Today I have the distinct pleasure of interviewing Neil
Stenton, author of the NYPD thriller, Saving Carrie. One of the things
that I believe makes the book unique is that Neil is a British author. So when
I had the chance to interview him, I jumped at it. I hope that you enjoy it and
pick-up a copy.
Me – Neil, describe
your debut novel for my readers in 25 words or less.
Neil Stenton (NS)
- An NYPD thriller about a team of detectives under pressure to keep an
organized crime trial on track, protect a witness and solve a kidnapping.
Me - How on earth
did you ever get dragged into the seedy world of being a professional writer?
NS - It’s
something I always wanted to try my hand at and when I realized I had the
makings of a storyline I thought it would be nice to give it a go. I didn’t
think I could do it to be honest, but I enjoyed the mapping out of the story,
the research and plotting the twists and turns needed to keep the readers
guessing until the end. I’d love to do it full time, but I’m still waiting to
be discovered and dragged into the big time!
Me - I have to
admit that I am intrigued by a guy from England writing a book involving the
NYPD. What drew you to write about them and not the Met?
NS - I’ve always
enjoyed the NYPD TV shows (NYPD Blue is one of my favorites) and the thought of
writing something set in New York had great appeal. I’ve visited twice and
can’t wait to go back. But until then the closest I can get is writing about
it. I also think it has more appeal than writing about the Met in London
(apologies to those writers who do just that), it’s certainly something I read
a lot about and that makes it easier to write about. And, as you say, an
English guy writing about the NYPD that’s intriguing in itself and hopefully a
good enough hook to pull people in to see if I’ve managed it.
Me - As a fellow
NYPD writer, I know how hard it is to create an accurate picture of department
operations. I had twenty years with the department to draw from, so how did you
resolve that issue from 3,000 + miles away. Did you have any inside help, from
professional cops, when you were creating the background story?
NS - Not really
to be honest. I’ve got a great imagination and just went with the flow on the
first book. I mapped out every chapter in one sentence, worked out the twists I
needed to include and based a lot of what goes on procedural wise, and
language, from the many shows and films I’ve seen. I drew up floor plans of the
precinct building, worked out where it was situated, who sat where and why, who
worked with who and built up some back stories for each character. I had a raft
of street maps and directions as well as leaflets to use. That said I’ve since
corresponded with John Mackie who’s ex-NYPD (he’s written a great series of
books about a character called Thorn Savage) and he’s been a great help for
answering some of the more technical aspects, and inside knowledge type
questions I’ve had. And now there’s you of course!
Me - Mystery
writers are an odd bunch. Alcoholic beverages aside, what, or who, would you
say has influenced your work the most?
NS - I’m a big
fan of most crime writing. From what’s called ‘Tartan noir’ which includes the
likes of Ian Rankin, Peter May, Stuart MacBride, to Scandinavia and Henning
Mankell’s Wallender series, right
across the Atlantic to James Lee Burke and James Ellroy. I guess some of that
has rubbed off on me, but my style is very much my own I suppose. I like to
build in things I’d love to say and do, but realistically couldn’t get away
with in real life.
Me - Most people
pick up a book and don’t realize just how much WORK actually goes into writing. What would you say was the hardest
part in writing?
NS - Editing, no
question. After that it’s getting people to notice you, as a self published
author it’s all down to me to get the messages out. I’ve picked up a good base
of readers from my first novel and they all want to know when the follow up is
coming so hopefully that’ll help to build up a wider base as they spread the
word as well. But being so close to the storyline, having lived with it for so
long in your head, it’s hard to be objective when editing. It’s my baby after
all and I want people to love it as much as I do.
Me - When I was
writing my first novel, I had this vision of ‘and they lived happily ever
after’ playing out in my mind. That didn’t work out quite so well. Did your
original idea for the ending actually survive until the end or did you alter it
along the way?
NS - The ending
pretty much went according to plan, the only thing that changed was who the mystery person behind it all was. That
was tricky leaving it open so it could have been anyone of three or four
people. Along the way I had to be sure to leave those people enough room to
maneuver so they could have been involved. Even after they’ve finished the book
I get people saying that they still think one of the other characters is a bad
guy, and why. And, maybe they’re right, I’m building a series of books so who’s
to say what might play out in the long game.
Me - I know your fans are anticipating the
release of the sequel. Can you tell us what the premise of this novel is going
to be and what the time frame is for its release?
NS - It picks up
straight after the first book, with the same team of detectives but on a new
case. This time though, unlike the first book where events took place over the
course of about48 hours, this story unfolds over a week or so. But it brings
events from the past, involving links to one of the detectives, right up to the
present day. Unlike my first book which I mapped out in full, I’m just seeing
how the story unfolds this time. But what I can say is that there’s a sniper on
the loose in Manhattan, he’s picking off seemingly innocent bystanders, and
there’s some key landmarks included just to allow people to relate to the
landscape, even if they’ve never been to NYC. There’ll also be a shock or two
along the way. I’m about half way through now and had hoped, in fact still do,
to have it out before Christmas 2014. That very much depends on how quickly the
story spills out of my head and how long the proofing and editing takes. If not
Christmas 2014, then early spring 2015 should do it.
Me - Is there anything
else you’d like to share with the readers?
NS - I really
enjoyed the process of writing my first novel and the whole publishing and
promoting aspects. I’ve met some great people along the way and linked up with
fellow writers, and readers to share experiences and grow as a writer. I just
hope that, if I write it, you’ll like reading it, but not think too harshly of
me if you don’t.
Me – Neil, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks for taking
the time to share your story with my readers. For those of you interested in
connecting with Neil and staying up to date with writing, please visit the
links below.
Website: www.neilstenton.com
Twitter: @neil_sten
Remember to support your indie authors and pick-up a copy of
SavingCarrie.
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