Good morning all, and welcome to another Tuesday! Today, I’m delighted to be welcoming Chris McDonald, author of the DI Erika Piper series, to The Book Babe for an interview. I’m yet to begin to this series but it sounds brilliant so I’ve added both books to my tbr-pile and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in. Until then, I’m happy to be sharing Chris’s answers to my many questions, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading them. Without further ado, let’s get started!
1.) Chris, can you briefly introduce yourself? Tell us a little bit about you!
My name is Chris McDonald and I am the author of ‘A Wash of Black’, the first in the DI Erika Piper series. I am a 32 year old husband and father. I like loud music, reading and dogs! I am originally from Northern Ireland but now live near Manchester.
2.) Your book, ‘A Wash of Black’, which was released in February by Red Dog Press, is the first in your DI Erika Piper series. What can readers expect from this story?
It follows DI Erika Piper on her first day back on the job following a lengthy, enforced spell on the side lines. As well as finding the groove of working again, there is the small matter of finding the dead body of a world-famous actress, mutilated on an ice rink. It’s set in Manchester and is fairly gritty, with a few gory moments (or so I’ve been told).
3.) Did you know that this book was going to be the first in a series? Or had it, at any point, only been meant as a stand-alone novel?
I always saw it as a series. The books I love unfurl the character over a number of books, and that’s how I saw Erika’s story play out. Though, after writing one, the idea of writing a second was daunting! I’m pleased I did though, as I think the second book is stronger and felt much more confident in my abilities.
4.) What sort of character is Erika Piper? Is she loosely based on anyone you know or entirely imagination generated?
Erika is a strong female character. She is good at working with others (her working relationship with Liam was a joy to write). She is not afraid to take risks and she is confident. She does have an emotional side, like we all do, and these vulnerable parts were really nice to write. I think it made her much more relatable and human. The reaction to her from readers has been wonderful to see!
She wasn’t based on anyone in particular, but as I got thinking about her, I pictured Emily Blunt. She’d be my choice to play her in a film adaptation.
5.) Do you know where the rest of the series is going to lead, or are you going to wait and see where Erika Piper takes you?
I’ve written the follow up, ‘Whispers in the Dark’, and I’m into the third one now. I don’t know always know the next case until I put my mind to it, but I do know Erika’s personal journey. I have that mapped out in my head. As for the cases, sometimes a flash of inspiration will strike and I’ll write down the initial spark. Then map it out a bit more from there. Though I am in no way a planner!
6.) If you had to describe ‘A Wash of Black’ with three words, what words would they be?
Exciting, gritty, cinematic.
7.) Chris, have you always wanted to be a writer? Tell us about when you first started? Was becoming published always part of the plan?
I did English alongside teaching at university, and toyed with doing journalism but went down the teaching route instead. I am still a teacher, but would to be able to write full time. That’s the dream.
I started writing ‘A Wash of Black’ after reading ‘The Killer in Me’ by Olivia Kiernan. It inspired me so much to give the idea I’d had in my head for quite a while a go!
I wanted to get published for two reasons. One was so that I could have a book cover made for me! And two, I wanted to play in the England v Scotland crime writers match at Bloody Scotland (though I’m Northern Irish and fit neither camp!)
8.) Do you set yourself daily word-count goals?
No. I can only write once I’m finished work and the kids are asleep. Some days I cannot be bothered in the slightest and some days I am like a man possessed. I usually try to write a page per day, at least, but don’t stress if I don’t.
9.) What’s your planning process like?
Minimal! I have the opening scene in my head and from then on, there is no plan. With ‘A Wash of Black’, I didn’t even know who the killer was going to be until I forced myself into a corner. Gradually, I can see the benefits of a plan though, so am dipping my toe into the water of being a little more prepared!
10.) Tell us a few authors you enjoy reading yourself.
God, where do I start. Olivia Kiernan and Vanda Symon are two that inspired me to write. I will read anything MW Craven puts his hand to. Same with Will Carver. I’ve recently read my first Mark Billingham which I enjoyed a lot. Chris Whitaker’s ‘We Begin at the End’ is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I could go on all day!
11.) Are there any authors you’d say your writing style is similar to?
I’m sure it’s a mish mash of many – the old adage of the more you read, the better your writing will be is true. I have many inspirations but I won’t do them the disservice of saying my writing is similar – I am still learning my trade!
12.) When you’re not writing, what are some of your favourite ways to unwind?
I read a lot. But I also like to play PlayStation. I’m dreadful at anything but sports games. I also used to run a lot, but lost heart in it. I do need to get back on the exercise – lockdown is not doing wonders for my gut!
13.) Tell us some of your favourite childhood books.
I have a really hard time remembering any stories – which is dreadful! I loved the Goosebumps and the Hardy Boys books in primary school and then Harry Potter blew me away.
14.) If you were to try your hand at another genre, which would you pick and why?
I’d love to write something in the vein of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’. I know it’s got a crime in it, but it’s so much more!
15.) Do you have any long-term plans for your writing? Where do you hope to be in, let’s say, five years’ time?
My only goal was to write a book to see if I could. Having it published was a bonus and everything thereafter a cherry on top. I’d love to write full time, but I know that that is something that is probably unlikely. As long as I can balance teaching and writing, I’ll keep going!
16.) Are your friends and family supportive of your writing? Do they read your work? Encourage you?
Everyone has been very cool about it! My wife has been good for bouncing ideas off – even if they are quite gory! I think I took everyone by surprise because I didn’t tell anyone I’d written one. Most people found out about it when I told them when it was coming out!
17.) How would you normally spend publication day?
At work! For ‘A Wash of Black’, I took some cakes into the staffroom. Then, at the weekend, we had my book launch where I met Rob Parker. Life has not been the same since.
18.) Are you working on anything at the moment? Can you tell us a little about it?
I’m working on book 3. It has a name but I don’t think I’m allowed to say what it is. It’s the story of Johnny Mayhem, a Britpop star who was arrested for the murder of his wife. He has been released from because of new (flimsy) evidence, and a short while later, people who were connected to the original case start dying. The hunt for Johnny Mayhem begins.
19.) Once this series is complete, do you have plans for your next? Will you write another series, or would you prefer to write a standalone novel?
I’ve got an idea for a cozy crime book set on the north coast of Northern Ireland, where I’m from. It’d be much less gory and a lot funnier. I’ve got the first story in my head. I’m not sure I’m cut out for a standalone – I get too attached to the characters and don’t want to let go!
20.) And lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?
Just a massive thank you. The thought that someone out there is giving up time and money to read something I have written blows my mind. I couldn’t keep doing this without their support so I hope they know we’re like a team.
Read on to find out more about ‘A Wash of Black’ and ‘Whispers in the Dark’.
IT’S NOT LIFE THAT IMITATES ART. IT’S DEATH.
Anna Symons. Famous. Talented. Dead.
The body of a famous actress is found mutilated on an ice rink in Manchester, recreating a scene from a blockbuster film she starred in years ago.
DI Erika Piper, having only recently returned to work after suffering a near-fatal attack herself, finds she must once again prove her worth as the hunt for the media-dubbed ‘Blood Ice Killer’ intensifies.
But when another body is found and, this time, the killer issues a personal threat, Erika must put aside her demons to crack the case, or suffer the deadly consequences.
Purchase your copy of ‘A Wash of Black’ by Chris McDonald here.
Who will heed the call when Death comes whispering?
Small time drug dealer, Marcus Stone and DCI Clive Burston had never met until one night in August. By the end of that night, both had been shot dead in a small bedroom in the heart of gang territory.
DI Erika Piper is called to the scene but is at a loss to explain what’s happened. How did these two even meet, let alone end up dead in what appears to be a strange murder-suicide? As Erika leads the investigation, another two bodies are found, killed in a similar fashion. One murder, one suicide. But who is controlling this macabre puppet show?
As Erika delves deeper into the lives of the dead, the pieces begin to fit together and a number of nefarious characters crawl out of the woodwork – one of whom is almost certainly pulling the strings.
A catastrophic event and a personal miracle threaten to derail the investigation. Erika must find the strength to continue, before the whispers catch up with her too…
Pre-order your copy of ‘Whispers in the Dark’ by Chris McDonald here.
Originally hailing from the north coast of Northern Ireland and now residing in South Manchester, Chris McDonald has always been a reader. At primary school, The Hardy Boys inspired his love of adventure, before his reading world was opened up by Chuck Palahniuk and the gritty world of crime.
He’s a fan of 5-a-side football, has an eclectic taste in music ranging from Damien Rice to Slayer and loves dogs.
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