Don’t miss this deep dive with traditionally published author, Lorraine Mace, a maestro of police procedural fiction and psychological thrillers. Known for her keen ability to delve into the dark corners of the human mind, Mace reveals the insider lessons that shaped her career, the hobbies that spark her creativity, and what readers can expect from her in the near future.
What inspired you to become a fiction author
There are two reasons. To start with, I was an incredibly profuse liar in my childhood. I would always embellish any slight event to make it more interesting/outlandish/enjoyable. As I got older, I stopped telling lies (most of the time) but that didn’t stop my rampant imagination from creating stories around events in my life and the lives of others. That imagination needed an outlet. The second reason is that writing is the only way I can shut up the voices in my head demanding that I tell their stories.
What are some lessons you’ve learned about the writing industry that you wish you knew when you started?”
The biggest lesson I learned was that the first draft should never, never, never be shown to anyone, far less industry professionals, but that is exactly what I did with my debut novel. I sent the first draft (totally unpolished) to agents and publishers. I learned the hard way about the need to constantly rewrite until you have something worth showing – and then be prepared to accept constructive criticism from your agent and editor before it is finally published.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
I have just started a new series, this time with a female protagonist. Ginny Shaw is an ex-police officer who turns private eye, ably assisted by an ex-prostitute and her brother, a hacker who knows his way around the dark web. I have written most of book one in the series, have complete outlines for books two and three, plus the concept for book four. As you can see, I am very excited by this.
What are some hobbies or interests you have outside of writing?
I am a keen runner and try to cover 5km five times a week. I have run five half marathon distances, the latest being the Seville half marathon in January of this year. I think that one is my proudest medal. I am also trying to get my Spanish to conversational level. It’s hard!
How do these interests inspire or fuel your creativity?
When running I often come up with plot ideas (or find ways to climb out of plot holes). It’s also a great time to give the voices free rein. Much of my dialogue comes about because my characters are having chats in my head while I’m covering the kilometres.
What has been the most memorable feedback from a reader and how did it impact you?
In one of the books in my D.I. Sterling series I killed off a character (I won’t say which one or who). A fan sent me an email wishing she could do a Misery on me as the character had been one of her favourites. After reading book four of that series, a male reader contacted me on Facebook to say the opening had brought tears to his eyes and that he was traumatised by what happened to the man who had been, let’s say, encouraged to admit his crimes.
What of your book(s) are you the most proudest of, and why?
The first in my D.I. Sterling series, Say Your Prayers. While writing it I suffered heavily from imposter syndrome, so when the reviews came in, I was thrilled. It proved to me that I could write and gave me the impetus to write four more in the series.
What is your most recent book?
The Guest (Amazon link) was published this year by Headline. It is a psychological thriller. The blurb is as follows:
YOUR PAST HAS COME KNOCKING. WILL YOU LET IT IN?
Lynda Blackthorn is still reeling from the tragic car crash that killed her family more than a year ago. Throwing herself into her volunteer charity work, she is trying to piece her life back together.
When she’s asked to be the face of the charity’s annual fundraiser, an appeal for volunteers on the local news brings old friend Sarah to her door – and the events of fourteen years ago crashing down around her.
As the two women reconnect, Lynda invites Sarah to stay in her guest bedroom. But soon strange things start happening and Lynda learns it might have been better to keep the door to the past firmly closed . . .
Is there a book project you have in mind that you plan to write one day? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?
I have an idea for another standalone psychological thriller set partly in the Karoo (Western Cape, South Africa) and partly in Stamford, Lincolnshire. The main character will be stranded in the Karoo many miles from the nearest dwelling, being terrorised by the last person she (or the reader) would suspect. She will need to fight for her life and sanity.
You can find Lorraine Mace at her web site, on Facebook, or on her Amazon Author page.
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