Let's Get Writing

I’m going to write a book today. I don’t know what it’s going to be about, but I’m going to write one. I like the idea of an old-fashioned pulp adventure. Maybe a western. Or a swashbuckler. That will be fun to write. I’d better start with a protagonist. How about two? A pair of wandering rogues who are always getting into trouble. That could form the basis for a really good series.

Hold on, the phone’s ringing. It’s the boss. They want me in for a stock take, even though it’s my day off. The car won’t start. I’m not feeling very well. I’m already at work. I hang up. This is my valuable writing time and I don’t live to work. They can sack me later. I’ll save a fortune on petrol.

Now, where was I? Oh yes, now I remember. I’ve got two characters, now I need a story. But I might check Twitter first. I also need some music to get me in the right mood. Bloody hell, the phone’s ringing again. Whatever they’re selling, I don’t want it. I put my headphones back on and turn the music up. It’s time to start the first chapter. Blast! My coffee’s gone cold. Time to brew a fresh one.

I can give the heroes a good introductory scene, but now I’m hungry. Maybe a stroll to the deli will help me focus my mind. I can get back to work while I’m eating. I can see it coming together now. They meet a lady and get roped into an adventure. A search for a missing parent with the promise of a hidden treasure. That sounds good. I might watch a film to get some inspiration. Maybe there’s something good on Netflix.

Where’s the time gone? One film later, combined with another visit to Twitter, and then it’s back to work. Wait, I think I heard a noise downstairs. It sounds like a wine bottle being uncorked. Drink!

Now it’s morning, and I’m hungover. But I’m looking at a decent night’s work: a couple of chapters, filled with action, adventure, wit…and typos. I’ll edit those when I’ve finished.

I might spend an hour or two on the PlayStation, but today I will get some writing done.

Meet the Author: Val Penny

Today I'm delighted to be joined by author and fellow Swanwicker Val Penny, who has recently launched her debut novel, Hunter's Chase, and has come to the Writer's Block to answer some questions.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your writing
I am an American author living in SW Scotland. I have a Law degree from Edinburgh University and  an MSc in Business from Napier University. Although I have had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, lawyer, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer, I have not yet achieved either of my childhood dreams of becoming a ballerina or owning a candy store. Until those dreams come true, I have decided to turn my hand to writing poetry, short stories and novels. My debut crime novel, Hunter's Chase set in Edinburgh, Scotland was published by Crooked Cat Books on 02.02.2018.

2. Tell us about your new book
The main protagonist of Hunter's Chase is DI Hunter Wilson. He knows there is a new supply of cocaine flooding Edinburgh and he needs to find the source but his attention is transferred to murder when a corpse is discovered in the grounds of a local golf course. Shortly after the post-mortem, Hunter witnesses a second murder but that is not the end of the slaughter. With a young woman's life also hanging in the balance, the last thing Hunter needs is a new man on his team: the son of his nemesis, the former Chief Constable. Hunter's perseverance and patience are put to the test time after time in this taught crime thriller.  He is a Hunter by name – and a  Hunter by nature: DI Hunter Wilson will not rest until Edinburgh is safe.

3. What first inspires you when writing – The setting, the plot, or the character?
My writing is usually character driven. I always make full biographies and back stories for my characters. Although most of these do not hit the page, I know them. So I know how my characters would react in any given circumstance.

I also think that setting is important. I debated creating an imaginary town for Hunter's Chase. However, Finally I decided that my books featuring Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson should be set in Edinburgh. This is a city I know well and the Scottish Presbyterian work ethic sits well in a police procedural crime novel.

Edinburgh is a beautiful backdrop for a story. It has the wide, elegant streets of its new town the tight, historical closes of the old town. The ancient castle towering above the city centre sitting on an extinct volcano contrasts with the ugly modern Parliament building near the Royal palace at the other end of the Royal Mile. There are also many open spaces including several golf courses, four universities and a selection of residential suburbs. The myriad of pubs and restaurants form great settings too. Even so, I do not rule out Hunter having a trip out of the city sometime!

4. Who would you consider to be your favourite author?
My favourite author varies according to my mood and the time of day! My favourite genres are thrillers, crime fiction and murder mysteries, although I do read all sorts of titles. I also enjoy discovering authors who are new to me and recently read An Evil Mind by Chris Carter, Death in Dulwich by Alice Castle, and Kindred Spirits: The Royal Mile Jennifer C Wilson, all of which I enjoyed. I also have Heart of Stone by John Jackson and Lasting Damage by Sophie Hannah in my TBR pile, so you can see I do read a wide variety of books. However, one of my favourite ever novels is The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly. I read that book at one sitting, it is so good that I could not put it down. It is amazing that it was a debut novel. I tease Erin that she owes me a night's sleep!

5. Do you listen to music while you write?
I rarely listen to anything when I write, and if there is something in the background I don't hear it. I see and hear the scenes of my writing like a movie. The characters act it out and speak their lines, all I do is write down what they say and describe what they do. I wouldn't hear any music that was playing in the middle of the action.

6. Do you prefer to plan your stories or do you chance them?
I have often written short stories and started novels without any real story-line planning. I certainly never knew how my stories ended. However, last year I attended a course on novel writing at Swanwick Writers' Summer School run by Sue Moorcroft. Sue also said she had started writing without planning, but that she now plans her books meticulously. Since taking that course, I have been planning my stories.

I am now writing the sequel to Hunter's Chase which will be entitled Hunter's Revenge. This novel is being planned according to the tips I learned from Sue. It is quite a different feeling writing this book, knowing how the story ends.

7. What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My mother told me not to place too much importance on things because they are easily lost. Value what you have inside you: love, learning, experience and instinct. They will serve you well. She was right.

Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog, Andy. I hope you will enjoy reading Hunter's Chase.

Thank you for joining me. I wish you every success with Hunter's Chase, and Hunter's Revenge.