Ask the Author: Trish McCormack
Answered Questions (6)
Trish McCormack
My most recent book comes from an old inspiration - sitting on a stack of limestone pancakes (named for their shape) at Punakaiki in New Zealand. Looking around I imagined my crime scene and a body in the sea ... I'd just read P D James's Devices and Desires and something about the bleak setting for that novel sparked my idea for one of my own - set here in one of NZ's most beautiful wild places. Then I found my murderer and from this point the story just flowed!
Trish McCormack
Usually by some interesting place in New Zealand's wilderness. Something will spark in my mind and it's not long before a character follows. What are they doing there? What are they hiding? Inspiration takes over at this point - hopefully!
Trish McCormack
I'm taking a break from crime fiction right now and editing my great uncle's letters from the First World War - from Gallipoli to France and a it's a very human story. The classic discovery of letters in an old suitcase, which have never been seen before other than by family members.
I'm also planning my next crime novel but it's in my head not on paper at this stage.
I'm also planning my next crime novel but it's in my head not on paper at this stage.
Trish McCormack
We all have stories and its up to you to tell yours! And to do it in a way that works for you - whether its a dedicated hour a day or a mad burst of energy every few weeks/months. Get it down - and then get it edited properly. A good editor is gold and will polish and improve your story.
Trish McCormack
To be able to disappear into other lives and situations and being able to explore whole new worlds. It's an escape - and it is energising and creative. As someone with a low threshold for boredom, writing solves that and activates my mind. I've always been eternally curious as to what makes people tick and I love a good mystery.
Trish McCormack
I tend to walk away at this point and do something else for a while - could be days or months! I've always worked that way - bursts of creativity followed by long spells of nothing much going on in my head. I'm probably badly disciplined but trying to keep writing when I'm not in the space for it doesn't work for me.
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