Interview - Road Closed (OLE)

Leigh Russell's ROAD CLOSED is Published

Elise Gross interviews highly successful local author Leigh Russell

Leigh Russell's first novel and best seller "Cut Short" was and is still a big success. One year after "Cut Short" was published, she celebrates her second publication, her latest book "Road Closed". Congratulations Leigh.

Fredi Flea says: Don't forget you can enter a Competition to win one of two Signed First Edition of 'Road Closed' by visiting our competitions page.

When her first book was published, Watford Flea was fortunate to interview her. One year later she is back with her new thriller and we are delighted that Leigh has offered us the opportunity to speak with her about "Road Closed" and the effect it has had on her life.

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How did the success of your first thriller affect you?

The success of my first book has made me feel more confident about my writing.

What are your feelings about the publication of your second thriller?

ROAD CLOSED has just received its first review. “Tense and gripping... well-written and absorbing... with an exhilerating climax that you don’t see coming.” (Eurocrime, which listed CUT SHORT as a Top Read for 2009).

Could you give me a summary of Road Closed?

When a man dies in a gas explosion, the police suspect arson. The Murder Investigation Team is sent in to investigate. The case takes a new and terrible twist when a local villain is viciously attacked. As the police enquiries lead from the expensive Harchester Hill estate to the local brothel, a witness dies in a hit-and-run. Was it coincidence or cold-blooded murder? The Murder Investigation Team has problems of its own - and so does D.I. Geraldine Steel. A shocking revelation threatens her peace of mind as the investigation races towards its dramatic.

Why have you decided to write another detective novel?

My publisher initially signed me for a three book deal. After the runaway success of CUT SHORT, my publisher has already asked for the series to continue beyond the first three books.

How long did it take to write Road Closed?

I write very fast but it takes about a year for a book to be produced as it has to go through editor, proofreaders, designer and production.

In your second book, are there similar characters to those in your first book?

My detective is the same and readers discover more about my Detective Inspector and her Sergeant in ROAD CLOSED.

How did you choose the title?

I wanted to have short, snappy titles, of two one-syllable words, so came up with CUT SHORT, ROAD CLOSED and DEAD END.

Why have you chosen this cover picture?

My publisher used a book designer and the decision was made by my publisher, with advice from the sales team and bookshop managers. I was consulted, but the final decision was made by my publisher.

Is there any element of your own life or experience in Road Closed?

No. I am not a police officer and I’ve never killed anyone!

Did you put some of your personality in your characters?

I don’t generally write about myself or about anyone I know. Real people are so complex, I think my readers would be very confused if I tried to create a fictitious character who was that complicated, within the parameters of a crime thriller. I’m sure my characters are made up of aspects of people I’ve encountered in real life, but it’s not a conscious process - although I confess that the grumpy middle-aged English teacher in CUT SHORT is based on my own experience.

How has your life been changed now you are an established author?

Yes. I am very very busy. In addition to writing, I spend a lot of time chatting to readers, signing books, giving author talks at literary festivals, libraries and colleges, and answering interview questions for BBC Radio stations – or publications, like the FLEA!

You were at the 2010 Crime Fest, which author impressed you most?

I met so many fellow authors, I think it would be invidious to single any one person out.

What is your source of ideas?

Some people like to read for inspiration but I find my ideas in real life, just walking around observing and speculating about what I see.

Did you speak with victims’ parents or a pathologist, criminologist, policemen or other professional people to describe some scenes of your book?

I research medical, forensic and police details to make sure my books are authentic, and have a growing number of advisors, including a Professor of Forensic Medicine. I consulted with my local Fire Team about how fires can start, and with a Market Manager about the scenes with my character who is a market trader, and I check all my details with experts where I feel it is necessary in order to create the scenes I write.

Did your writing become obsessive?

Yes. I started writing three years ago and haven’t been able to stop since. I write every day. As Eugene Ionesco said, “A writer never has a vacation. For a writer, life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.”

Does being an author affect your profession?

No. I try not to let the different parts of my life infringe on each other and I’ve been surprised by how easily I can switch from one mindset to another.

What did you do if inspiration came during your work with your students?

That hasn’t happened yet, because when I’m teaching I give that my full attention. I only become absorbed in writing when I have the time and space in my head to devote myself to writing. If I did have an idea while teaching, I would have to scribble a note for myself, and work on it later.

Have your pupils read your novel?

Some of them have, yes.

What was the best thing you have heard from a fan?

My books have received so many positive reviews, and I have received so many emails from fans, that it is impossible to pick out just one. It is always a thrill when I hear my books are going to be reprinted.

Is your work translated into other languages and published in other countries?

Not yet, as I am still fairly new on the scene, but I suspect that will happen soon.

Would you like your books to be made into film?

Of course. Most writers would welcome such an opportunity to raise their profile. I think my books would translate well onto television as they are written in quite short scenes.

What will be the title of your 3rd book?

My third book is called DEAD END. I have just finished writing it for publication in 2011, and am planning the next one.

Would you like to be a full time writer?

Yes. I plan to write full time at some point, but I want to have a few more books published, and selling well, before I make that leap. Writing is an uncertain business, especially when you are just starting out. So far so good, but who knows what the future holds? If anyone had told me three years ago that I was about to become a successfully published author, I would have laughed at the idea.

What is the most important skill needed to write a book?

The ability to create a story that creates an illusion of reality for the reader.

What do you think about the new generation who watch TV in preference to reading some books?

I think there is a place for both. It would be a great pity if TV took over to such an extent that young people stopped reading.

Thanks Leigh for sharing so much with us. We will be eager to meet you soon with new exciting novels.

This article was created on Tuesday, 15th June 2010. It was last tinkered with on Sunday, 1st August 2010.

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