Ask the Author: Andrew Turpin
Answered Questions (7)
Andrew Turpin
All of my books so far have stemmed from me thinking about some of the worst cases of sectarian, racial and religious conflict over the past few decades and the war crimes that have often stemmed from them. These crimes often occur when groups of people or military think they have complete license to do whatever they want to achieve their objectives. But history tells us that justice has a long tail and at least some of the perpetrators ultimately see justice served. These situations are a rich vein of material for my books. So far I've tackled the Nazis and their concentration camps, the Yugoslav civil war, and the conflict in Northern Ireland. All these stories have strong links to the US and the UK. Next on my list is Afghanistan . . . there is no doubt that the Russian onslaught on the Afghans in the 1980s was horrific by any standards. The invasion that began in 1979 accounted for a good proportion of the millions of Afghan refugees who are now scattered across the globe. The atrocities committed, and the efforts of the US, UK and many other countries to combat them should create a decent backdrop for Joe Johnson to launch one of his investigations. I'm working on it now . . . watch this space!
Andrew Turpin
Mainly through research and reading, which gives me ideas for my plots. It is amazing how often a series of events I imagine might have happened actually did occur at some point in the past. There's not much that's truly made up in the context of war, history and politics. History often repeats itself! So it is generally possible to find details of some real-life situation that I can use as the backdrop for my fictional story.
Andrew Turpin
I love finding out about different significant situations, countries, history and characters from around the world, and the impact that the past has had on the present, and the future. In my war crimes investigation series, featuring Joe Johnson, I am setting my stories in the context of real events, as far as possible. So I get to delve deeply into really interesting situations both deep in the past, where the origin or my stories lies, and in current times, where most of the action is set. It makes for a great mix of research and writing around history, politics, espionage, war and geography.
Andrew Turpin
I am currently (April 2018) starting to write book four in the Joe Johnson series, which is set in Afghanistan and the US. It is looking back at the Russian occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s, and the horrific deeds that both sides did to the other, and at the attempts by the US to work covertly to help the mujahideen against the Russians. The action is set mainly in 2013/14, with Joe Johnson gradually unpeeling the truths behind events 25 years earlier.
Andrew Turpin
It's best to read as many other books in the genre you choose in order to get a really good idea for what works and what doesn't. Also read as many books on writing craft as you can, particularly around story structure, which is absolutely key.
Andrew Turpin
I aim to plot out my story in advance, scene by scene, so before I start writing, I know fairly well how the story is going to progress. Of course, I do change things if I realize a particular scene, or group of scenes, isn't going to work. But even then, I'm planning ahead. In terms of daily writing, the best approach is "bum in seat." That way, the work has to get done. I try to write at least 2,000 words a day, although because research is required along the way, I sometimes can't hit that.
Andrew Turpin
Many thanks Stephen, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. The next one, The Old Bridge, should be completed fairly early in the New Year. Please let me know if you'd like me to add you to my e-mail list and I'll keep you updated that way. All the best, Andrew
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