Interview with Author Steve Christie

My guest today is Steve Christie.  Hello, Steve!  Welcome back to Writing in the Modern Age!  It’s such a pleasure to have you again.

Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book? When did it come out? Where can we get it?   

It’s called Cold Shot, Marie, the second novel in my D.I. Buchanan series. It’s a dark tale of revenge set in a particularly nasty winter in Aberdeen. It's not out yet, provisionally May, but I'm waiting on the final details.

Great!  We look forward to it. 

Is there anything specific that inspired you to write Cold Shot?

Yes. I’d read a true crime story about revenge and it made me wonder what others would do in a similar situation.

If this book was made into a film, who would you cast in it?

 

Not sure on that, Marie…whoever played Buchanan would have to be Scottish…Or at least be capable of pulling off a believable accent. Ken Stott would have been good, he looks rough and rugged enough, but he plays a rival detective Rebus!

Okay. Let's tackle some general questions.
 
When reading, do you prefer traditional printed books or ebooks?  And why?

 

I like both…I love the feel of an actual book, especially a hardback. However…I also love the idea of carrying a whole library in my Kindle.

I can respect that.

So, what are you reading now? 

The Lord Of The Rings trilogy again. I do read them every so often but I recently watched the three movies back to back and I wanted to see if they’d really missed out as much of the story as I believed.  

All right. Let's try another question.

When you get an idea for a book, what comes first usually?  Dialogue, the characters, a specific scene?  Or do you plot it out before you write?

 

I don’t tend to do much plotting. I have a basic idea for the story, and then I start writing…The rest seems to come to me as I go along. The characters, as with many writers, tend to be based on people I know. Either in the present or…from the past.

So, what do you have planned next, Steve?  Or is that a secret?

 

No secret, Marie. I’m currently working on two novels, the third Buchanan story and a sort of supernatural/ghost story about a guy renovating a run-down farm house on the Isle Of Skye. I sort of jump from one to the other. Not sure if that’s a good idea, to be honest as it can get confusing. LOL. I might start focusing on the one!

LOL.  I say whatever technique works for you as a writer, go for it. But that ghost one does sound rather intriguing! But, I have a weakness for paranormal. 

So, is there anything you'd like to add?  Any advice for new writers? 

 

As I have said before, grow a thick skin. Not everyone will like your book; hence not all reviews will be five stars. But, above all, just believe in yourself.

Those are wise words, Steve.  Thank you!

  

Readers, here is the blurb for Cold Shot.

Cold Shot is the second in a Scottish detective series, following the career of Detective Inspector Ronnie Buchanan as he uncovers the secrets and stories behind gruesome homicides in Scotland. This book, set in and around present day Aberdeen, is a fast paced roar through a twisting and dramatic serial murder plot that constantly challenges the reader’s perception of hero and villain. Cold Shot explores drug use, corruption, conspiracy, family bonds, degeneration of health and meticulously planned revenge. Although second in a series, Christie’s first book Good Deed and current novel Cold Shot can be read independently as stand-alone narratives.

Cold Shot sees the welcome return of DI Ronnie Buchanan in another fast paced crime romp that carries the reader along at breakneck speed, breathless but desperate to see where the next plot twist will occur and how matters will be resolved.

Cold Shot can be pre-ordered now for £9.99 +p&p. Be amongst the first to guarantee themselves a signed First Edition copy of what will turn out to be a very entertaining book. 

 Readers, this is the point in the interview where we usually give an excerpt, to tease you. Because Cold Shot is still in its final editing stages, the publisher won't release a teaser to the public. However, Steve has offered to give us a little glimpse of the main character, D.I. Ronnie Buchanan...

Despite his scruffy appearance and strange mannerisms, Buchanan possesses a very astute and intuitive mind seldom missing anything going on around him. Buchanan’s astuteness is enhanced by having an almost photographic memory with information methodically filed away, available immediately to be drawn on, when the need arises.  Buchanan, when involved in a case, can become extremely obsessive, forgoing sleep to give it his all, he fuels himself with caffeine, nicotine and alcohol until the jobs done. Buchanan can be temperamental and explosive when concentrating exclusively on a case, those who know him tend to give him a wide birth, except for his partner Michelle, who seems to be the only one who can calm him and rationalize his thoughts.

Buchanan has a good sense of humor which he's famed for injecting into sometimes tense situations, whether it is suspect interviews or heated conversations with workmates, Buchanan’s dry wit can diffuse even the most hostile atmosphere in moments.

Buchanan, not too shy of cutting a few corners here and there, inevitably draws the attention of his superiors however, his excellent success rate on cases means that many of them choose to turn a blind eye to his methods.  Always suspicious of just about anyone he comes across during an investigation, to him everyone's a suspect until it can be proven beyond all shadow of a doubt that they have no involvement in any way, shape or form.

So, can such an uptight person ever relax?

Well, yes, he can. He likes nothing better than a nice long walk with Sam, his Border Collie, after which he indulges himself with a pint or two of Guinness or one of his favorite real ales, and a bowl of water for his faithful companion Sam.

Buchanan sounds like a great character! We hope to hear more about him and your book in May, when the book is released!

Thanks again for stopping by, Steve!  :)

Author Bio

A Real Ale Loving Scottish Crime Writer.Author Of Good Deed.
Published by Ringwood Publishing. 

Find out more....http://about.me/stevechristieauthor
http://stevechristieauthor.blogspot.co.uk/
Check out a video on Youtube!  http://youtu.be/nRjrh74zDXE

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/Stevechristieauthor

Twitter:  @schristieauthor 
 
LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=143876790&locale=en_US&trk=tyah

 

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6458799.Steve_Christie 

 

  Books:

Coming soon (in May):

Available Now: