Pauline Rowson's Blog, page 59
September 17, 2014
How long does it take to write a crime novel?
It's always a scary moment when I press 'send' on the keyboard and a completed MS for a new crime novel wings its way through the ether to my publisher, Severn House. It's rather like waiting for an exam result or a report from the teacher - could I have done better? Should I have rephrased something or added or omitted something? It's also an equally nerve wracking moment (although also joyous) when the novel is published, because then it is absolutely too late to change anything.
I have sent the twelfth DI Andy Horton to my publisher and have heard the great news that this is to be published in Spring 2015. More on this to follow.
I'm often asked how long it takes me to write a crime novel. At present I'm writing the thirteenth in the DI Andy Horton series, which I started at the beginning of August 2014. I aim to have this finished by the end of January 2015 so I can leave you to work how long it takes me to research, plan, plot and write a novel. At present I am writing two crime novels a year, a DI Andy Horton and a new crime series, featuring a new hero, more on that soon.
Meanwhile what does DI Horton get up to in DI Andy Horton number twelve, the title of which I'll announce shortly?
Well, obviously there is a new crime to solve and there is a new twist in his private investigations into the disappearance of his mother over thirty years ago. I'm not going to say any more than that! I wouldn't want to spoil it for readers.
In the meantime there is Shroud of Evil (DI Andy Horton 11) to hopefully tempt you, which is now available as an e book and in hardcover.
In Shroud of Evil Horton is forced to protect a secret. He has no choice, but withholding information in a murder investigation could cost him his job.
And there are plenty more in the DI Horton series in addition to my two standalone crime novels, In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill.
Happy reading.
I have sent the twelfth DI Andy Horton to my publisher and have heard the great news that this is to be published in Spring 2015. More on this to follow.
I'm often asked how long it takes me to write a crime novel. At present I'm writing the thirteenth in the DI Andy Horton series, which I started at the beginning of August 2014. I aim to have this finished by the end of January 2015 so I can leave you to work how long it takes me to research, plan, plot and write a novel. At present I am writing two crime novels a year, a DI Andy Horton and a new crime series, featuring a new hero, more on that soon.
Meanwhile what does DI Horton get up to in DI Andy Horton number twelve, the title of which I'll announce shortly?
Well, obviously there is a new crime to solve and there is a new twist in his private investigations into the disappearance of his mother over thirty years ago. I'm not going to say any more than that! I wouldn't want to spoil it for readers.
In the meantime there is Shroud of Evil (DI Andy Horton 11) to hopefully tempt you, which is now available as an e book and in hardcover.
In Shroud of Evil Horton is forced to protect a secret. He has no choice, but withholding information in a murder investigation could cost him his job.
And there are plenty more in the DI Horton series in addition to my two standalone crime novels, In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill.
Happy reading.
September 11, 2014
How long does it take to write a crime novel? Pauline Rowson discusses
It's always a scary moment when I press 'send' on the keyboard and the
completed MS for a new crime novel wings its way through the ether to my
editor at my publisher, Severn House, it's rather like waiting for an
exam result or a report from the teacher - could I have done better?
Should I have rephrased something or added or omitted something? It's also an equally nerve wracking moment ( although also joyous) when it is
published, because then it is absolutely too late to change anything.
So how long does it take me to write a crime novel? Read more by clicking on the above title link.
completed MS for a new crime novel wings its way through the ether to my
editor at my publisher, Severn House, it's rather like waiting for an
exam result or a report from the teacher - could I have done better?
Should I have rephrased something or added or omitted something? It's also an equally nerve wracking moment ( although also joyous) when it is
published, because then it is absolutely too late to change anything.
So how long does it take me to write a crime novel? Read more by clicking on the above title link.
September 10, 2014
Writing a crime series and keeping it fresh
Writing a crime series and keeping each novel fresh is always a challenge for crime writers. There are now eleven in the DI Andy Horton series which is set in Portsmouth against the backdrop of the Solent, and number twelve is with my publisher while I write number thirteen. DI Horton has come a long way since first appearing in Tide of Death in 2006
So how does a writer keep the series fresh and the central character of interest to readers?
Readers buy my books because they enjoy the style, the setting and reading about the same characters, but the challenge is how to keep faithful to my readers and make each novel fresh and different?
For me creating a central character with a back story, which can be progressed with each new novel, is one way of introducing a fresh element. DI Andy Horton has the continuing mission, along with all the accompanying internal strife, of trying to discover why his mother (Jennifer) abandoned him at the age of ten, where she went and what subsequently happened to her.
It is suspected that she was involved with a master criminal code named Zeus, who the Intelligence Directorate, Europol and Interpol are very keen to get their hands on and are eager to enlist Horton’s help in finding. But as the series progresses it is clear that there is more to Jennifer's disappearance than Horton has been led to believe. (I won't reveal what and spoil it for new readers).
Then there is the question of Horton’s father. Who is he? Where is he? Is he still alive? Along with this there is Horton’s continuing struggle to gain regular access to his daughter, Emma, from an antagonistic former wife.
While these elements must not be allowed to dominate the novel (and not all of them are in every novel) they keep the reader wondering what might happen and allow the development of subplots and other sides of Horton’s character to be revealed.
The main character’s personal life does, to some extent, have an impact on the plots, but each novel contains a new murder mystery to be solved and that mystery is resolved at the end of each book.
In addition, DI Horton is based in CID with an abrasive female boss, DCI Lorraine Bliss, who is introduced in novel three The Suffocating Sea but it is the Major Crime Unit which deals with the homicide cases so there has to be a new way of getting Horton drawn in to each investigation, which makes it challenging and interesting.
I also introduce officers seconded from other units, which in turn alters the chemistry between the characters and the ensuing dialogue.
Setting is another key element in the Horton series. In the Solent there is plenty of contrast and action, both on and off the water, and this helps to create variety, conflict and keep the stories fresh. Added to this is the fact that Horton lives on board his yacht, so he can always up sticks and travel – on holiday, or for a day out sailing… and who knows what might happen? Blood on the Sand
In Death Surge DI Andy Horton is also out sailing off the Isle of Wight during Cowes Week when he is called back by Sergeant Cantelli who is frantic with worry because his nephew hasn't shown up to participate in the racing during Cowes Week, as arranged. What begins as a hunt for a missing man soon becomes a hunt for a ruthless killer.
There is always plenty happening in the Solent for me to draw inspiration from, and never a shortage of ideas. Taking those ideas and turning them into plots that will have readers eagerly turning the pages and waiting for the next installment is the tricky bit. So far, with eleven in the series, it seems to have worked.
I enjoy writing a series and seeing the characters' lives unfold, and publishers like a series because more sales can be generated as the readership grows with each new novel. I'm currently writing the thirteenth DI Andy Horton and also working on a new series featuring a new hero. So a lot more to come yet.
So how does a writer keep the series fresh and the central character of interest to readers?
Readers buy my books because they enjoy the style, the setting and reading about the same characters, but the challenge is how to keep faithful to my readers and make each novel fresh and different?
For me creating a central character with a back story, which can be progressed with each new novel, is one way of introducing a fresh element. DI Andy Horton has the continuing mission, along with all the accompanying internal strife, of trying to discover why his mother (Jennifer) abandoned him at the age of ten, where she went and what subsequently happened to her.
It is suspected that she was involved with a master criminal code named Zeus, who the Intelligence Directorate, Europol and Interpol are very keen to get their hands on and are eager to enlist Horton’s help in finding. But as the series progresses it is clear that there is more to Jennifer's disappearance than Horton has been led to believe. (I won't reveal what and spoil it for new readers).
Then there is the question of Horton’s father. Who is he? Where is he? Is he still alive? Along with this there is Horton’s continuing struggle to gain regular access to his daughter, Emma, from an antagonistic former wife.
While these elements must not be allowed to dominate the novel (and not all of them are in every novel) they keep the reader wondering what might happen and allow the development of subplots and other sides of Horton’s character to be revealed.
The main character’s personal life does, to some extent, have an impact on the plots, but each novel contains a new murder mystery to be solved and that mystery is resolved at the end of each book.
In addition, DI Horton is based in CID with an abrasive female boss, DCI Lorraine Bliss, who is introduced in novel three The Suffocating Sea but it is the Major Crime Unit which deals with the homicide cases so there has to be a new way of getting Horton drawn in to each investigation, which makes it challenging and interesting.
I also introduce officers seconded from other units, which in turn alters the chemistry between the characters and the ensuing dialogue.
Setting is another key element in the Horton series. In the Solent there is plenty of contrast and action, both on and off the water, and this helps to create variety, conflict and keep the stories fresh. Added to this is the fact that Horton lives on board his yacht, so he can always up sticks and travel – on holiday, or for a day out sailing… and who knows what might happen? Blood on the Sand
In Death Surge DI Andy Horton is also out sailing off the Isle of Wight during Cowes Week when he is called back by Sergeant Cantelli who is frantic with worry because his nephew hasn't shown up to participate in the racing during Cowes Week, as arranged. What begins as a hunt for a missing man soon becomes a hunt for a ruthless killer.
There is always plenty happening in the Solent for me to draw inspiration from, and never a shortage of ideas. Taking those ideas and turning them into plots that will have readers eagerly turning the pages and waiting for the next installment is the tricky bit. So far, with eleven in the series, it seems to have worked.
I enjoy writing a series and seeing the characters' lives unfold, and publishers like a series because more sales can be generated as the readership grows with each new novel. I'm currently writing the thirteenth DI Andy Horton and also working on a new series featuring a new hero. So a lot more to come yet.
September 9, 2014
It's back to school for DI Andy Horton in Deadly Waters
The school term is on us once again and so it is for the flawed and rugged Portsmouth copper DI Andy Horton in the second of the DI Andy Horton series, Deadly Waters, which is set around Portsmouth and Langstone Harbour. There are some photographs of where Deadly Waters is set on my website blog
Ambition, murder, adultery... Horton has only a week to find a killer...
In Deadly Waters,a woman,the headteacher of struggling inner city Portsmouth school, is found brutally murdered on the Mulberry in Langstone Harbour. A note is found on the body. Have you forgotten ME? Is it simply a senseless murder by an unhinged killer or does someone close to the head have a motive for murder? As Horton delves deeper into the investigation, aided by Sergeant Cantelli, the tension mounts. With the clock ticking Horton is soon forced to take a decision that will put his life on the line.
"Rowson adds an appealing hero to the British Police Procedural ranks." Kirkus Reviews (USA)
Deadly Waters (DI Andy Horton Mystery 2): A Marine Mystery Crime Novel Featuring DI Horton
Ambition, murder, adultery... Horton has only a week to find a killer...
In Deadly Waters,a woman,the headteacher of struggling inner city Portsmouth school, is found brutally murdered on the Mulberry in Langstone Harbour. A note is found on the body. Have you forgotten ME? Is it simply a senseless murder by an unhinged killer or does someone close to the head have a motive for murder? As Horton delves deeper into the investigation, aided by Sergeant Cantelli, the tension mounts. With the clock ticking Horton is soon forced to take a decision that will put his life on the line.
"Rowson adds an appealing hero to the British Police Procedural ranks." Kirkus Reviews (USA)
Deadly Waters (DI Andy Horton Mystery 2): A Marine Mystery Crime Novel Featuring DI Horton
September 4, 2014
It's back to school and Horton has a week to find the killer of a headteacher
The school term is on us once again and so it is for the flawed and rugged Portsmouth copper DI Andy Horton in the second of the DI Andy Horton series. Deadly Waters is set around Portsmouth and Langstone Harbour.
Here are some scenes from the setting for Deadly Waters. Click on the above title or the link to the right for more.
Here are some scenes from the setting for Deadly Waters. Click on the above title or the link to the right for more.
September 1, 2014
Writing a crime series and keeping it fresh
Writing a crime series and keeping each novel fresh is always a challenge for crime writers. There are now eleven in the DI Andy Horton series and number twelve is with my publisher Severn House. DI Horton has come a long way since first appearing in Tide of Death in 2006. So how does a writer keep the series fresh and the central character of interest to readers?
Read more by clicking on the above title or on the link to the right.
Read more by clicking on the above title or on the link to the right.
What's on in September, talks, CSI Portsmouth tickets, and DI Andy Horton
Well that's August over with, and the summer of 2014 will soon become a distant memory as the nights draw in and the temperature drops. But the autumn (or the fall depending on where you live)) is a lovely time of year, full of rich colours and cool enough in Britain for some invigorating walks along the coast or in the forests. I'll be doing plenty of both as I think through the plot for the DI Andy Horton crime novel I am writing, number thirteen in the series.
Here is what else is on the cards for September 2014 for me.
On 12 September I'll be giving a talk to members of the Emsworth WI. Then on 22 September I will be at Yate Library, Gloucestershire, at 7.30pm, talking about the inspiration behind the Solent based marine mystery series featuring the flawed and rugged DI Andy Horton and my standalone crime novels, In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill.
Tickets also go on sale for CSI Portsmouth from 29 September where crime fiction meets crime fact. Join me and fellow crime authors MC Beaton and Jessie Keane along with police and crime experts on Saturday 8 November 2014 for an entertaining and informative one day event.
CSI Portsmouth, sponsored by Bello, publisher Pan Macmillan’s digital imprint, which brings lost classics back to life, is now in its fifth year. It is a one day event which discusses through two panel debates, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, crime fiction and fact. It is being held at The Princess Royal Gallery at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. More information at CSI Portsmouth 2014
Looking forward to doing lots of writing during September and hopefully having news of when the next DI Andy Horton, number twelve in the series will be published.
Here is what else is on the cards for September 2014 for me.
On 12 September I'll be giving a talk to members of the Emsworth WI. Then on 22 September I will be at Yate Library, Gloucestershire, at 7.30pm, talking about the inspiration behind the Solent based marine mystery series featuring the flawed and rugged DI Andy Horton and my standalone crime novels, In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill.
Tickets also go on sale for CSI Portsmouth from 29 September where crime fiction meets crime fact. Join me and fellow crime authors MC Beaton and Jessie Keane along with police and crime experts on Saturday 8 November 2014 for an entertaining and informative one day event.
CSI Portsmouth, sponsored by Bello, publisher Pan Macmillan’s digital imprint, which brings lost classics back to life, is now in its fifth year. It is a one day event which discusses through two panel debates, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, crime fiction and fact. It is being held at The Princess Royal Gallery at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. More information at CSI Portsmouth 2014
Looking forward to doing lots of writing during September and hopefully having news of when the next DI Andy Horton, number twelve in the series will be published.
August 31, 2014
What's on in September
Well that's August over with, and the summer of 2014 will soon become a
distant memory as the nights draw in and the temperature drops. But the
autumn (or fall depending on where you live)) is a lovely time, full of
rich colours and cool enough in Britain for some invigorating walks
along the coast or in the forests. I'll be doing plenty of both as I
think through the plot for the DI Andy Horton crime novel I am writing, number thirteen in the series.
Here is what else is on the cards for September 2014 for me.
Read more by clicking on the above title or the link to the right.
distant memory as the nights draw in and the temperature drops. But the
autumn (or fall depending on where you live)) is a lovely time, full of
rich colours and cool enough in Britain for some invigorating walks
along the coast or in the forests. I'll be doing plenty of both as I
think through the plot for the DI Andy Horton crime novel I am writing, number thirteen in the series.
Here is what else is on the cards for September 2014 for me.
Read more by clicking on the above title or the link to the right.
August 25, 2014
Last week to buy DI Andy Horton, The Suffocating Sea on Special Kindle ebook Offer
The Suffocating Sea only £1.99 or $3.34 on Amazon Kindle. Offer ends 31 August. As Horton is forced to confront his past he's faced with a dangerous adversary who
will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out...
The third in the DI Horton series (currently eleven) set on the South Coast of England
in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
Buy Now (UK)
Buy Now (USA)
will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out...
The third in the DI Horton series (currently eleven) set on the South Coast of England
in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
Buy Now (UK)
Buy Now (USA)
August 22, 2014
Tide of Death, the first DI Andy Horton on special Kindle offer for August Bank Holiday
Tide of Death, the first in the popular DI Andy Horton crime series opens on an August Bank Holiday in England and to mark the occasion it is on a special Kindle price promotion for Bank Holiday only £2.99 or $4.99
Buy Tide of Death on Amazon UK
Buy Tide of Death on Amazon USA
Chosen by Amazon as the 'Best of Crime Fiction 2006'.
Click on the above title or the link to the right to read more and watch the trailer.
Buy Tide of Death on Amazon UK
Buy Tide of Death on Amazon USA
Chosen by Amazon as the 'Best of Crime Fiction 2006'.
Click on the above title or the link to the right to read more and watch the trailer.
