Hey there everyone.

Welcome to the beginning of the weekend, the fun starts here.

For the Author Interview series tonight, may I introduce you all to my special guest author Jack Steele, as he chats about his debut novel in his Detective Joe Stone crime fiction series and shares his inspirations with us.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the show, it’s bound to get your pulses racing.

 

Hi there Jack, thank you for taking the time to be with us today as our special guest to talk about your crime thriller extravaganza.

Hello David. Thank you for inviting me.

Let’s start with your debut novel “Loose Cannon”, which is getting a lot of great reviews on Amazon for its fast paced nature and believable characters. Tell us more about the story arc, your protagonist Detective Joe Stone and what sort of challenges he is going to face as he tries to take down a psychopath on the loose in the streets of London.

Detective Joe Stone works for the Special Investigations Unit in London so it’s only natural that he is called in to the investigation of a kidnapping. The kidnapping victim just so happens to the daughter of the head of the London Mafia.

This is just the start of some brutal attacks and it’s not long before Joe finds that he’s become a target. As well as trying to figure out who’s the mastermind behind all of this he’s also struggling with the disappearance of his girlfriend Gemma almost a year ago. He doesn’t know if she’s alive or dead but he’s sure that at least one member of the two families knows exactly what happened to her but with just his gut feelings to go on he can’t pursue it any further. Joe has to try and put his feelings out of his mind for now and concentrate on hunting down the psychopath that’s on the loose on his patch.

If your novel was to be made into a film then who would you cast in the lead roles?

I have a cast already drawn up! They are a mix of British, American and Italian actors/actresses.

Joe Stone would be played by Ryan Phillipe.
Commander Stern – Mark Strong.
Ricky Carter – Tom Hardy.
Rosamund Stettsi – Maria Cucinotta.

What do you find the most difficult thing about writing? And what do you find the easiest?

The most difficult thing about writing is having the focus to sit at my laptop and continue to type the story in my head. I have a full time job and other commitments that can pull me away from my writing. It’s then that I feel frustrated.

Who are some of the authors and/or historical figures that inspire you?

James Patterson and the Alex Cross series have become my favourite reads and my main influence, but Martina Cole, Jeff Abbott and Simon Kernick are also influences. The more authors I read then they could influence my writing as my career develops.

What sort of research do you do to write your books?

Anyone that knows me would tell you I am obsessed with research!

It’s a personal thing but locations for my novel ‘Loose Cannon’ had to be researched fully by physically being there. It’s important for me to take in the sights and smells around Canary Wharf, ride the London Underground and visit buildings to get a feel for their inside as well as their surroundings outside.

One example was when I used a pub in Canary Wharf called ‘The Gun’. It has an upstairs room where Admiral Nelson and Lady Hamilton are said to have had their private meetings. The staff showed me around the pub so I could get a good feel for the place. Then I used it in my story when Joe was on a date with his neighbour.
I love a great chase sequence and there will always be a couple of them in my books. I will visit and walk through the location taking in various points of interest which I could use if needed.

A lot of my research is spent reading books, magazines and days scouring the internet for the information I need.

Why do you write? What inspired you to become a writer?

I have always been an avid reader. I love to lose myself in a great book. The Hobbit and To Kill a Mockingbird are among my all-time favourites. I found myself reading more and more Crime Fiction. Occasionally I couldn’t get into a book which frustrated me but then it encouraged me to write what I liked to read. Fast paced gritty crime with a flawed detective and exciting emotional scenarios.

When I self-published it this year I was thrilled with the response from readers, authors and bloggers. All have been so supportive and demand for the sequel has inspired me to continue writing.

What keeps you motivated during creative slumps? How do you deal with Writers Block?

I took great advice like go down the pub and leave the story for a short while. My job does get in the way but it can also give me the breathing space I need to be more creative.

You have access to a time machine. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Self-publish your work immediately instead of spending a year trying to find an agent/publisher.

How do you spend your free time when you are not writing?

I always make time for a walk on a Sunday with my wife, so we can catch up on family events in the real world. Then there are holidays and city breaks where I spend quality time exploring the culture and food there.

Tell us more about your upcoming projects. Are you working on anything specific or have plans in the pipeline?

Yes, I have the sequel to Loose Cannon with my readers group. Once I get their feedback I will edit the book if necessary then pass it on to my editors who re-check grammar, spelling etc.

There will be strands in the sequel that will lead to a third book in the series.
I also have a stand-alone book which I am desperate to write. The plot is down but first I need to finish the Joe Stone series.

Finally, are there any nuggets of wisdom that you can impart to other aspiring writers?

Definitely join Facebook Groups especially the Book Clubs. The bloggers, readers and fellow authors all provide such support that it makes being an author a pleasure.

And that’s a wrap! Thank you for spending time with us Jack, we can’t wait to tackle your book and the rest of the series that follows 🙂

Bio:- (in his own words)

“I was born in Hackney, London and now live in Nottinghamshire. I am married with two children who now have lives of their own, leaving me time to indulge in my favourite passions, reading and writing.

At 16 I started a 4 year apprenticeship at the local printers and never looked back. I have been a union rep (a thankless task), Print Manager and Works Manager but it was only when I returned to the shop floor and ran printing presses again that I had enough energy to do other things.

When I was in my twenties I joined the local boxing club which kept me fit and taught me how to look after myself. Another passion was working for a local Hospital Radio Charity. I would gather requests from patients; go fundraising, interview celebrities and present shows which led to a spot on Local Radio. The interaction with patients taught me a key skill to stop and spend time listening to them and try to make their stay a more enjoyable one.”

You can connect with Jack on the following Social Media channels:-

Blog:- The Blog of Author Jack Steele
Facebook:- Jack Steele – Author (FB)
Twitter:- @JackSteele1961 (Twitter)

You can buy his books here:-

Buy Jack Steele’s books in Canada

Buy Jack Steele’s books in the UK/Europe

Buy Jack Steele’s books in the US/Rest of the World

If you too would like to be interviewed on my blog at TooFullToWrite and you have a book or a series of books that you would like us to chat about then fill out the Contact Me form here with your details and we can arrange a future interview slot.

Still want more? Well, Detective Joe Stone has to solve several mysteries over the course of his adventures in Jack’s debut novel. For more articles relating to the theme of ‘Conundrum’ then check out the links below:-

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