12 Words with Howard Linskey

Howard Linskey is the author of trio of books, The Drop, The Damage and The Dead, featuring David Blake. He is also the eyes (and everything else), behind Behind Dead Eyes the second in a series of books set in the north east of England, and sequel to No Name Lane.

Having recently read, and loved, No Name Lane, it was a delight to catch up with him again at both CrimeFest and Harrogate, and get him to participate in the LifeOfCri.me 12 word challenge.

Here’s what he had to say…

12 Word Rules

Answers should be complete sentences, and completed in no more than 12 words (unless otherwise stated)

Contractions count. It’s = 2 words.

 

LOC: Your latest release Behind Dead Eyes is the second to feature DS Ian Bradshaw and journalists Tom Carney and Helen Norton. What can you tell us about it?

HL: It’s a north east based crime mystery with some shocking outcomes.

LOC: How was it starting out with these new characters after your previous David Blake series?

HL: Reinvigorating to write something entirely new with different characters and situations.

LOC: How would you describe your writing process?

HL: Chaotic winging-it with a bit of planning either end of the story.

LOC: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt in your writing career?

HL: Stuff I make up is actually published as a book.

LOC: Describe your perfect getaway.

HL: Great food and wine, writing, family, a sea view from my window.

LOC: What’s the best book you’ve read in the last twelve months and why?

HL: Ian Ayris’ ‘Abide With Me’ is original, authentic and superbly written.

and finally just for laughs……

LOC: Thanks to author Quentin Bates you have just woken up to find yourself on stage in front of the judges of a TV Talent show, with only a Phone book, a pair of wellies and a corkscrew. What do you do?

HL: Use the corkscrew then make a bottle of wine disappear. That’s magic!