Pauline Rowson's Blog, page 86
August 17, 2009
Who do you base your characters on?
I’m often asked by readers whether my tough, earthy character, the flawed and rugged Inspector Horton in my marine mysteries, is based on anyone I know. The inspiration for Andy Horton comes from my lifelong love of heroes both fictional (James Bond for one) and real, in particular my former fire fighter husband and the men I have met on his watch and in the Hampshire Fire Service. These fearless men also provided me with the idea for my crime thriller novel, In Cold Daylight which is in fact dedicated to them and to all fire fighters, ‘the true heroes.’
Fire fighters go in to dangerous situations and risk their lives when everyone else is rushing away and my husband has had some very near misses in his career. Inspector Horton is like this. He fearlessly charges in and gets himself into all sorts of difficulties in order to see that justice is done. He’s fit, brave, and a maverick, but he’s also self-contained and controlled with a disturbing past that has made him reluctant to trust and to reveal more of himself than he needs to sometimes earning him a reputation of being cold and unfeeling.
In Cold Daylight, is not an Inspector Horton novel though but a stand alone crime thriller novel, which was inspired by a conversation I overheard on my husband’s watch one day. The fire fighters were discussing the unusually high number of their colleagues who had contracted cancer and they believed it was from exposure to hazardous chemicals in the line of duty. This was never investigated. In the UK the link between fire fighters and cancer is conveniently ignored whereas in America, Canada and Australia it is finally being researched and acknowledged allbeit slowly and with a fight. I decided to take this idea and blend the facts of this case within a dramatic fictional plot, creating a powerful novel, which I am pleased to say was shortlisted for the World Book Day Prize 2008 in the UK.
Instead of featuring a brave fire-fighter hero though in In Cold Daylight, I chose to tell the story through the eyes of a man who is the opposite. This is marine artist, Adam Greene's journey through overcoming depression, a nervous breakdown and leaning on the prop of his strong-willed, ambitious wife as much as discovering why his best friend, fire fighter, Jack Bartholomew, was killed in the line of duty before he can reveal the cause of his own – and his colleagues’ cancer. In a cryptic message orchestrated before his untimely death, Jack has left a trail of clues that will lead Adam into a labyrinth of lies, secrets and conspiracy. http://www.rowmark.co.uk
To fire fighters and everyone who risks their lives to help others I salute you, ‘the true heroes.’
Fire fighters go in to dangerous situations and risk their lives when everyone else is rushing away and my husband has had some very near misses in his career. Inspector Horton is like this. He fearlessly charges in and gets himself into all sorts of difficulties in order to see that justice is done. He’s fit, brave, and a maverick, but he’s also self-contained and controlled with a disturbing past that has made him reluctant to trust and to reveal more of himself than he needs to sometimes earning him a reputation of being cold and unfeeling.
In Cold Daylight, is not an Inspector Horton novel though but a stand alone crime thriller novel, which was inspired by a conversation I overheard on my husband’s watch one day. The fire fighters were discussing the unusually high number of their colleagues who had contracted cancer and they believed it was from exposure to hazardous chemicals in the line of duty. This was never investigated. In the UK the link between fire fighters and cancer is conveniently ignored whereas in America, Canada and Australia it is finally being researched and acknowledged allbeit slowly and with a fight. I decided to take this idea and blend the facts of this case within a dramatic fictional plot, creating a powerful novel, which I am pleased to say was shortlisted for the World Book Day Prize 2008 in the UK.
Instead of featuring a brave fire-fighter hero though in In Cold Daylight, I chose to tell the story through the eyes of a man who is the opposite. This is marine artist, Adam Greene's journey through overcoming depression, a nervous breakdown and leaning on the prop of his strong-willed, ambitious wife as much as discovering why his best friend, fire fighter, Jack Bartholomew, was killed in the line of duty before he can reveal the cause of his own – and his colleagues’ cancer. In a cryptic message orchestrated before his untimely death, Jack has left a trail of clues that will lead Adam into a labyrinth of lies, secrets and conspiracy. http://www.rowmark.co.uk
To fire fighters and everyone who risks their lives to help others I salute you, ‘the true heroes.’
August 10, 2009
Wrestling with plot lines
I’ve been wrestling with the plot of my next Inspector Horton Marine Mystery crime novel over the last few days – hence the silence on my blog, and the silence around the house. I get so absorbed in it, that I find it hard to think of anything else. I’m just over two thirds of the way through writing the first draft and I’ve got to that stage where I need to know exactly where I’m going and with whom. You’d think I would have it all worked out by now, having written nearly seventy thousand words but I haven’t. I always do this – it’s the way I work. I have an idea for the novel, I work out the basic plotline, and I do the character sketches. Then I’m ready to get cracking on the creative writing stuff. I love getting down to the actual writing as soon as I can even though I often don’t know the ending or even ‘who done it’ because the whole novel doesn’t come alive until Horton starts investigating and gets into all sorts of trouble as a result.
As I write, the plot becomes more and more interesting and complex, full of twists and turns so much so that I often tie myself up in knots! That’s when I need to stop writing and do some more hard thinking. I need to revisit the plot (or even re-invent it) to ensure that what I am actually creating is believable, exciting and full of tension.
With this novel, like most of my previous crime novels, the plot line is multi-faceted. And now after a few days hard thinking, and much scribbling I’ve hit the eureka button (although I’ve still got some further research to undertake). At last I think it all ties up. I say think because until I start working on it again I won’t really know but I’m optimistic and excited.
Deadly WatersThe Suffocating Sea
As I write, the plot becomes more and more interesting and complex, full of twists and turns so much so that I often tie myself up in knots! That’s when I need to stop writing and do some more hard thinking. I need to revisit the plot (or even re-invent it) to ensure that what I am actually creating is believable, exciting and full of tension.
With this novel, like most of my previous crime novels, the plot line is multi-faceted. And now after a few days hard thinking, and much scribbling I’ve hit the eureka button (although I’ve still got some further research to undertake). At last I think it all ties up. I say think because until I start working on it again I won’t really know but I’m optimistic and excited.
Deadly WatersThe Suffocating Sea
August 1, 2009
NEW Audio Book and Business Books
It may be summer and holiday time, but it's a busy August with the publication of the new unabridged audio book version of The Suffocating Sea, the third in the Inspector Horton Marine Mystery series of crime novels set in the Solent area, and the publication of three of my new marketing and sales books.
The Suffocating Sea has been published by Isis Publishing as an Unabridged Audio Book. Just released (1 August 2009) it is read by Gordon Griffin and is available in cassette and CD form and as a download. It features the rugged and flawed detective, Inspector Andy Horton and his sidekick Sergeant Cantelli.
Three of my new marketing and sales books are also published today by Crimson, as part of an exciting new business series - Get Brilliant Results Fast.
Successful Marketing, Successful Sales and Successful Customer Services are packed full of tips and techniques to help businesses get results quickly. They include case studies, action points and a quick recap at the end of each chapter.
For more information on The Suffocating Sea and all my business and self improvement books you can visit my official web site http://www.rowmark.co.uk
The Suffocating Sea
The Suffocating Sea has been published by Isis Publishing as an Unabridged Audio Book. Just released (1 August 2009) it is read by Gordon Griffin and is available in cassette and CD form and as a download. It features the rugged and flawed detective, Inspector Andy Horton and his sidekick Sergeant Cantelli.
Three of my new marketing and sales books are also published today by Crimson, as part of an exciting new business series - Get Brilliant Results Fast.
Successful Marketing, Successful Sales and Successful Customer Services are packed full of tips and techniques to help businesses get results quickly. They include case studies, action points and a quick recap at the end of each chapter.
For more information on The Suffocating Sea and all my business and self improvement books you can visit my official web site http://www.rowmark.co.uk
The Suffocating Sea
July 28, 2009
Celebration time
Hayling Island Library was buzzing with activity yesterday when throngs of local people turned up to celebrate its re-opening after its major refit.
The library has been completely redecorated and a new community room added with its own separate access allowing the library to run more group activity. There are now toilet facilities (handy when you're in the library a long time) and a very welcome coffee/tea machine - so you might need that loo!
All my novels were out on loan so I took some along with me to sell and sign for those interested. I met some lovely people.
There was a celebration cake, nibbles, and drinks, face painting and balloons for the children, or for anyone else for that matter, a chance to view the new facilities, and of course, to change your library books, DVDs etc.
It's good to have our local library back on the run and great to see it so vibrant.
BBC Radio Solent
I was on the Julian Clegg show on BBC Radio Solent this morning at 6.45 a.m talking to Julian about my novels. I'm one of 'Julian's People' those whose lives he has chosen to follow on his programme throughout the year.I'll be on his programme again on 1 October 2009.
More on my official web site www.rowmark.co.uk
Tide of Death
The library has been completely redecorated and a new community room added with its own separate access allowing the library to run more group activity. There are now toilet facilities (handy when you're in the library a long time) and a very welcome coffee/tea machine - so you might need that loo!
All my novels were out on loan so I took some along with me to sell and sign for those interested. I met some lovely people.
There was a celebration cake, nibbles, and drinks, face painting and balloons for the children, or for anyone else for that matter, a chance to view the new facilities, and of course, to change your library books, DVDs etc.
It's good to have our local library back on the run and great to see it so vibrant.
BBC Radio Solent
I was on the Julian Clegg show on BBC Radio Solent this morning at 6.45 a.m talking to Julian about my novels. I'm one of 'Julian's People' those whose lives he has chosen to follow on his programme throughout the year.I'll be on his programme again on 1 October 2009.
More on my official web site www.rowmark.co.uk
Tide of Death
July 18, 2009
The Suffocating Sea To Be Published In Large Print
I'm pleased to say that The Suffocating Sea, the third in the Inspector Horton Marine Mystery series of crime novels set in the Solent area, is to be published in Large Print in September.
It will be available to buy via the Internet and on order from bookshops. It will, of course, also be available from libraries certainly in the UK and I believe also in America.
I have been told that the talking book or audio version and download of The Suffocating Sea is also being published but I'm yet to have a date for this. When I do get one I will post something here and on my web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/
The Suffocating Sea was recently chosen by The Book Depository as one of ten 'Best of British Crime Fiction.'
Here is the blurb on it:
The Suffocating Sea
DI Horton is called to investigate a suspicious fire on board a boat, but as soon as he arrives at the marina he experiences a premonition so strong that it’s almost audible. As he views the charred remains of the dead man he knows instinctively that this investigation will be like no other, and he’s right. Soon Horton is forced to confront the past, not just the victim’ past, but the mystery surrounding his mother’s disappearance over thirty years ago. As the pieces of a long ago puzzle begin to unravel, it soon becomes clear to Horton that this is one case someone is determined he should never solve – masterminded by a dangerous adversary who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out...
The Suffocating Sea An Andy Horton Mystery
It will be available to buy via the Internet and on order from bookshops. It will, of course, also be available from libraries certainly in the UK and I believe also in America.
I have been told that the talking book or audio version and download of The Suffocating Sea is also being published but I'm yet to have a date for this. When I do get one I will post something here and on my web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/
The Suffocating Sea was recently chosen by The Book Depository as one of ten 'Best of British Crime Fiction.'
Here is the blurb on it:
The Suffocating Sea
DI Horton is called to investigate a suspicious fire on board a boat, but as soon as he arrives at the marina he experiences a premonition so strong that it’s almost audible. As he views the charred remains of the dead man he knows instinctively that this investigation will be like no other, and he’s right. Soon Horton is forced to confront the past, not just the victim’ past, but the mystery surrounding his mother’s disappearance over thirty years ago. As the pieces of a long ago puzzle begin to unravel, it soon becomes clear to Horton that this is one case someone is determined he should never solve – masterminded by a dangerous adversary who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out...
The Suffocating Sea An Andy Horton Mystery
July 12, 2009
Hayling Island Libary Grand Re-Opening 27 July 2009
I'm delighted to have been asked to help celebrate my local library's grand re-opening on 27 July at 4pm.
Hayling Library is in the process of undergoing a major refit and I know it has been missed by many people since it closed on 30 May. However, I am sure the wait will be worthwhile as we will have new shelving, new furniture, a much needed new community room and MORE books - 300 to be precise, great news. Libraries are such an important part of our local communities.
The makeover at Hayling Library has been made possible after Hampshire County Council won lottery funding.
I have been asked to be present at the re-opening ceremony on 27 July which takes place at 4pm and the celebrations will then continue into the evening until 7pm. So I will be at the library for a while to sign books and to talk to anyone about my marine mystery crime novels which are set in the Solent area. I'll also be happy to answer questions and provide advice to any budding writers. So if you're in the area do come along.
Tide of Death
Hayling Library is in the process of undergoing a major refit and I know it has been missed by many people since it closed on 30 May. However, I am sure the wait will be worthwhile as we will have new shelving, new furniture, a much needed new community room and MORE books - 300 to be precise, great news. Libraries are such an important part of our local communities.
The makeover at Hayling Library has been made possible after Hampshire County Council won lottery funding.
I have been asked to be present at the re-opening ceremony on 27 July which takes place at 4pm and the celebrations will then continue into the evening until 7pm. So I will be at the library for a while to sign books and to talk to anyone about my marine mystery crime novels which are set in the Solent area. I'll also be happy to answer questions and provide advice to any budding writers. So if you're in the area do come along.
Tide of Death
July 3, 2009
Crime and thriller novels triumph in a boom and recession
Good news for crime writers and readers comes from a recent survey commissioned in the UK by The Bookseller magazine and conducted by The Next Big Thing.
Despite tightening purse strings people still enjoy a good crime novel, me included.
The survey throws up some interesting data and although should not be taken as gospel it provides a snapshot into reading and buying habits in the UK. You can read about the findings at http://www.thebookseller.com/in-depth... but here are a couple of juicy bits that particularly concern crime writers like myself.
"3,159 people responded (just over 1,000 were surveyed in 2008 and all in face-to-face street interviews). They came from across all regions of the country, included a broad spread of adult age groups, a representative spread of all socio-economic groups, and an equal number of men and women."
In 2009 interviews were conducted on line, which of course could slew some of the findings, but nevertheless there are some interesting findings.
"The overall favoured genres and the most popular genre in the downturn is the same as in the better economic climate: crime/thriller novels. "
"Crime/thrillers and science-fiction fans are the two categories that are more likely than average to continue to buy books at the same rate, at 45.5% and 41% respectively."
"The crime/thriller genre is most popular with the over-40s"
The survey also highlights the shift to online buying over other channels such as bookshops and supermarkets, which probably comes as no surprise to most of us. (This answer could be slewed because the survey was conducted on line).
And although crime novels came out tops that doesn't mean writers of other genres or readers need despair. Sci fi was also a popular choice and the popularity of literary fiction appears to have risen. "In 2008 it was behind romance but in 2009 it is on a par."
There is a lot more in the survey about buying patterns and e book readers so if you're interested take a look at http://www.thebookseller.com/in-depth...
Despite tightening purse strings people still enjoy a good crime novel, me included.
The survey throws up some interesting data and although should not be taken as gospel it provides a snapshot into reading and buying habits in the UK. You can read about the findings at http://www.thebookseller.com/in-depth... but here are a couple of juicy bits that particularly concern crime writers like myself.
"3,159 people responded (just over 1,000 were surveyed in 2008 and all in face-to-face street interviews). They came from across all regions of the country, included a broad spread of adult age groups, a representative spread of all socio-economic groups, and an equal number of men and women."
In 2009 interviews were conducted on line, which of course could slew some of the findings, but nevertheless there are some interesting findings.
"The overall favoured genres and the most popular genre in the downturn is the same as in the better economic climate: crime/thriller novels. "
"Crime/thrillers and science-fiction fans are the two categories that are more likely than average to continue to buy books at the same rate, at 45.5% and 41% respectively."
"The crime/thriller genre is most popular with the over-40s"
The survey also highlights the shift to online buying over other channels such as bookshops and supermarkets, which probably comes as no surprise to most of us. (This answer could be slewed because the survey was conducted on line).
And although crime novels came out tops that doesn't mean writers of other genres or readers need despair. Sci fi was also a popular choice and the popularity of literary fiction appears to have risen. "In 2008 it was behind romance but in 2009 it is on a par."
There is a lot more in the survey about buying patterns and e book readers so if you're interested take a look at http://www.thebookseller.com/in-depth...
June 29, 2009
Beside the seaside.. beside the sea
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?
June 8, 2009
What has a crime writer, giraffe, red-eyed frog and bat-eared fox got in common?
We'll all be at Marwell Wildlife on 23 July 2009 between 3pm and 5pm.
Join me for a sumptuous tea and talk on 23 July 2009 in the spectacular setting of Marwell Hall at Hampshire Marwell Wildlife. But don't worry you won't be going on safari, (shame, I hear some of you cry), instead you'll be listening to me talking about my crime novels and how I write. I'll be reading extracts from my books and I'll also be answering questions (about writing - not exotic animals).
Marwell Wildlife is a registered charity so visiting it is not only a chance to get up close to the wonders of the natural world but also helps play a big part in saving the animals. From pink-tailed sharks to red-eyed tree frogs, laughing kookabura to frilled lizards, giraffe-nosed catfishes to bat-eared foxes – the 140-acre park is home to over 250 exotic and endangered species, ( not including crime writers) in beautiful, landscaped surroundings.
This summer, for the first time ever, Marwell is holding a series of literary teas and I am delighted to be the first author to kick start this exciting programme of entertainment. I will be reading from my novels, answering questions and signing books. There will be afternoon tea, cakes and scones. Yummie!
Pre-booking is essential. Please call 01962 777966 / 777936 or email events@marwell.org.uk. 10% discount for Annual Pass Holders - exclusive price of £37.35 per adult. For non Annual Pass holders the cost is £41.50 or visit http://www.marwell.org.uk/planning_yo....
Hope some of you can make it.
Join me for a sumptuous tea and talk on 23 July 2009 in the spectacular setting of Marwell Hall at Hampshire Marwell Wildlife. But don't worry you won't be going on safari, (shame, I hear some of you cry), instead you'll be listening to me talking about my crime novels and how I write. I'll be reading extracts from my books and I'll also be answering questions (about writing - not exotic animals).
Marwell Wildlife is a registered charity so visiting it is not only a chance to get up close to the wonders of the natural world but also helps play a big part in saving the animals. From pink-tailed sharks to red-eyed tree frogs, laughing kookabura to frilled lizards, giraffe-nosed catfishes to bat-eared foxes – the 140-acre park is home to over 250 exotic and endangered species, ( not including crime writers) in beautiful, landscaped surroundings.
This summer, for the first time ever, Marwell is holding a series of literary teas and I am delighted to be the first author to kick start this exciting programme of entertainment. I will be reading from my novels, answering questions and signing books. There will be afternoon tea, cakes and scones. Yummie!
Pre-booking is essential. Please call 01962 777966 / 777936 or email events@marwell.org.uk. 10% discount for Annual Pass Holders - exclusive price of £37.35 per adult. For non Annual Pass holders the cost is £41.50 or visit http://www.marwell.org.uk/planning_yo....
Hope some of you can make it.
June 6, 2009
Book Signing for Independent Booksellers Week
I will be signing copies of my latest Marine Mystery, Dead Man’s Wharf and the new paperback edition of Deadly Waters as well as my other crime novels, of course,) at The Hayling Island Bookshop on Saturday 20 June 2009 between 11am and 12 noon as part of the celebrations for Independent Booksellers Week.
Dead Man’s Wharf was recently published in hard cover and features my rugged detective, Portsmouth-based Inspector Andy Horton. If you are in the area and get the chance then do come along and say 'hello.' No ticket is necessary, just turn up on the day.
Independent Booksellers Week was first introduced in 2008 and celebrates the best in local independent bookshops around the UK with a series of events. It runs from 15 to 22 June.
For further information and directions please contact The Hayling Island Bookshop on + 44 (0) 23 9246 6620 or visit their website at http://www.haylingislandbookshop.co.uk/
Dead Man's Wharf
Dead Man’s Wharf was recently published in hard cover and features my rugged detective, Portsmouth-based Inspector Andy Horton. If you are in the area and get the chance then do come along and say 'hello.' No ticket is necessary, just turn up on the day.
Independent Booksellers Week was first introduced in 2008 and celebrates the best in local independent bookshops around the UK with a series of events. It runs from 15 to 22 June.
For further information and directions please contact The Hayling Island Bookshop on + 44 (0) 23 9246 6620 or visit their website at http://www.haylingislandbookshop.co.uk/
Dead Man's Wharf
