Murray Bailey Interview Published on: 02, Oct 2020
Since how long have you been living on the South Coast with your wife and family?
I’ve been on the South Coast since I met my wife 7 years ago. She was a long time friend of my best friend of 30 years and he’d never introduced us!
How did you friends and family react when you got published in the Times at 18?I don’t recall telling my friends, but my family were immensely proud. I found out a few weeks ago that the teacher I mentioned in it still has a copy.
Do you remember the first article that got published in your local newspaper? What was it about?The article published in the Lichfield Mercury was about a homeless man in the city. I was delighted that he was looked after once my piece went public.
What is the most crucial component when writing a mystery?The most crucial component is the intrigue. As an author, knowing the story it’s difficult to appreciate what the reader will be captivated by and want answers to.
What challenges did you face while publishing your first work of fiction, I Dare You in 2016?After failing to find an agent for the books that became the first three Ash Carter thrillers, my wife told me that I Dare You was good enough to be published (and that I should stop writing if it wasn’t). My solution was to self publish. After all, writing is in the blood. I couldn’t just stop!
Which one do you prefer: writing a series or standalone novel? Why?A series is easier in many ways, not least because the characters seem to come alive and it’s hard to let them go.
How much effort do you put into fleshing out the characters before you begin writing the "An Ash Carter Investigation" series?The series and many characters were inspired by people my father told me about. He was a military policeman in 1950’s Singapore, so it wasn’t too hard.
Who inspired the character of Kate in A Kate Blakemore Crime Thriller series?I don’t think I told her, but Kate is based loosely on my sister. Initially she appears weak but her inner strength comes through during the story. She’s actually very driven – like my sister.
How much did you research while writing your book, "The Lost Pharaoh" that occurs between the historic flashbacks in Map of the Dead and Secrets of the Dead?One of my hobbies is Egyptology, so research wasn’t a bind. I also enjoyed two research trips to Egypt.
If someone were to write a book about your life, what genre would it most likely be in: historical, romance, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery or horror?Romance probably, based on my life since meeting my wife.
If you could be an editor of men's magazine what picture you would put on the cover?My father. Apart from inspiring the Singapore series, he was my role model and most inspirational person I knew.
What general technique do you follow when editing technical books?I don’t particularly like editing technical books, but I want them to be as accessible as possible. Too often, technical books are more complicated and indecipherable than they need to be.
Who, in your eyes, are the most iconic music act to come from Manchester, England?I guess I’d pick Oasis, although it’s not a band I listen to.
What are you currently working on? May we know when we can expect a new book?I’m working on a prequel to the Singapore series at the moment. There’s a stand-alone murder mystery called “All The Clues Were There,” currently with the editor. I’ve got big hopes for it.
