The themes that keep me writing

[John Dean]

As a crime writer, I am constantly drawn to familiar themes when creating my novels. They are the concepts that bring me back time and time again and spark my creativity as I weave them into my narratives.

The themes which keep me coming back include the lies that people tell themselves to justify their actions, the lengths they will go to to protect their secrets and the feelings of betrayal that such crimes leave behind, particularly in families.

I also find myself increasingly drawn to the idea of ageing, probably because it has come to my attention (via my creaking back, hips, knees, feet etc etc) that I am not getting any younger.

For example, my next DCI John Blizzard mystery, due to be published by The Book Folks soon, features all those themes which allows my characters to confront the age-old conflict between young and old.

I’m working on the next DCI Jack Harris novel now and, once again, I find myself drawn to familiar themes, some of them listed above, yes, but also ones that are different from the Blizzard books, which tell stories in an urban setting.

The reason for the difference is that the Harris books are set in rural locations and the themes that keep bringing me back include the impact that the magnificent but bleak landscape of the northern hills has on people and the constant conflict between rural and urban life. I find myself drawn to the idea of what happens when big city criminals venture into the countryside.

These kind of themes are vital because they constantly throw up the new ideas which keep my momentum going. It’s the same with all writers.