Steve Burrows is the author of the Birder Murder Mystery Series. A Nye of Pheasants is his eighth book in the series.
Steve kindly agreed to be interviewed by me to benefit Uxbridge Writers' Circle members and other writers.
Steve has used unique and exotic settings for his story and, of course, introduces us to fascinating birds while drawing us into intricate plots and interesting characters.
I enjoyed this book (and the series) and recommend it!!
Here's the blurb (copied from the back of the book):
'When a Singapore street brawl turns deadly, Danny Maik faces a charge of manslaughter, but when evidence emerges that he may have planned the victim's murder, he is looking at the death penalty. His only hope is reaching out to those he can trust back in the UK.
In Norfolk, Maik's replacement is trying to resurrect his career after a mistake resulted in a catastrophic injury to a fellow officer. DCI Jejeune should be monitoring his new charge's progress closely, but he is distracted by Danny's plight. Others are watching, though, and they are disturbed by what they are seeing.
With the situation heading to a fatal climax, Jejeune must decide whether his duty lies with his old partner or his new. The fate of both men lies in his hands. But can he help either?'
Here's the interview:
1.
Congratulations on the upcoming release of your 8th
book in the Birder Murder Mysteries. How difficult was it for
you to keep the spark of creativity alive as you wrote additional books in this
series? I usually have plots for 1 - 2 books ahead, so this
allows me time to develop the storylines slowly and (hopefully) come up with
creative settings and scenarios.
2.
Do you plan to write more Birder Murder
Mysteries? (We hope so!). I have just submitted the
m/s for Book 9 so I am awaiting editorial feedback on that. This is the last
book of the current contract, so I am awaiting further developments. Stay
tuned!
3.
Is it easier or harder to come up with ideas for a
new book? And to write it?! Now that I have
done it a few times, I am more comfortable that I will eventually be able to produce
a book. Having a continuous, linked backstory as a narrative thread provides a
framework for the new story and helps shape the direction.
4.
Setting is an important attribute of your books.
Why did you choose Singapore for A Nye of Pheasants? I
wanted to juxtapose the two faces of Asia: the uber-technological side
represented by Singapore and the bucolic, pastoral side represented by Bhutan.
5.
How have you ensured that the character of DCI
Jejeune has continued to entertain readers?
I have tried to make him a multi-faceted character
by giving him new dimensions, relationships and, especially, flaws.
6.
How do you approach research for your books? What
tips can you share with writers?
Have a really good idea of your storyline first and
decide which specific areas you need to research, rather than doing broader
research and hoping something will fit your needs.
7.
What advice can you give writers who dream of being
traditionally published? Try to get published
locally in magazines, newsletters, to build up credibility as a published
writer. Focus on one work (your strongest) and finish and polish it. Research
your market and submit where you have the best chance of placing that
particular work.
8.
What marketing strategies have worked well for you,
and do you have some tips to share? I find personal appearances
to be the best way of generating an interest in my books, so whenever I am at
an event, I try to make sure everybody knows I’m available to speak.
9.
How do you use social media to promote your books
and which is the most powerful platform? I find Facebook
best for spreading the word about upcoming events, but X has a greater reach
with people I’m not already closely associated with.
10.
What key factors have contributed to your success? Good
fortune. But being well versed in a subject that many people have an interest,
like birds, has attracted people to the series.
11.
Where is your preferred place for birdwatching and
what is your favourite bird? I enjoy local places like
Thickson’s Woods in Whitby, where you can become familiar with the habitat and
the resident species through repeated visits. I always enjoy seeing Indigo
Buntings, which are a spectacular and welcome sign the spring migration is
truly underway.
12.
Other comments? Many thanks for
your continued interest in, and support of, the series. It really is greatly
appreciated. And all the best for continued success with your own writing career(s).
Thank you, Steve, for this interview.
Vicky