Tuesday, 2 June 2020

Blog Tour: Interview With Alan Camrose Author of Lost in Plain Sight @AlanCamrose @lovebooksgroup #lovebookstours


Today is my stop on the blog tour for Lost in Plain Sight by Alan Camrose. I have an interview with the author today and if you like the sound of that, you can click here to order your copy now. Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour for more exclusive content and reviews. 

Here's what it's all about...

A Magic Circle wizard has been brutally killed on the English south coast.

Sam Franklin, Pagoda and Meyra are on the case; as a cat, Pagoda would rather get into the case and have a nap.

Sam’s a senior wizard who doesn't want to follow in the dead man's footsteps; Meyra's still struggling to fit into our world.

They walk on and under the mean streets of Brighton, hunting the killer (and the missing body). They find a whole lot more: a murderous dark magic conspiracy preying on the poor and vulnerable in our society, a werewolf with exquisite dentistry, a goblin fatale and a sat-nav with serious personality issues.

This fur-raising adventure will introduce you to the dark corners of our world where magic works and the monsters often wear nicely tailored suits.


Are you ready for that interview?

First question-bit of a cliche-how did you get into writing?

I’ve always written, one way or another. As a lawyer, I just had to write different kinds of stories.

Do you write full time & if so, have you always done this?

I do write full time. A recent and liberating development.

Do you have a particular writing style or genre that you prefer to write?

I try to be as natural as I can when I’m writing and can’t help letting bits of me creep into the writing. That feels right in fantasy-thrillers.

How do you develop your characters as you write, are any of them based on real people?

Everyone tends to be inspired by and based on someone, more a snippet of someone, including me. Usually exaggerated or modified for dramatic effect (and to head off awkward meetings in dark alleys with vengeful sources of inspiration). They can come from anywhere: friends and family (these are the more personally dangerous sources) and takes on characters in the newspapers, books, whatever. No source left unturned.

What was the inspiration behind your book?

My cat, my job, my love of Brighton as a place, a range of things that all came together seemingly at random.

What is your writing process-do you plan it out first? Write a bit at a time?

I tend to go with the flow, trying not to plan too much at the start, then see where it’s going and try to make it come together. A mixture, I guess.

How much of you is reflected in your writing?

There’s quite a lot of me left on the page when I write. Sam Franklin in my book is probably quite similar to me in various ways, although my magic tricks stop at badly concealed coloured ribbons stuffed up my sleeves – mind you, that did work on the kids when they were very small.

What kind of research did you have to do before/during writing behind your book?

I try to get the details right, so it’s the little stuff, and that takes a load of time. And wandering around Brighton was fun, taking pics and soaking up the place, doing hard-core research on fish and chip menus and local beers…

How much attention do you pay to the reviews that you get?

I’ve been lucky with reviews so far, but I try not to think about them. I developed a thick skin when I was a lawyer, so it’s all good.

Are friends and family supportive of your writing?

Very much so. Couldn’t do it without them!

How do you feel leading up to your publication day?

Like a goat in the jungle being tethered to a well secured stake by a strong rope.

Which other authors inspire you or are there any you particularly enjoy reading?

The two go together, I suppose. There are too many to list, but my rocks throughout my life have been: Terry Pratchett, Isaac Asimov and Robert B Parker.

Others include - in no special order - Jim Butcher, Raymond Chandler, PG Wodehouse, William Gibson, Lee Child, Sebastian Faulks and Robert Harris.

Finally...what are you working on right now?

I have three projects cooking:

A supernatural thriller where safety can bring its own dangers.

A non-fiction book about where we sleep.

A sequel to Lost In Plain Sight. Sam finds himself in the movies. All of them.  


Thanks to Alan for stopping by the blog today!




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