readers who have just discovered my earlier crime novels, Tide of Death, Deadly Waters and The Suffocating Sea, as well as my thriller In For Kill. If that sounds like bragging then please it's not -far from it. I am just soooo grateful for a kind word or two...
When a new novel is published, us authors wait with baited breath, not to see what the 'official' reviewers are saying about it but what the real readers think about it. We are nervous, sensitive souls who have lived, breathed and eaten that last novel. We've shared our characters fears, thrills, sorrows, joys and more, so much so that it feels as though a part of us has been laid bare. We want the book to be good - great even. And we really want people to enjoy reading it.
By the time I have finished writing, and endlessly revising a novel, I know it inside out and back to front. And that's not the end of the matter, I then have to go through the proofs. I am then so close to it that it is difficult to be objective. There comes a time, I am sure with most writers, when you believe that everything you have written is rubbish, so when feedback of a positive nature comes through you have to be scraped off the ceiling you're so excited. It's a great motivator to carry on.
Giving pleasure to my readers in the form of a thrill, a good mystery novel, a gripping and enjoyable crime story is what I love doing. I adore my central character, the flawed and hunky Inspector Andy Horton with all his faults, and I am delighted to say that my readers also love him.
I know I'm probably opening myself here to adverse comments because there's bound to be others who don't like the books -but then that's art for you - it's subjective, and although negative comments hurt I know that I can't please all the people all the time. I'd just like to!
A big thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to let me know that they are enjoying my crime novels. And, yes, I have written the next Inspector Horton, but I'm not sure when it will be published. I'll let you know as soon as I do, here, and on my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk where you can read all about my novels and business books and listen to extracts from them.
Now I'd better get back to writing. I left Inspector Horton in a tricky situation... but then when isn't he?
I've also had some great comments from readers who have just discovered my earlier crime novels, Tide of Death, Deadly Waters and The Suffocating Sea, as well as my thriller In For Kill. If that sounds like bragging then please it's not -far from it. I am just soooo grateful for a kind word or two...
When a new novel is published, us authors wait with baited breath, not to see what the 'official' reviewers are saying about it but what the real readers think about it. We are nervous, sensitive souls who have lived, breathed and eaten that last novel. We've shared our characters fears, thrills, sorrows, joys and more, so much so that it feels as though a part of us has been laid bare. We want the book to be good - great even. And we really want people to enjoy reading it.
By the time I have finished writing, and endlessly revising a novel, I know it inside out and back to front. And that's not the end of the matter, I then have to go through the proofs. I am then so close to it that it is difficult to be objective. There comes a time, I am sure with most writers, when you believe that everything you have written is rubbish, so when feedback of a positive nature comes through you have to be scraped off the ceiling you're so excited. It's a great motivator to carry on.
Giving pleasure to my readers in the form of a thrill, a good mystery novel, a gripping and enjoyable crime story is what I love doing. I adore my central character, the flawed and hunky Inspector Andy Horton with all his faults, and I am delighted to say that my readers also love him.
I know I'm probably opening myself here to adverse comments because there's bound to be others who don't like the books -but then that's art for you - it's subjective, and although negative comments hurt I know that I can't please all the people all the time. I'd just like to!
A big thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to let me know that they are enjoying my crime novels. And, yes, I have written the next Inspector Horton, but I'm not sure when it will be published. I'll let you know as soon as I do, here, and on my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk where you can read all about my novels and business books and listen to extracts from them.
Now I'd better get back to writing. I left Inspector Horton in a tricky situation... but then when isn't he?
I'm just back from Hayling seafront, lovely breeze, the sea looks & feels great. Oh, I do love to be beside the seaside... especially on a very hot day like today. Though, honestly, I love the sea no matter what the weather and as many of you know it is the inspiration for my crime novels.
Having been brought up close to the sea in Portsmouth, on the south coast of England, it is part of me. I spent many days of my youth sprawled out on Southsea and Hayling beach sunbathing, and no, I didn't know anything about skin cancer then. Like all my friends I smothered myself in baby lotion and cooked under a blistering sun. It sends shudders up my spine to think what damage I must have done to my skin. Now, like a good girl, and of more mature years, it's sun factor 25 and a hat.
The forecast is for a hot sunny week so plenty more sea breeze and walks along the beach on Hayling Island and on the Isle of Wight where I have a little bolt holt, which enables me to do lots of lovely creative writing. It beats working for a living!! I only have to remember all those days I spent in an office looking longingly at the lovely weather and wishing I was outside enjoying it to appreciate what I now have.
I'm currently working on a new Inspector Horton marine mystery crime novel, which is set in March, so it's winds, rain and the odd glimpse of spring breaking through as the backdrop to a tantalising tale full of twists and turns and surprises. That's what I so love about England. OK, so we all moan about the weather, but it always give us lots to talk about, and provides great variety. We have the beauty of the changing seasons and of course, the sea: beguiling, beautiful, bewitching - dangerous, deadly, deceptive - mysterious, masterly, moody - tempestuous, tidal, tranquil. What more, I ask you, could a crime writer want as a backdrop to a murder mystery novel?
Having been brought up close to the sea in Portsmouth, on the south coast of England, it is part of me. I spent many days of my youth sprawled out on Southsea and Hayling beach sunbathing, and no, I didn't know anything about skin cancer then. Like all my friends I smothered myself in baby lotion and cooked under a blistering sun. It sends shudders up my spine to think what damage I must have done to my skin. Now, like a good girl, and of more mature years, it's sun factor 25 and a hat.
The forecast is for a hot sunny week so plenty more sea breeze and walks along the beach on Hayling Island and on the Isle of Wight where I have a little bolt holt, which enables me to do lots of lovely creative writing. It beats working for a living!! I only have to remember all those days I spent in an office looking longingly at the lovely weather and wishing I was outside enjoying it to appreciate what I now have.
I'm currently working on a new Inspector Horton marine mystery crime novel, which is set in March, so it's winds, rain and the odd glimpse of spring breaking through as the backdrop to a tantalising tale full of twists and turns and surprises. That's what I so love about England. OK, so we all moan about the weather, but it always give us lots to talk about, and provides great variety. We have the beauty of the changing seasons and of course, the sea: beguiling, beautiful, bewitching - dangerous, deadly, deceptive - mysterious, masterly, moody - tempestuous, tidal, tranquil. What more, I ask you, could a crime writer want as a backdrop to a murder mystery novel?
