How ideas are born

[John Dean]

 

I have always been interested in where writers’ ideas come from. Indeed, it is the theme of the talk I will deliver at Catstrand Arts Centre as part of National Crime Reading Month in May, details below.

I know that some writers respond first and foremost to plots, ideas they hear or read which become the germ of a story. Others respond to characters. Maybe they see someone in the bus queue and an idea sparks to life featuring that person.

I thought that I was a writer who reacted primarily to places but while preparing my talk I realised that I am inspired by plots, people and places. Looking back at my novels, some were indeed inspired by a plot idea, others by  a fascinating person (I once picked up a murder suspect by watching someone in a supermarket queue!).

Nevertheless, I believe that place still 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 six 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, explored during my time as a journalist there.

Where will my next idea come from? Not sure, but one thing’s certain, it’s out there waiting for me.

Talk details: As part of National Crime Reading Month, I am to deliver a talk at Catstrand Arts Centre in New Galloway, Dumfries and Galloway, followed by a screening of classic crime film Brighton Rock. I will talk about where my ideas come from at 7pm on Thursday May 16 in a talk called A Scream in the Night, followed by a screening of the film.

National Crime Reading month is organised by the Crime Writers’ Association and the Crime Readers Association.

More detail, including how to book tickets, can be found in the Spring programme at www.catstrand.com