1. Are there therapeutic benefits to modeling a character after someone you know?
One has to be so careful when creating characters to avoid any claims for liable. This is why my characters tend to be a composite of personas. Though, if a certain individual cuts you up on the morning commute, he/she may end up chained to a radiator in your current WIP!
2. Does writing energize or exhaust you? Or both?
Definitely both! When I’m writing that first draft, it is exciting and takes over my every waking moment and most of my unconscious ones, too. But it does drain a lot of energy from you.
3. How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
It is a huge relief once the book is written and edited to submission standard and has been through the whole editorial processes with the publisher; the to and fro of the proofs until finally done. I celebrate with a glass or two of drink knowing I’ll probably never read it again!
4. How do you develop your plot and characters?
There are two main types of writers; plotters and pantsers. Although I do create a skeletal plot, I am more of a ‘seat-of-the-pants’ writer. I usually add to the plot in general terms for the next 5,000 words and then set to. Once done I note the differences. I love the way the mind will meander off at tangents and give your story and characters depth.
5. How many hours a day do you write?
I’m in the office by 9.30 am, have a break for lunch and then wrap up around 3.30 pm-ish. During that time, I’m either writing, or involved in the business of writing, which can be research, editing, marketing etc.
6. What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
If I’m struggling with a particular plot point, I adopt the Raymond Chandler approach: ‘Have someone walk into a room with a gun.’ In other words, just write something, anything, It will set your creative juices flowing again and you can always go back and edit afterwards. If that fails, then when I go to sleep, I’ll keep churning the issue over in my mind and often will awake with the answer.
7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
My two favourite distractions are: my motorbike, and my guitars.
8. What inspired the idea for your book?
Inside Threat is the first of the DS Draker trilogies and was inspired by a real case I was involved with, which was about a corrupt police officer who was importing drugs into the UK.
9. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Always tell your story through the viewpoint characters’ eyes whenever possible. Avoid authorial voice as much as you are able, too. It keeps the reader more engaged and emotionally involved – and therefore invested – in the story and the characters’ fates.
10. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Growing up, my father was always in the process of writing a book and I always thought that to be a magically thing. But more than that, it is something that is just in you. An insatiable itch. You are so relieved once a book is finally written and signed off, but then the itch starts to get back you! A continuous cycle. God knows when it’ll stop.
My socials etc. are:
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/h2IYX8
My Website: http://www.rogerapriceauthor.co.uk
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CrimethillersbyRogerAPrice/
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