Conversations With Their Creations

Today’s #TuesdayTip is another #ConversationsWithTheirCreations.
The premise is simple – an author conducts an interview with one of their characters. I leave it up to them how they wish to interpret that brief.
​I am thrilled to invite back thriller writer Stuart Field to chat with his latest creation, Ronin Nash.
A former soldier, Stuart now works as an armed security guard. He was born in the West Midlands, and is married with one daughter.
A busy man, he is the author of the John Steel series, soon to number six entries, the new Ronin Nash series, and has just published the first in a new, two-book series, A Friend Of The Family.  ​

My name is Stuart Field, and I am here with Special Agent Ronin Nash. Today we will discuss his life and his latest case, which was documented in my latest novel, Nobody’s Agent; Ronin Nash, thriller book 1.
Me:  So, Ronin, tell us about yourself.
Nash: Hi Stuart, thanks for having me today. Well, my name is Ronin Nash, and I work for a new government agency which is called the Interagency Investigation Bureau. I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland but didn’t stay there long. My father was in the British army, and we moved around a lot. He was in the Black Watch regiment. My mother was born and grew up in Manhattan, New York. Apparently, they got together after a fling they had when he was on R&R from an exercise in Canada.
We finally moved to Manhattan when I was in my teens after my dad retired from the army and bought a bar in Manhattan. Mac’s bar is called. Anyway, I went through college and finally joined the army. After a few years, I joined the Rangers. I was happy enough there, but after a friend was murdered and I investigated, I got snatched up by CID. Things went ok there until a joint op with the FBI; then, I got snatched up by the feds.
Me: Sounds like an exciting life you’ve had. So how come you are with the IIB?
Nash. There were some problems with my last year in the Bureau, namely one of my work colleagues was a dick. There was an incident, and I left. But after about a year, my old boss, soon to be my new one, asked me to join the IIB on one case, and I guess I just decided to stay afterward.
Me: I see you don’t like to dress like the other agents. Is there a reason?’
Nash: I was never much one for rules I felt were…unnecessary. The whole Brooks Brothers costume was not my thing. For one, it made you stand out. Criminals could see you coming a mile off. Besides, I knew it irritated the hell out of people, so it was a win-win in my book.  I like to dress practically, that is why I prefer jeans or chinos to suit pants. Work or military style boots to shiny shoes. When I dress for an investigation, I don’t want to worry if I’m gonna get my pants dirty or scuff my shiny shoes. And you tried running in those shoes? You get blisters.
Me: So, tell us about the case in, Nobody’s Agent.
Nash: It is set in a small town called Finchley. This is in upstate New York near Albany. The sheriff had discovered three bodies, and it was my job as an IIB agent to go there and assess whether it was a case for the cops or the FBI or, indeed, just an accident. As it turned out, there was more waiting for me in Finchley than I first thought.
Me: Well, unfortunately, that is all we have time for. So thanks to Ronin Nash, and to find out more, check out: www.amazon.co.uk/Nobodys-Agent-Stuart-Field/dp/B09ZCSW3BM

You can find out more about Stuart by visiting his website, following him on Twitter or Instagram, or visiting his Facebook Page.
As always feel free to comment here or on social media. If you are a writer with a suggestion for a #TuesdayTip, feel free to email me at DCIJones@Outlook.com.
Until the next time,
​Paul.

Today’s #TuesdayTip is another #ConversationsWithTheirCreations.
The premise is simple – an author conducts an interview with one of their characters. I leave it up to them how they wish to interpret that brief.
Today’s author is GB Williams. She specialises in complex, fast-paced crime novels, most recently, “Breaking Free”, but also the “Locked Trilogy”.  GB was shortlisted for the 2014 CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition with the story Last Shakes, now available in Last Cut Casebook. Crime novels are her stock in trade, but she has had success with short stories in other genres including steampunk, horror, and erotica, and has penned a successful steampunk series. She has a husband and two grown up children, not to mention the world’s most imperious demanding cat.  GB is such a cat slave, even the neighbourhood cats come demanding dinner. Now working as a fulltime writer and freelance structural editor. GB hates every photo ever taken of her.
She says, “I specialise in fast paced, contemporary crime that doesn’t hide from harsh reality (not too much gore). Nor do I hide from the fact that people have a heart, I will run through the gamut of emotion, and sometimes make the reader cry. There are many elements in my work, but it’s all about people and what they go through.“Today, she is interviewing Elaine Blake, star of Breaking Free.

GBW: Hello, Mrs Elaine Blake. How are you enjoying your travels?
Elaine: Much better than expected. I’ve barely travelled since meeting my husband 25 years ago, and he made me such a dreadful traveller, nervous, blundering. Mostly because he nagged, insulted, and stressed me out so I couldn’t relax or sleep. Now without him, even where I don’t understand the language, I’m calm. Mostly. My sense of direction has returned, and more importantly, I’m regaining a sense of self.
GBW: Talking of your husband, I’m sorry for your loss.
Elaine: I’m not. He was a controlling abuser who caged me up. I admit wanting to be a dull mouse but marrying him made me so much less than that. Worse. But now he’s gone, this mouse can roar across Europe.
GBW: Were there no good points to your marriage?
Elaine: Many. Twenty-one to be exact, all foster children. I couldn’t have kids, which, given what Jason was like, is probably a blessing, heavily disguised blessing, but we had twenty-one wonderful foster children.
GBW: Do you all stay in touch?
Elaine: Unfortunately, not. I’ve tried, but no. Still, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for any of them, if asked.
GBW: Like travel overseas, evade secret agents, solve cyphers, face down gunmen?
Elaine: (Laughs self-deprecatingly) Well yes, though you make it sound so dangerous.
GBW: You don’t think this is dangerous?
Elaine: It’s such fun, why worry about the danger? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not stupid. I know this could cost me my life. I’m 42 but for the first time in my life, I feel alive. Not just existing for others, I’m finally living. Really living. For my family, however weirdly extended.
GBW: So, it’s all about relationships for you?
Elaine: Of course. Relationships are everything. Even lousy ones teach you something. My marriage taught me I can’t hide who I am, I don’t even want to try anymore. My foster-daughter, Madison, has taught me about the kind of strong, centred woman I want to be.
GBW: What about your relationship with your foster-son, Lazlo?
Elaine: (Sighs) Yes, well, I’ll always love him. He’s why I’ve done all this. I came to help him. But things just aren’t that simple.
GBW: And your relationship with the secret agent?
Elaine: Relationship? That man threated to break my finger if I didn’t answer his questions. He tried to send me home to be a sitting duck.
GBW: He saved your life.
Elaine: Well, yes, but… Look, I don’t even know his name. I admit, he’s kind of dishy though.
GBW: Indeed. So, now you’ve evaded duplicitous family, secret agents and gunmen. What’s next?
Elaine: Figure out the last cyphers and codes, see where they lead. I can’t go home. Not yet, if ever. But it’s a big old world. If I survive, I’ll end up where I belong. Somewhere I can be me.
GBW: And who are you?
Elaine: Damned if I know. (Laughs) Maybe I’ll find out if I just play the game.

To learn more about her and her writing, visit her website or her Facebook page.
Or you can follow her on Twitter @GailBWilliams or Instagram @gbwilliamsauthor.

It’s release day for DCI Warren Jones’ eighth full-length outing! Time To Kill is available as an eBook today, and paperback and audio later in the summer.
​You can read more about it here, or download it here.
So I decided to celebrate by interviewing the star of the show, Detective Chief Inspector Warren Jones.
Enjoy.PG: Welcome to this week’s Heart of Herts podcast, in association with Middlesbury Gazette – your number one source for Hertfordshire news and views. I’m your presenter, Paul Gitsham, and today I am joined by Detective Chief Inspector Warren Jones. I’m sure listeners to the Heart of Herts podcast will be fascinated to hear from Middlesbury’s most successful detective.
WJ: Um, thank you. That’s very kind of you to say so.
PG: Now, just a little background. I can tell from your accent that you’re from Birmingham, and I understand you started your career in the West Midlands Police?
WJ: Sorry, just to interrupt there, I’m from Coventry. The accents can sound similar to those not from the West Midlands.
PG: Oops, sorry about that. I guess my next question about whether you support Aston Villa or Birmingham City is a bit redundant! I imagine you follow Coventry City. The Sky Blues?
WJ: Erm, I don’t really watch football…
PG: OK. Why don’t we start that bit again? We can replace it in the edit.
[PG starts recording again.]
PG: You started your career with West Midlands Police, on the mean streets of Coventry. But you decided to transfer to our quiet corner of North Hertfordshire, back in 2011, I believe? Why the move?
WJ: That’s correct. I did my training with the WMP, and worked in Coventry and the surrounding towns as a uniformed officer, before joining CID, where I was eventually promoted to detective inspector. Unfortunately, when it was time for me to progress further, there were no vacancies within West Mids, but a post had recently become available at Middlesbury CID, so I made the move down here.
PG: Ah yes, a vacancy became available after DCI Gavin Sheehy was sacked after allegations of corruption. Were you aware of the circumstances surrounding his removal before you moved down here?
WJ: I’m afraid, I can’t really talk about that.
[PG sighs]
PG: OK, I’ll cut that from the interview. Let’s try something else.
I referred to Middlesbury as a ‘quiet corner of North Hertfordshire’. And up until 2011, it certainly was. But since your arrival, it would seem that’s no longer the case. How many murders have there been since you came here?
WJ: Um, I can’t tell you off the top of my head …
PG: At least one a year, often more. Some of our listeners feel that crime rates have soared recently. In fact, a few weeks ago, you investigated a serial killer. Can you tell us a bit about that?
WJ: Unfortunately, I can’t comment directly on that investigation until the trial concludes.
[PG rubs eyes wearily]
PG: We’re not having a lot of luck here, are we Warren?
WJ: Sorry.
PG: OK, let’s try something more general.
Some of our listeners feel that crime rates have soared in recent years. What are you doing to try and bring the crime rate down?
WJ: That’s not really the role of CID. Our job is to solve crimes that have already taken place. Hopefully, by locking up those responsible, we can prevent future offences. You really need to speak to the Community Policing Team about their initiatives to reduce crime. Why not contact the Media Relations Unit?
PG: I’m not sure our listeners are really interested in a press release, I think they’d rather hear it from you, Warren.
WJ: Sorry. It really isn’t my department.
PG: In that case, let’s start again and talk about how you go about solving a crime.
[PG clears throat and reactivates the microphone]
I believe that you are somewhat unusual in that despite your senior rank you still interview suspects and speak to witnesses. Why is that?
WJ: You are correct that most of my peers tend to have a more managerial role, however I’ve always enjoyed the hands-on side of policing. I am very fortunate that Middlesbury’s unique role as a first-response CID unit allows me the freedom to pursue investigations in that way. It’s one of the reasons I love my job.
PG: Some would say that it is a role better suited to a lower rank, such as a detective constable or perhaps a detective sergeant. And that with the ever-shrinking police budget, it would be better to close Middlesbury and absorb you and your officers into the combined major crime unit in Welwyn Garden City. How would you respond to that?
WJ: I can’t really comment, it’s a bit above my pay grade.
[PG stops the recording again]
PG: We’re really struggling here, Warren.
[PG starts again]
PG: What are your views on the austerity cuts to the police under the Conservative government?
WJ: As a serving police officer, I’m afraid I have to remain politically neutral.
[PG sighs]
PG: What about the decision to close the Forensic Science Service in 2012? How badly has that impacted what you do?
WJ: Again, I can’t …
PG: Yeah, yeah, I get it.
[PG switches off the microphone]
PG: Warren, why exactly did you agree to this interview?
WJ: Off the record?
PG: If you must.
WJ: I lost a bet to DI Tony Sutton.
PG: Can I ask what about?
WJ: He said that I wouldn’t be able to last a whole week without caffeine. If I managed it, I got to choose the music in the car for the next month. If I lost, I had to agree to do an interview with a journalist.
PG: How long did you manage?
WJ: Three days. Which is longer than my wife thought I would.
PG: Do you think DI Sutton would agree to an interview?
WJ: He’d be delighted. But he’d probably end up saying something that would get Hertfordshire Constabulary sued, so the Media Relations Unit have already banned him from speaking to the press.
PG: You know what? Maybe we should knock this on the head.
WJ: That’s probably for the best.

Paul Gitsham is a former biologist, secondary school science teacher and tutor. Time To Kill is the 8th full-length DCI Warren Jones novel, with another four shorter novellas, plus short stories.
He currently lives in the east of England with his fiancee, in a house with more books than shelf space.

Today’s #TuesdayTip is a very special anniversary – so how better to mark the 100th Tuesday Tip than by launching a new feature!
I am absolutely delighted that my good friend Leigh Russell has agreed to write the inaugural #ConversationsWithTheirCreations.
The premise is simple – an author conducts an interview with one of their characters. I leave it up to them how they wish to interpret that brief.Leigh will be interviewing Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel, the main character in 17 of her best-selling novels, most recently Guilt Edged.

Presenter: Good morning, and welcome to all our listeners. Today on Radio Gitsham, we are pleased to welcome a special guest, Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel. Good afternoon, Inspector. I’m sure our listeners have all read about your latest murder investigation, which was widely reported in the press, but what can you tell us about it from behind the scenes at the police station?
Geraldine: Hello, and thank you for inviting me to join you.  My latest case was extremely challenging for me and my team, because we were dealing with an attack that appeared to be completely motiveless. No one seemed to benefit from the victim’s death, and he appeared to have lived a quiet life, making no enemies at all. With no leads, it was down to me and my team to track down his killer.
Presenter: That sounds tricky. So how did you go about it?
Geraldine:  An individual’s DNA was detected on the body, and we were able to find a match for it on our database and arrest a suspect. At that point, the investigation seemed to be over, although I had my doubts as to whether we had arrested the right person. When a credible independent eye witness came forward to confirm the suspect’s alibi, I made the decision to release him. But sadly, not long after that, a second victim was murdered.
Presenter: Were you worried that you had made the wrong decision in releasing the original suspect?
Geraldine: It would have been a terrible injustice to keep an innocent man locked up for a crime he hadn’t committed. But since I had been responsible for the decision to let the suspect go, I spent a few sleepless nights worrying that I had made a terrible mistake, and my error of judgement had led to the death of a young woman. It isn’t my responsibility as a detective to convict anyone. My job is to establish the facts in a case so a court is able reach the right decision about who is guilty and who is innocent. But sometimes difficult choices are forced on us and we all have to live with the consequences of our decisions.
Presenter: It sounds like a complex case, but you did resolve it all in the end, didn’t you?
Geraldine: Yes, it was a complicated investigation, but I can assure your listeners that my team succeeded in tracking down the killer in the end. We always do. That is our job.
Presenter: I’m sure we’re all relieved to hear that. Thank you very much for joining us today.
Geraldine: It’s been a pleasure, and thank you for inviting me to the studio to talk to you.
(c) 2022 Leigh Russell

Known as a crime writer, Leigh Russell has had 27 novels published, including the million selling Geraldine Steel detective series. She has also written psychological thrillers, dystopian and historical fiction. In addition to her writing, Leigh is Chair of Judges for the CWA Debut Dagger, and a Consultant Royal Literary Fellow. She runs occasional creative writing courses in the UK and overseas, and online during lockdown.

The Geraldine Steel series features a detective inspector working on murder investigations.
The first title in the series, CUT SHORT, was published in 2012
The most recent is GUILT EDGED, published January 2022

To learn more about Leigh and her writing, you can visit her website or follow her on Twitter @LeighRussell and Facebook.