In search of an idea for a novel

[John Dean]

I have just finished the first draft of a new novel. As I always do, I’ll let it rest then come back to it in a few weeks to start the edit with fresh eyes. Which means that I need an idea for the next one– and I have not got one!

I have always been interested in where writers’ ideas come from. I know that some writers respond first and foremost to plots, ideas they hear or read which become the germ of a story.

Some respond to characters. Maybe they see someone in the bus queue and an idea sparks to life featuring that person.

Me? I react primarily to places. While acknowledging that authors come into stories from different angles, I believe that place has to be a major trigger. The major trigger for some like me.

As a writer based on a hillside in South West Scotland, for example, I am inspired by the surrounding landscape. Indeed, when I lived in Northern England, the rugged landscape of the North Pennines brought forth my character Jack Harris, who has featured in four of my novels.

With Blizzard, the inspiration for my series set in the fictional Northern city of Hafton was Hull, with its atmospheric terraced streets and fabulous river.

Where will my next idea come from? Not sure, but one things certain, it’s out there waiting for me – I just have to pop in on it!

[Deborah Kaback]

Are you going to write another book in the DCI Harris series? I read them all and hope there will be more.

[John Dean]

Hi Deborah Thank you for this. Yes, working on one now but the next one to come out will be the latest in the Blizzard series, which was finished earlier in the year

Thank you for all your support

John