Describe the first time you pictured Robin Lockwood in your head? Phillip Margolin: My books frequently have strong female characters who get into dangerous situations. When I started the Robin Lockwood series I wondered how I could make a fight between my heroine and a man realistic and I decided to make Robin a professional…
Describe the first time you pictured Vera in your head? Ann Cleeves: Vera appeared suddenly, in one of those incredible moments that make writing such a joy. The Crow Trap was never intended as a traditional detective novel, which is why she doesn’t arrive until a good way in. I never plan my books in…
There is a technique that will supposedly trigger creativity in a writer. It is a list of words and phrases used as random prompts. Take the next one on the list, and use it like an electric cattle prod to goad your muse into action. (I can speak from personal experience that the word tequila…
