Lucky 13 Interview With Chris McDonald

1 – Can you start by telling us a little about your current book?

My current book is The Curious Dispatch of Daniel Costello, which is the first in the Stonebridge Mysteries series. It is a cosy crime novella featuring two unlikely detectives. Adam Whyte is afraid of blood and Colin McLaughlin works in a retirement home. It’s a lot of fun to write, and hopefully to read!

2 – Are you a plotter or a panster?

I was a panster and swore blind plotting was a waste of time. But, I’ve sort’ve seen the light a bit. I appreciate a little outline, but am more than happy for that to change as I go. In fact, I want it to. I think I would get bored if I knew the story front to back from the moment I wrote word one. It has to be fun for the writer too, otherwise it’s not going to be an enjoyable read.

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Sweet, probably. Though it's tough. I do love crisps and couldn’t live without them. But, a slab of Dairy Milk is the dream ticket.

4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

The Stand – Stephen King.

We Begin At The End – Chris Whittaker.

Anthrax Island – DL Marshall

5 – Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars, and even then I’ve only ever seen them once. I’ve never watched a single minute of Star Trek.

6 – If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I think it would be teleportation, as I could visit my family in Northern Ireland whenever I wanted. I’d save a lot of money on flights and the stress of the airport!

7 – Music or Silence when writing?

For my first book, I wrote in silence. For the rest, I listen to instrumental music. Usually Explosions In The Sky or This Will Destroy You. It has to be silent when editing, though.

8 – If you could live anywhere in the world, and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose?

I’d probably move back home to the north coast of Northern Ireland. Me and my wife are both teachers, and there are no jobs whatsoever there. If I could magic a teaching job there, I’d move back in an instant. I miss the sea and the green!

9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

Always – Bon Jovi

10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Get the first draft done. I agonised over each paragraph as I went, whereas with the others, I finished it and then went back. Sometimes it’s good just to get all your ideas out, find the problems when you’ve read it through, and then edit.

11 – You win £1 million, but you must give half to charity. Which charity do you chose, and what do you do with the rest of the money?

I’d probably give it to cancer research as they do invaluable work against a horrible disease. The other half, I’d probably buy a house with. The idea of no mortgage is very appealing!

12 – Horror films, yes or no? If so, any favourites?

No! I hate gore and I hate being jump scared. I don’t see the appeal! Instead of thinking about the story, all I think about is where the next scare is coming from!

13 - What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on Stonebridge 4, though I haven’t written 3 yet, but the plot of 4 came to me and seemed more fun than the middle section of 3, so I went with it. Future me is going to be very annoyed when the deadline for 3 is looming!!