Ask the Author: G.S. Locke
Answered Questions (8)
G.S. Locke
My great grandmother 'disappeared', leaving her children, which was pretty unusual at the time. There were various explanations: she'd left her husband and family for another man; she'd travelled to America; she'd been murdered and her body never found. Nobody found out what actually happened. It wasn't spoken of and only, when a relative started to do our family tree, did it really come to light.
G.S. Locke
It was a combination of factors. I'm always interested in characters who are put under immense pressure right from the start. For my main protagonist to lose his wife to a serial killer in an investigation he was heading up seemed pretty extreme. I'm a massive fan of art in all its forms, including 'Neon' so the two aspects combined rather easily. As for Iris, my hit woman, she came to me fully formed. As you can tell if you read the novel, I have a soft spot for her. I think three core characters in any novel makes for a rounded story.
G.S. Locke
A deadline. I'm good under pressure! More seriously, a painting might get me thinking or even a piece of music. Inspiration can strike at any time - if you let it. The trick is to think freely.
G.S. Locke
Another standalone to follow 'Neon'.
G.S. Locke
Keep writing! Easier said than done, I know, but if you do this, (and ignore what anyone else is doing) you'll find your own voice. I'm a planner rather than a writer who goes with the flow. Consequently, I'd advise any aspiring crime writer to research, (for example police procedure) really think about your characters and plot accordingly. My favourite phrase is 'cut to the chase,' in other words cut out the boring bits to maintain pace and tension.
G.S. Locke
There's more than one: the freedom to disappear into your own world, followed by the satisfaction of connecting with readers, and getting to hang out with other writers you admire.
G.S. Locke
It hasn't really happened - yet! I'm a bit of a new junkie and it's always that slightly random or off-beat news items that stimulates my thinking. Going away for a few days will often have the same effect and, wait for it, ironing. I hate it so much that, within a few minutes, an idea will usually smack me between the eyes.
G.S. Locke
Sorry my answer is so out of date! I've literally just joined Goodreads as G.S. Locke. My most recent reads are 'Turbulent Wake' by Paul Hardisty, 'A Treachery of Spies' by Manda Scott, 'London Rules' by Mick Herron, 'The Puppet Show' by M W Craven, 'The Doom List,' Gerard O'Donovan. Right now I'm reading James McGee's 'The Reckoning'. Next up 'Joe Country' by Mick Herron - I'm a massive Herron fan, followed by 'The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor. Also lined up: 'Last Seen Alive by Clare Douglas and 'The Thicket' by Joe R. Lansdale. I really enjoy mixing up my reading and always avoid reading in the genre I'm writing when writing a novel.
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