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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Nick Love shares the inspiration behind his latest release, The Colonel, and his creative writing process.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Nick Love about his life and career, what inspired him to start writing, and the story of his new novel, The Colonel.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I worked in management consulting for 33 years and then became an author after retiring. I was in the Royal Marines for 9 years from 1978 to 1987, including a stint in 42 Commando. In 2008, I wrote my first novel “2,600 Feet per Second in my head, during my 2008 London Marathon training
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I first wanted to write a book when I was 19 years old but due to my dyslexia, I didn’t think it was possible.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I wrote the first page of my novel, printed it and took it into the garden to show my wife (Delia) who said she liked it and asked for another page, so I did that for a few hours then I was hooked.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
13 years
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
12 months
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Colonel?
My latest release is a sequel called ”The Colonel” I wanted to write this because people kept asking me if there was another one coming and I thought the first novel had a little more story in it.
What were your biggest challenges with writing The Colonel?
Frankly being able to type fast enough, I loved writing the sequel, because I knew many readers of 2,600 Feet per Second really wanted to it. This told me my naive writing style (great story, not perfect prose), worked for your average thriller reader, which was my goal all along
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
It was a remnant memory from my wonderful time in the Royal Marines.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
He was made up completely, as was the whole story.
What is the inciting incident of The Colonel?
The murder of a General’s daughter leads to revenge for family honour.
What is the main conflict of The Colonel?
It all started with the killing of a general in 1982 in the Falkland War, the action (personal revenge) then takes place over 40 years.
Did you plot The Colonel in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
This is a very good question: I started writing freely, but as the plot became more complex and the characters more intertwined, I had to start mapping it out and plotting the direction with more control, so it became believable.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Colonel need?
I am not afraid to say my books need extreme editing, including in-line editing this, is due to my dyslexia, which I used to be embarrassed about but not anymore. Jericho Writers helped me find the right editor.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Simply start writing, don’t worry about grammar just write and feel the freedom of letting your imagination go. Oh and don’t listen to the voices either in your head or around you saying it won’t be good enough, because if the story is good, it will be.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I am currently writing the third book with Chris (Laser) Beem as the protagonist, in a series of stand-alone Thrillers, but with similar types of characters (including bringing one spectacularly back from the dead) that are much loved in the first two novels.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
What makes me proud are readers posting messages (some on Amazon) telling me this is the first book they have read cover to cover, ever! I am also proud because I hoped my books would create great visual images and it must be working because nearly every reader says what great films they would make.
Well worth the effort, for those two comments alone.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
This interview is focused on The Colonel, but readers should (must) read the first novel to fully understand the whole story.
2,600 Feet per Second is a fast-paced revenge thriller:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4ffQjIB
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4ffQkMF
The Colonel is the exciting conclusion and an even faster-paced revenge thriller:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ycsLDI
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4fgKsTq
https://www.facebook.com/nicklovebooks
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