My ‘Q&A’ Session – Behind the Scenes of my Crime Writing

What inspired you to start writing crime fiction? 

Understandably the inspiration came initially from my involvement in criminal trials as a defence solicitor. In addition, while my novels are fictional, I have always enjoyed a fascination for true crime stories, particularly those which involve a compelling court case.

How does your two decades as a court solicitor in Glasgow, influence your crime writing? 

Obviously having been a criminal practitioner has held me in good stead. When writing, I inevitably envisage not only the court scene itself, but also some of the characters I have created, whether they be for the prosecution or defence, or even on the bench. They often bear a resemblance to characters from my working life.

Are there any particular crime authors that you really admire and that have influenced your style of writing crime dramas? 

I have been particularly influenced by the British author, Rachel Abbott, whose psychological thrillers I’ve really enjoyed. In addition, I am an admirer of William Landay, the bestselling author of ‘Defending Jacob’.  Also, ‘Apple Tree Yard’ by Louise Doughty is a particular favourite of mine.

What do you love best about writing crime novels? 

The crime novels that I have written culminate in a tense jury trial. I love the fact that the reader is kept in the dark until the almost the very end as to whether or not the accused party is going to be found innocent or guilty. I enjoy creating the suspense and drama.

Do you know how your novels end, before you start writing? 

Strange as it may seem, I am never entirely sure how any of my novels are going to end. When I commence writing it is with a mere germ of an idea for a general plot. As that story gradually develops and takes shape, I then tend to formulate one or two potential endings. However, I may well not select what I consider to be the perfect ending until very late on in the writing process.

How do you go about writing court-room scenes? 

I have spent many, many hours sitting in courtrooms, usually simply waiting for one of my own cases to call. Accordingly, when writing a court scene, I tend to have a very vivid image of the set-up and can actually in my mind’s eye imagine the judge sitting on the bench, the prosecutors and defence solicitors at their respective desks, and of course the jurors looking on from the sidelines. Also, at times, I can almost sense the tension within the courtroom.

Do you have a particular place or space which gives you inspiration and ideas for your novels?  Or maybe a particular food or drink that fuels your imagination? 

My oasis for writing is the patio of our property in the warmer climes of southern Spain with a view overlooking the golf course.  I particularly enjoy writing in the early evening, whilst sipping a very inviting and refreshing gin and tonic. Having said that, my real inspiration tends to come during that dreamy state when either just about to fall asleep, or just about to waken up.

If you could work with any fictional character, whether that be a hot shot court lawyer, detective or whoever you fancy – who would this be and why?   

Ideally, I would like to work alongside Colonel Nathan R Jessup, so admirably played by Jack Nicholson in ‘A Few Good Men’.

For your most recent crime novel One Sad Day, which launched earlier this year.  If this was turned into a TV drama, which actors would you cast for the main parts? 

Playing the part of Devlin Delaney, the flamboyant, dodgy solicitor I would happily cast Mark Bonnar, of ‘Line of Duty’, and most recently ‘Celebrity Traitors’.  Equally, for the part of Paul Alexander, the blackmailer and gambler, I would opt for Richard Gadd of ‘Baby Reindeer’ fame. Finally, playing the part of the judge, the Honourable Lady Harrington, I would opt for Emma Thompson of ‘The Remains of the Day’.  What a sterling cast that would be!