Thanks to the guys at Kahanistore.com for taking the time to interview me today, really appreciate it!
Adam Melrose comes from a farming background and grew up in the wilds of Scotland.
Prior to his career as an author, Adam worked in IT, firstly selling and servicing computers, then secondly he worked on a project tasked with developing artificial intelligence driven search technology.
Growing up in the UK his inspiration came from reading the likes of Agatha Christie, P D James.
Adam now lives outside London.
Adam Melrose was kind enough to spendtime with Kahanistore.com team and talk about his writing career, his books andinterests.
His latest book is titled "The Determined Widow", it’s a mystery novel. The story revolves around a private detective MatthewHolland and a widow Bella Stone. When private detective Matthew Holland agrees to help Bella Stone discover how her husband really died, he has no idea what he is getting his team into.
By the time they realise something is off, their lives are already in danger. As the investigation deepens, the team come to realise their client is lying to them, and is on her own determined path regardless of the human cost. I will not reveal more information about the book.
Let's catch up with Adam
Adam Melrose
What inspired you to start writing?
Some of the books I have read as an adult and as a child. I am a big fanof P G Wodehouse, especially the Jeeves and Wooster series. I am also a fan of the old school thriller writers such as Agatha Christie and P D James. Then of course there is the childhood books such as Beatrix Potter. Being constantly surrounded by books from these authors fed into a love of the art of storytelling.
Howlong have you been writing?
My current book, The Determined Widow is my debut novel. It took me the last two years to research, write and produce.
Haveyou always wanted to be a writer?
Ever since I wrote that first book at seven, it has sat at the back of my mind that it issomething I would ultimately love to be able to do full time, so yes pretty much!
What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?
I would pass on the advice I got from an online course I took with James Patterson. Write the book that you want to read, and write what you know. Most definitely write an outline so you do not box yourself into a corner three quarters of the way through your book with the plot. Take your time and do your research. Do not show the manuscript to anyone until you are happy with it and when you are published, ignore any reviews that are only one or two stars. That is more an indication that your book was not a great match for the reader than a statement on the book’s quality. Keep at it. You will get there!
How do you handle writer’s block?
It is funny you should ask that, I actually have a great remedy forwriter’s block. After all, it is not really writer’s block in most cases. It is not that you suddenly cannot write any more, it is more likely you have lost confidence in what you are writing. I found a YouTube video that promised it could cure writer’s block in five minutes. I thought no way. You were told first to pause the video and go and write a paragraph about anything of your choice then come back and un-pause the video. So I did, came back, un-paused the video and the host said, “You see, you just wrote something you do not have writer’s block it has gone.” The host then went on to explain it was a lack of confidence, to go away and have a break, then come back try again, and if still blocked just write anyway and do not worry if it does not feel any good. It will improve and you can come back and change it later! He was right, it worked a treat. I wish I could remember the title of the video to recommend, but it escapes me at the moment.
What,in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
There are so many elements that go to make a good book. If I was to boil it down to two it would be staying sharp and crisp, do not ramble and secondly, do not over explain. Find that magic point where you engage the reader’s imagination just enough for them to use it to see your story their way. There is a horror film called The Haunting from 1963 that was based on a book by Shirley Jackson. That film is often described as the most scary horror film ever. The reason? Because you never see anything ghost-like. The film relies on the viewer to make their own mind up and fill in the blanks. I think that is true for a good mystery / thriller book also.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
My characters are all loosely based on those who are or were alive and real, so my characters came first. The lead character in my series of thrillers is a private detective by the name of Matthew Holland. He is based on a distant cousin of mine who was a very brave man in the face of great hardship throughout his life. He is a true inspiration. The plot was then built around the characters and the location. I just spent an age trying to work out a new twist on the traditional thriller storyline and went from there.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Well if I go off Stephen King’s theory on that, only last month! He said something to the effect that you can only call yourself a writer when you can pay to keep the lights on from your writing. So on that basis, only last month for the first time!
Describe a typical writing day.
For me there is no such thing yet. I try to be at my desk for 7am and write until 2pm five days a week, but in reality it can often be writing solidly for six or seven days straight then crashing for three then back on again. Hopefully as I write more books I will be able to develop a typical writing day that works best for me.
What is the most difficult part about writing for you?
The middle act of the story. I have got over the elation of beginning the story and setting everything out and getting things underway, then I have to develop and write the middle act when often I want to jump to the ending. So I have to discipline myself and take extra care over the middle section.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
Full on as I still learn the process and find out what works for me. I am now working on the second book and things have got more disciplined interms of hours and how to schedule things. Hopefully there will be less burnout periods this time around.
How do you do research for your books?
As much as possible I follow James Patterson’s mantra of write what you know as you have already got that research and anything else I just research extensively at the location or through the Internet. I also have a couple of experts in the real world of crime who are kind enough to help me with the realities of murder and investigation.
What does success mean to you? What is the definition of success?
For me as far as writing goes, it is when a reader talks to me about the story and the characters in terms of who was their favourite character and why, and which chapters or scenes were their favourite. The success comes in a mutual sharing and enjoyment of my characters with my readers. That is the best feeling by far. I have set this book in the Cotswolds, a very famous picturesque part of England, popular with tourists and populated with Royalty, rock stars, billionaires so lots of people know it. One reader correctly identified a few of the locations from my book which was great fun to talk about. I guess for me, the definition of success is a four or five star review. Then I know the reader enjoyed meeting my characters and going on a journey with them. I do not think you can ask more than that as a writer. Although I have to add, it is also great when a reader tells me that they never saw the ending coming, or managed to work out who the killer was. I especially enjoy it when they tell me which wrong character they thought it was and why. I think that will help me with later books in the series. I do take great care to make sure that the clues are present though, so that the reader can work out who the killer is if they want to.
Are you on social media and can your readers interact with you?
Yes I have a facebook page under Adam Melrose or @AMelroseauthor and instagram adammelroseauthor and on my website where you are now.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Pace yourself. For most of us, book writing is a slow process. My first book took me two years full time from start to end. Also, I would have a hobby that you enjoy that is nothing like writing. It can really help to go and do something different for a while. It is amazing how much of a refresh that can give you.
How do you handle literary criticism?
With pragmatism. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. If you are going to put your work out there you have to accept not everyone is going to like it. Before publication I sent my book for review to a prominent literary agent known for his straight talking. His review was very positive. So as a respected professional in the industry I will hold on to his words as my mental life-raft.
Also, all my readers so far have been very kind and supportive in their reviews and have seemed to enjoy the book. The only complaint I have had is that they cannot put the book down and have to read it from cover to cover and become engrossed in the story. That is a very nice complaint to have from your readers!
ABOUT YOUR BOOKS
How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
The Determined Widow is my debut novel, so for the moment it is my favourite.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)?
For someone who did not overly pay attention at school, the most surprising thing has been quite how much I have enjoyed the whole process of writing a book. There has not honestly been an aspect of the process that I have not enjoyed.
Do you have a favourite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special?
The main character in my book is based on a cousin of mine and his fellow investigators are all based on family members, so it is too difficult to pick a favourite. Each of them had a character trait that I really admired in real life which is why they are the inspiration for the characters in my book.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Life all around me and my imagination. I am very good at letting my mind and imagination just run wild and say what if there was this person and they did this, and then that happened.
Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
I have some information on this website and social media posts. There is information there about the book and me.
Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?
So far, The Determined Widow.
Tell us about your first published book? What was the journey like?
The Determined Widow is my first published book. The Matthew Holland Mystery series is a collection of thrillers. The stories follow private investigator Matthew Holland and his team of investigators.
Each book in the series represents a standalone case that the team are investigating. The team are based in London and the first few cases revolve around different areas of the UK. As their reputation for solving cases grows, so does their reach as they are called firstly to Europe, then across the rest of the globe. I hope to be able to set one of them in India.
The Determined Widow is best described with the blurb from the back of the book.
"When private detective Matthew Holland agrees to help Bella Stone discover how her husband really died, he has no idea what he is getting his team into. By the time they realise something is off, their lives are already in danger.
As the investigation deepens, the team come to realise their client is lying to them, and is on her own determined path regardless of the human cost.
As well as solving the mystery of Bella’s husband’s death, the team realise they have become the target of a sadistic killer who seems determined to stop the truth coming out.
Within the group of suspects; none of whom are what they first appear, lurks a ruthless killer determined not to be unmasked…"
In terms of what the journey writing the first book was like, it was 2 years of solid work, learning how to write, hitting creative brick walls, finding a way around them, choosing which publishing method to go for etc. It was such a long winding complicated journey that at times despite enjoying the process, I was not sure I was ever going to get to the end. But with perseverance I did.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
So The Determined Widow is the first in a series of books all featuring private detective Matthew Holland and his team. Each book is a stand-alone story. I am now working on the second book in the series which should be out at the end of 2022. Readers of The Determined Widow will get an idea of what the second book is going to be about as The Determined Widow story comes to a close.
What are you reading now?
The Private Patient by P D James.
What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Definitely top of the list are Agatha Christie, P D James, James Patterson and Dan Brown. Also the fictional author Richard Castle, there are a lot of great clues as to how to write well from his character.
Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
That is a really difficult question, but if you are forcing me to choose, it has to be Agatha Christie the Queen of crime fiction.
Favourite book/story you have read as an adult?
Curtain. The final Poirot case. No plot spoilers, but I was so invested in the Poirot series I was genuinely devastated at what occurred in that book, and it took me days to get over what happened. Any book that is that able to stir up emotions to that level has to be the favourite. (You do have to have read the entire series to get that effect though.)
Favourite book when you were a kid?
I am not sure I would use the word favourite, but the most impactful book was I’m the King of the Castle by Susan Hill, that left a deep impression on me for many years, it was beautifully written and incredibly powerful.
What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?
Probably P D James or James Patterson.
If you could ask one successful author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?
How do you keep it fresh and original?
Is it better to write in the morning or the evening?
Would you ever kill your main character off or just retire them?
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
What’s your favourite food?
I like all food the same. What I really enjoy is a nice Scottish Whisky in the evening.
Favourite artist and favourite song?
My taste in music is far too eclectic to be able to answer that question. It would take me years if I had to narrow it down to one artist or song.
Your hero?
My distant relative who I have based my main character on. He was dealt such a continuous bad hand throughout the whole of his life and yet he stood as a decent, brave person who met every adversity with courage and positivity. His acts of bravery to help others were on another level to most people!
If you could invite one person to dinner, who would it be and what would you cook?
It would be the actor Patrick Macnee. I have always wanted to meet him since I saw re-runs of The Avengers as a child. I just get a feeling he would be a truly fascinating person to sit down to a meal with. I would cook whatever his favourite meal was. Sadly he is no longer with us, so I will never get the chance now.
Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.
I am obsessed with all things motorbike in my spare time.
If you could only have one season, what would it be?
Spring! All that hope and potential for the rest of the year ahead!
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Positive, creative, determined.
Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?
An hour early, I think that would make life a lot less stressful than always being 20 minutes late.
a.Tea or coffee: Tea
b. Hot or cold: Cold
c. Movie or book: Book
d. Morning person or Night owl: Morning person
e. Paperback or eBook: eBook
Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?
Depends on what sort of spiders and snakes! Preferably neither, but if you are going to force me to choose, probably spiders.
Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?
Endless summer.
Would you rather have constant nagging pain or a constant itch?
Constant itch.
Share something interesting:
One for the Agatha Christie fans.Apparently, the character of Ariadne Oliver is based on Agatha Christieherself. She wanted to poke fun at herself.
Thanks Adam.
Thank you.