Born in 1943 in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, John Holt currently lives in Essex with his wife, Margaret, and his daughter Elizabeth. For many years he was a Chartered Surveyor, until he retired in 2008. He had always wanted to write a novel but could never think of a good enough plot.

His first novel, The Kammersee Affair, written in 2008 was inspired by a holiday in Austria. The books that followed, The Mackenzie File, The Marinski Affair, Epidemic, and A Killing In The City all feature Tom Kendall, a down to earth private detective.

In August 2012, he decided to go down the self-published route, and formed his own publishing brand Phoenix. As a complete change to his usual genre, The Thackery Journal is a “What If” novel regarding the assassination of Lincoln. It was published in August 2013. More novels featuring Kendall followed, Kendall, A Case of Murder, Diagnosis Murder and The Art of Murder. His latest novel An Act of Murder was published in January 2020.

The Art of Murder

BLURB

When two valuable oil paintings are missing, Kendall is asked to investigate on behalf of the Insurance Company. Reluctantly he accepts the job. Then a body is discovered, and then another.

“So what do you think?” asked Mollie.

“What do I think?” Kendall repeated.

“Well with two people dead, I think someone has been practicing the art of murder.”

5 Author Interview Questions about Book Writing Process & Mindset Answered

#1 What genre do you consider your books? Have you considered writing in another genre?

Of my 14 books to date, 12 of them are crime stories. So clearly my favoured genre is mystery. Of the remaining two books one, The Kammersee Affair is a Wartime novel; the other, The Thackery Journal is Historical Fiction. I would like to do a second one set during the American Civil War, if I could just get a decent plot put together.

#2 Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

To date I have written 3 novellas, and 11 novels. The three novellas feature private detective Jack Daniels. The first one of my novels, The Kammersee Affair is a story of hidden Nazi gold; The Thackery Journal is a story set during the American Civil War. Seven novels feature private detective Tom Kendall; and my latest An Act of Murder is the first to feature Chief inspector Whittaker of Scotland Yard. Whilst there are minor connections within the books featuring Kendall, all of the 14 books are standalone stories.

#3 Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Knowing what people want is difficult to assess. People have differing likes and dislikes. As I’ve previously stated, you cannot please everyone. I write to please no one except myself. If I like something then that is great, if someone else likes it then that is a bonus.

Certain genres that some sections of the public like would not interest me one bit like I’m not interested in horror stories, or science fiction. Romance novels are of no interest to me. I couldn’t write a novel in these styles if I wished to. I try to be original, and I believe that my character Tom Kendall meets that objective.

#4 Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

All authors like to receive reviews–good reviews that is. Sadly once your book is published, and available for sale, you have no control. Regrettably there will be people who don’t like it, and they won’t be shy in saying so. No one likes a bad review, there’s nothing you can do about it. So generally you read them and then move on. If it is a genuine comment perhaps you can learn from it. Maybe, it is a fair comment and you try to make sure not to let it happen in the future.

#5 What are common traps for aspiring writers?

There are a vast array of possible traps, ranging from so called publishers who think your novel is the best ever and can’t wait to publish it, and all they want is a large sum of money upfront. Keep clear of these vanity publishers.

Also be wary of people offering to do all sorts of things for you, including formatting, editing, and designing book covers. For the most part they charge huge fees for their services. Self-publishing is so easy these days, and at no upfront costs. Just be careful, and always get recommendations.

Lastly, I would say don’t try to please everyone. You’ll never succeed. You can never please everyone, some will love your book, whilst others will hate it.

Answer #4 is my personal favorite. Comment below to tell me yours. Have more questions on writing or have a question for the author? Send them in to have them answered. #thealignedwriter 

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