Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I used to be a volunteer fireman and then a Coxswain on a rescue boat for several years as part of the Civil Defense. During my time there I was given 2 special awards by the Minister for Defense for my service.
How did you get into writing?
Like most writers, it started out with a love for reading. Growing up I enjoyed both the escapism and the ability to travel to exotic places on amazing adventures without leaving my home. However over the years I have read some poor quality novels and thought that I can do better than that! After I while I challenged myself to write something better or shut up and that's how it really started!
What are your top 3 books of all time?
That's an incredibly hard question – I could give you my top 30 maybe??? I cant decide on individual books but the novelists that I find myself returning to over and over again would include Agatha Christy, Sven Hassell, Lee Child and John Connolly.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
My uncle had a mobile home in a mobile home park in Wicklow that was owned by an Ex Luftwaffe pilot. As I had two uncles in WWII, I always had an interest in that period of history so I knew that I had to have a link to the war – or The Emergency as we called it. I deliberately made my hero – John Morgan – an every man. His character has a very strong sense of right and wrong and I wanted him to act accordingly but to make mistakes and to have to use his ingenuity and cunning to overcome the challenges he faces.
How long did it take you to write this book?
2 years on and off. However I finished it a few years ago and went on to write several more John Morgan novels before returning to it and editing it for publishing.
Have you got any writing rituals?
No, I just try and write as often as possible. I usually sit down around 9.30 pm to work. Unfortunately I'm not the fastest writer on the planet but I try and grind out the words. My writing has been described as quite visual and its always been my dream that I will see it at one point on the little screen!
How important is marketing and social media for you?
Incredibly important. The better the marketing and my social media presence, the more people will read about John Morgan, his adventures and the rebuilding that his personal life needs.
Do you read your book reviews?
I pretend not to but I do! I am always open to constructive criticism.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Keep writing and edit, edit, edit. Get someone who can give you an honest appraisal of both your story and the quality of your writing. We all like positive feedback but honest feedback is far more important.
What are you reading now?
Neil Gaiman – American Gods. I have an enormous To Be Read pile to work through but I keep buying new books!!
What’s your next step?
Working with Liz and Laurence on marketing ‘Redemption' while working on the edits for the next novel!
Follow Darren Darker on Twitter @DarrenDarker
