Today The Blonde Plotters are having a chat with Malcolm Hollingdrake, author of, The DCI Cyril Bennett Crime Series.

Thanks for popping by to visit us.

Please can you tell us a bit about your series?

The seven book series is set in Harrogate, Yorkshire. I had already written one book before starting the Bennett series and I read that Harrogate was the happiest place to live in the UK. I thought it would be good to introduce a bit of crime. Harrogate is now the fourth happiest place to live… so maybe I’m winning!

The books are designed to be read as stand alones but If I am asked I always suggest new readers begin with ‘Only The Dead’. Readers have noted this first book case takes a little getting into but once they have read a couple of chapters they are hooked.

Part of the pleasure of writing a series for me is the ability to work the characters, to build the relationships within each story whilst allowing readers to know them wherever in the series they begin.

I love writing about Bennett and his team and I am now working on book eight whilst writing a new series featuring two new detectives. This new series is set in north Merseyside.

And the inspiration behind it?

 I do try to make each book in the series very different as far as the crimes are concerned, I try to ensure the plots are very unusual yet credible and up to date. I work particularly hard ensuring the facts are correct, the procedurals are as close to real as possible. I now have a number of people I can call upon from a coroner to a pathologist and even someone who worked within diplomatic protection.

Can you tell us a little about your route to publication?

It’s a path that very nearly did not happen. I was all for giving up but some kind words from the lovely and talented Angie Marsons made me think again. She suggested I send the manuscripts to a few more publishers. At the same time, Liz Mistry had published, ‘Unquiet Souls’, set in Bradford. Being a Bradford boy I decided to read it to see if I recognised any of the places mentioned. I noticed it was published by Bloodhound Books. I had not heard of them but on checking their website discovered they were open for submissions. I sent in the third of the Bennett books; the first two I had self-published. Within a fortnight I received confirmation to say they wanted the book. They soon realised I had two more in the series so the one book deal became a three book deal. Soon after publication the books sold so well they offered me a seven book contract. Magic does happen.

What have you learnt that you wished you’d known when you started writing?

Consider the contract very carefully. Most authors will sign a bus ticket. Royalties, marketing, support, quality editing and proofing are all key elements to discuss. Seek advice if you are unsure, particularly if this is your first offer.

Bloodhound still manages the first seven Bennett books and I am delighted to continue to work alongside the team with those books already published. However, we have mutually agreed not to work on future titles together; book eight will be self-published. It has a working title of ‘Treble Clef’ and should be ready in March.

What would be your biggest tip for a new writer?

Dare to be different. Ensure your manuscript is the best you can make it. Research well. Never give up! Find out what royalty payments are common in your genre and sector. Do not commit to too many novels on a set royalty contract. If your work sells, you should be able to negotiate better figures the more popular your titles become. A good many publishers now pay 50%

Bio

You could say that the writing was clearly on the wall for someone born in a library that they might aspire to be an author, but to get to that point Malcolm Hollingdrake has travelled a circuitous route.

Malcolm worked in education for many years, even teaching for a period in Cairo before he started writing, a challenge he had longed to tackle for more years than he cares to remember. 

He has written a number of successful short stories, has nine books now available and is presently writing the eighth crime novel set in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. 

Born in Bradford and spending three years at Ripon College, Malcolm has never lost his love for his home county, a passion that is reflected in the settings for all the DCI Bennett novels However, as well as the Bennett series he is writing a new series set in Merseyside.

Malcolm has enjoyed many hobbies including collecting works by Northern artists; the art auctions offer a degree of excitement when both buying and certainly when selling. It is a hobby he has bestowed upon DCI Cyril Bennett, the main character in his successful Bennett series.

Book Blurb

All my information is available from my website. Please pop along and take a look. www.malcolmhollingdrakeauthor.co.uk

Links

http://www.bloodhoundbooks.com/malcom-hollingdrake/
Amazon page
Publisher page
http://www.malcolmhollingdrakeauthor.co.uk