Martin Edwards interview with David Alan Binder
Post date: May 20, 2016 2:58:35 PM
Martin Edwards interview with David Alan Binder
His bio from his website: Martin Edwards was born at Knutsford, Cheshire and educated in Northwich and at Balliol College, Oxford University, taking a first class honours degree in law. He trained as a solicitor in Leeds and moved to Liverpool on qualifying. He published his first legal article at the age of 25 and his first book, about legal aspects of buying a business computer at 27, before a career as an equity partner of a law firm, where he is now a consultant. He is married to Helena with two children (Jonathan and Catherine) and lives in Lymm [UK]. A member of the Murder Squad collective of crime writers, Martin is Vice Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association and in 2015 he was elected eighth President of the Detection Club. He is also Archivist of the CWA and of the Detection Club.
Website: www.martinedwardsbooks.com
Blog: www.doyouwriteunderyourownname.blogspot.com/
1. Where are you currently living (at least the state or if outside US then Country)?
Lymm, in the rural country of Cheshire in North West England
2. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
To overcome setbacks and keep writing
3. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?
I am a writer who is also a fan, and many of my novels pay tribute to other crime novels, in one way or another, while THE GOLDEN AGE OF MURDER has been described by reviewers as “a love letter to classic detective fiction”
4. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
Almost all my work is traditionally published, though I self-published a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, THE NEW MYSTERIES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, which has proved gratifyingly successful
a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?
Harper Collins publish THE GOLDEN AGE OF MURDER. Poisoned Pen Press of Scottsdale, Arizona, publish my novels in the US
5. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
Ebooks are great for keeping alive books that might previously have been “out of print” and hard to find. But I do love physical books.
6. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
I’m not sure there are any secrets, other than hard work and a willingness to keep revising
7. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
Personal recommendation from an established author whom you know and trust is the best guide
8. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?
Be prepared to listen to editorial suggestions from people experienced in traditional publishing, and do whatever you can to write to the highest standard of quality
9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?
The importance of book covers in selling a book
10. How many books have you written?
18 novels, 9 nonfiction books, 28 anthologies edited
11. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?
Write about subjects that enthuse and excite you, and don’t become repetitive. Care passionately about the quality of what you write, and recognize that it can always be improved
12. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
When constructing a plot twist, it is a good idea to foreshadow it in some way earlier in the story
13. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?
The best books are almost always easy and pleasurable to read. Very often they were difficult to write; the skill lies in not making the hard work too obvious
14. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
I have a blog called ‘Do You Write Under Your Own Name?” which has introduced me to fascinating people around the world. I also write and host murder mystery events
15. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
I would have spent less time thinking about writing and more time writing
16. What saying or mantra do you live by?
Life is short. Make the most of it
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