A Good Thriller discussion

I will confirm date shortly. But here you will be able to add your questions for Peter to answer.

James was educated at Charterhouse and went on to Ravensbourne Film School. For a brief period of time whilst at film school James worked as Orson Welles' house cleaner. Subsequently, he spent several years in North America, working as a screenwriter and film producer, beginning in Canada in 1970 working first as a gofer, then writer, on the children's television series Polka Dot Door.

is interests include criminology, religion, science and the paranormal, as well as food and wine. He has written many restaurant columns. He is also a self-confessed "petrol head," having owned many fast cars over the years, including four Aston Martins, AMG and Brabus Mercedes, a Bentley Continental GT Speed and two classic Jaguar E-Types. He holds an international racing licence, and has in the past competed in the Britcar series in both a Honda Accord and a former British Touring Car Championship SEAT Toledo. His 1965 BMW 1800 Ti, with his co-driver Steve Soper, came 10th overall in the St Mary's Trophy in the Goodwood Revival in 2013. James currently races a 1962 C1 Corvette and a 1964 Mini Cooper S. He has donated two police cars to Sussex Police, which bear his name, and a police car to States of Jersey Police.

He is married to Lara James (m. 2015)

James has written 36 novels, including the International best-selling crime thriller series featuring Brighton-based Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, which have sold 20 million copies worldwide and have given him 17 consecutive UK Sunday Times number ones, as well as number ones in Germany, France, Russia and Canada, and he is also a New York Times best-seller. James's books have been translated into 37 languages. In the UK and US they are published by Macmillan Publishers. In 1993 Penguin Books published his novel Host on two floppy discs (in addition to conventional print formats). It has been called the world's first electronic novel and a copy of it is in the Science Museum.[2] James has written supernatural thrillers, spy fiction, science-based thrillers, a children's novel, and the novella The Perfect Murder, which was 15 weeks at number one on iBooks and 45 weeks in their top 10, was adapted by Shaun McKenna into a stage play which had a smash hit tour in 2014 and returned to stage in 2016. Subsequent stage adaptations of his novels, all also by Shaun McKenna, include Dead Simple, Not Dead Enough and The House on Cold Hill have also had sell out national tours. His fifth stage adaptation, Looking Good Dead starts on national tour in March 2021. The Roy Grace series is currently being produced by ITV with John Simm playing the role of Roy Grace. His novel Perfect People is also being filmed as an eight-part mini-series in 2021. James has served two consecutive terms as chairman of the Crime Writers' Association, and was the programming chair for the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in 2016, part of the Harrogate International Festivals portfolio. He hosts The Author’s Studio, a free online learning facility for all budding authors, on his YouTube channel.

In 2017, James wrote the foreword for the UK edition of The Crime Book, with American crime author Cathy Scott writing the foreword for the US edition.[3] The nonfiction book, a volume in the Big Ideas Simply Explained series, was released by Dorling Kindersley (Penguin Random House) in April 2017 in the UK and May 2017 in the US.

James has been involved in 26 movies in writer and/or producing roles. His 1993 novel Host was adapted into the 1998 television movie Virtual Obsession. Other films on which he is credited include: Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things, The Neptune Factor, Blue Blood, Malachi's Cove, The Blockhouse starring Peter Sellers, Spanish Fly starring Terry-Thomas and Leslie Phillips, A Different Loyalty starring Sharon Stone, The Bridge of San Luis Rey starring Robert De Niro, and The Statement starring Michael Caine.

In 2005 The Merchant of Venice, directed by Michael Radford and for which James was executive producer, had a royal premiere in the presence of Prince Charles and received a BAFTA Award nomination. In 2006 the film also won the Silver Ribbon for Best Production Design (Migliore Scenografia) from the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists.

Television

His 1992 novel Prophecy was adapted into the first episode of the 1995 Chiller tv series. In 2021, the first two novels in his Roy Grace series, Dead Simple and Looking Good Dead will be adapted into two feature-length films for ITV. The show has been called Grace, and the role of Roy Grace is played by John Simm. (great TV film)

Heavy involved in many charities.

Now living in Jersey, Channel Islands.

Hopefully the date is

10th June. Peter, is very busy at the moment with a new book, number 17 in the Grace series, a new TV series.

So on this day will drop into the group for a while in the morning and the afternoon to answer questions...

Add yours anytime, from now...

Peter,

Thank you for joining our group and answering our questions.

I am going to start adding my questions ready.

My first question...

Which authors do you enjoy reading in the police dramas.

Question 1

My favourites are Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza, Mel Sherratt,
Patricia Gibney, Carol Wyer, Karin Slaughter, Brian Freeman, Sharon Bolton, Simon Kernick and Charlie Gallagher.

Question2

I know you enjoy action thrillers again who are your favourites, mine are, to list a few
Tom Wood, Gregg Hurwitz, David Baldacci, Mark Greaney, Ben Coes, Mark Dawson, Kerry J Donovan, Adam Hamdy, Jack Carr.

Question 3

Where has been your favourite places you have travelled to in the world.

Question 4

When writing, do you like to listen to music and who.

Question 5

Of all your Roy Grace books do you have a favourite.

Question 6

What is your favourite thing about living on the island of lovely Jersey. (With of course a great neighbour)

Question 7

Beach or countryside.

Question 8

When you write a book, have you already decided the end, the villain.

Question 9

Swim or ski

Question 10

Night in, or meal out.

Question 11:
How long does it take you to write your first draft?

Question 12:
From start to finish, how long does it take you to publish each book?

Question 13:
Who edits your books?

Question 14:
Does your experience with fast cars and racing have an impact on your writing?

Question 15:
What inspired you to start the Roy Grace series?

Question 16:
What has the adaptation process to film and television been like for your books on your end?

Question 17:
Do you have any writing rules that you follow to keep each novel fresh and exciting?

Question 18:
Have you discovered anything really interesting in your research that never made it into one of your books?

Question 19:
Have you recently read anything that stuck with you?

Question 20:
What are some of the biggest challenges in writing crime thrillers?

Today it was confirmed that Peter James will be online (UK time)

10.30 to 11.30 am and then 5.00pm to 6.00 pm Live

Please do add your questions

Welcome Peter

Hi this is Peter James, sorry to be late, I had issues logging in.

I'll start answering the questions you've already kindly posted.

I know you enjoy action thrillers again who are your favourites, mine are, to list a few
Tom Wood, Gregg Hurwitz, David Baldacci, Mark Greaney, Ben Coes, Mark Dawson, Kerry J Donovan, Adam Hamdy, Jack Carr.

I like the Canadian author Linwood Barclay a lot. And a brilliant French author Pierre LeMaitre - his novel Alex has some of the best twists I've ever read.

Question 11 and 12 is from one of my favourite action authors Kerry J Donovan, a regular member of my group.

Which authors do you enjoy reading in the police dramas?

There are certain books that have really stuck with me over the years. Silence of the Lambs being my favourite. I was mightily impressed with Claire Mackintosh's I Let You Go - and she is a former police officer herself. I like Michael Connelly, too, Ian Ranking, Val McDermid among many.

Yes I loved Clare Mackintosh's book.

A member here and has done a Q and a's for us here

Where has been your favourite places you have travelled to in the world?

Now there's a tough one: I love going to NY because I have friends in the NYPD and often go out with the police when I'm there, great to see a whole different world of policing. For research the Monastic Commune of Mount Athos in Greece where I stayed five days doing research for my standalone, Absolute Proof. And for a sheer flop holiday I love the South of France, where I spend my childhood summers - and I'm always comfortable there as can speak fluent French - if a little rusty!

Linwood Barclay is a lovely chap, kindly joined goodreads to do a Q and A's for us.

When writing, do you like to listen to music and who?

During the first two thirds of a novel I listen to a very wide and eclectic playlist, which includes Passenger, Marla Glen, Dido, George Ezra, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond and my favourite band, the Kinks.

During the last third I listen to opera arias - I find they really lift me - and the pace of my writing!

We have a post/thread here which I have added to myself called

"Ten Random Facts"

Could you name ten random facts about yourself.

Of all your Roy Grace books do you have a favourite:

If I don't answer 'My most recent one' then I'm not doing my job right!!! When I was a kid I used to find that so many of my favourite authors seemed to get lazier the more successful they became, their books fatter, but less pacy. Alistair MacLean was one of these. I vowed that if I was ever lucky enough to make a living out of writing novels, I would always try to raise the bar with each one. But I do have a real soft spot for the first Roy Grace, Dead Simple, and I also really love my standalone Perfect People.

What is your favourite thing about living on the island of lovely Jersey. (With of course a great neighbour)?

Above all else I love the friendliness of this very beautiful island. There is a serenity and tranquility that really helps me to focus on my work. And of course Jersey has been home to many writers over time, including Victor Hugo and later Jack Higgins, among the greats. Although I can write anywhere - in the back of a taxi, in a cafe, a hotel lobby - I've finished two novels on long-haul flights on book tour - I write best at home, in my office, our lovely dogs, Spooky and Wally beside me.

Beach or countryside?

That's the great thing about Jersey - pretty well anywhere you go you are either on a beach or in the countryside! But seriously, growing up in Brighton I could never live far from the sea. But as an animal lover - and we have a growing menagerie, I love the countryside, and the beauty of Jersey is we are lucky to have so much of both.

When you write a book, have you already decided the end, the villain?

I plan the basic structure of each novel, the ending, the first 20% in detail, and the key characters. I love writing villains and often they are the driver for starting a book. But very often new characters pop into my head during the writing process, and 50% of the time I think of a better ending as I head towards the final chapters. I'm a great believer that if you do not surprise yourself, you won't surprise your readers.

Swim or ski?

Skiing has long been the only sport I've ever really been any good at! My mother was Austrian and took me skiing from the age of 4. When I was 15 my parents were approached to ask if I would join the British Ski Team to train for the Olympics. I was really keen but my parents put their foot down, saying it would totally disrupt my 0 levels! I'm glad of the decision - I would never have had the dedication it takes to get to the top in any sport - let alone the ability. So I always joke that skiing's loss is literature's gain 😊

Night in, or meal out?

I'm going to say both! I love cooking or should I say "experimenting in the kitchen" - not always successfully and I love wine, and I love to unwind after an evening's writing with a meal with my wife Lara, a nice glass of wine or two or perhaps three... and then curl up on the sofa with the dogs and watch something on television - anything from Gogglebox to a new crime drama or an old movie.

ooops, I've just noticed my spelling is terrible today - I've misspelled Clare Mackintosh and Ian Rankin. Will they have me murdered in future novels???

How long does it take you to write your first draft?

On a Roy Grace novel it is around seven months from the time I write the first line to the last. Some of that time is taken up with research - in a normal year I got out with the police either in Sussex or London or elsewhere on a regular basis, depending on what research I need. The editing process takes the best part of another five months, so it is around a year from starting the book to the excitement of seeing the first printed copy! But some of the books I've been doing research in between other writings and research, for several years.

Who edits your books?

The first stage of editing is what I jokingly call Team James! My wife Lara and my "real life" Roy Grace, former Detective Chief Superintendent David Gaylor, read every 150 pages. I discuss the policing aspects with Dave and character aspects with Lara. When the book is finished, sections to go research contacts, and the whole book goes to my editor and my agent, as well as to several trusted friends with different skill sets. After this stage it then goes to a copy editor who goes through in minute detail. Then the final stage is the proof reading.

Hi Peter.

You write in many different genres. Do you have a favorite one?

Also I was wondering when and why an author decides to end a series?

I am a mad film buff, and have many favourite films and loved the classic actors of the 40'a and 50's.

Could you list some of your favourite actors/actresses

Your favourite films.

If you have time in our movie section you will see some great actors I like listed.

Do you know Kenneth More grew up here in Jersey

Does your experience with fast cars and racing have an impact on your writing?

I think my agent and my publishers would prefer I took up a safer hobby, like bowls or knitting!!!! But yes, I do think it has helped in the descriptions of car chases in some of my books - particularly in describing what it is like to be in a car that rolls over, which I experienced, to my cost, and quiet a few injuries, when I barrel-rolled four times at 90mph at Brand Hatch in 2013!! But racing is the one time I completely switch off and don't think about writing - when I'm doing 130mph down the Hangar Straight at Silverstone I am not thinking about my next chapter! And I come back from a race meeting feeling totally refreshed.

What inspired you to start the Roy Grace series?

One of the best things in my life happened in 1983, shortly after I'd had my second (not very good!) spy thriller, Atom Bomb Angel, published. My then wife and I were burgled. A young detective constable, Mike Harris came to the house to take finger prints, saw my books and said if I ever wanted research help with the police to give him a call. He was married to a DC, Renate, and we became friends with them. They invited us to a BBQ at their house one day and a dozen of their friends were there - Homicide detectives, Response officers, Neighbourhood policing officers - and chatting to them was just a lightbulb moment for me. Not only did I find them all deeply fascinating people, I realised that no one sees more of human life in a 30 year career than a police officer, and for an author this was an incredible research resource. I developed a really good respectful relationship with them over the following years, including meeting Dave Gaylor in 1997, who was then a DI in Major Crime, and in 2002 Pan Macmillan approached my agent and asked if I'd ever thought of creating a detective as a central character. By this time Dave had risen to Detective Chief Superintendent, and had become a good friend, and I asked him if he would like to be a fictional cop. He loved the idea and that's how it started!

I'm going to have to jump off now and I'll be back to carry on at 4.30pm! Thanks for all your great questions.

Sorry everyone I'll be back at 5pm, not 4.30pm!

We have a post/thread here which I have added to myself called "Ten Random Facts" Could you name ten random facts about yourself?

Here goes: My first job was as Orson Welle's housekeeper! I once had to remove a live cockerel from the Toronto hotel bedroom of Michael J Pollard (CW Moss in Bonnie and Clyde) at 4am. My mother, Cornelia, was the Queen's Glovemaker. I'm superstitious about wearing the colour green or going in a green car. I once broke the UK Under 16 100 sprint record, in practice. I make a mean vodka martini. I fell out of my dad's car, at 30mph on Brighton seafront, when I was 2 years old and had 20 stitches in my head. I've seen a ghost. I wrote and produced a film called Spanish Fly, starring Terry-Thomas and Lesley Philips that the critic Barry Norman called "The worst British film since the 2nd World War. I met my wife, Lara, on a ski lift!

Yes liked both actors, but that was a low point in their career.

Terry Thomas just started getting Parkinsons.

Leslie Phillips still alive, 97 years old

You write in many different genres. Do you have a favorite one?
Also I was wondering when and why an author decides to end a series?
I love the Crime Thriller genre most, because human nature fascinates me, and through the research for my Roy Grace novels I learn so much about it.

In terms of when an author decides to end a series, I don't think there is any one answer. Conan Doyle got fed up with Sherlock Holmes and despatched him over the falls, but had to bring him back because nothing he wrote after sold as well! I have no plans at all to end Roy Grace, all the time that you are enjoying reading the books and I'm loving writing them.

Hi Peter. Thanks for participating in this Q&A. Thanks for answering my question on your inspiration to start the Roy Grace series. What a way to turn a negative situation (being burgled) into friendships and a book series.

I have another question for you.

What is your favorite under-appreciated novel (and why)?

I am a mad film buff, and have many favourite films and loved the classic actors of the 40'a and 50's.
Could you list some of your favourite actors/actresses?

Peter Sellers, James Coburn, Humphrey Bogard, Dirk Bogard, Harrison Ford, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Yves Montand, George Segal, Glenda Jackson, Katherine Hepburn, Jeanne Moreau, Julie Christie, Charlize Theron, Sharon Stone (who I worked with and is wonderfully intelligent)

Your favourite films.

Casablanca, Some Like It Hot, A Touch of Class, Enemy of the State, The French Connection, The Thomas Crown Affair (original version) Cabaret, Dr Zhivago, Bullet, Wages of Fear (original version). A Man and a Woman,

If you have time in our movie section you will see some great actors I like listed.

Do you know Kenneth More grew up here in Jersey. I love him in Genevieve - my sister was named after that film!

reply | flag *

Sean wrote: "Yes liked both actors, but that was a low point in their career.

Terry Thomas just started getting Parkinsons.

Leslie Phillips still alive, 97 years old"

Yes during filming, every other day Terry-Thomas could not remember his lines. No one knew then that it was the start of the onset of Parkinsons. Such a very lovely guy - I spent one of the craziest weekends of my life at his home in Ibiza.

PamG wrote: "Hi Peter. Thanks for participating in this Q&A. Thanks for answering my question on your inspiration to start the Roy Grace series. What a way to turn a negative situation (being burgled) into frie..."

Thanks Pam! The other great thing about being burgled soon after getting married is that you can explain to relatives who gave you some horrible ornament why it is not on display! "They took it!!"

The Ibiza group !

Whole group of British actors, he used to enjoy his water skiiing

Peter, thanks for joining us, it has been fun and interesting.

PamG wrote: "I have another question for you.

What is your favorite under-appreciated novel (and why)?"

One of them is "Read Leaves" by Thomas H Cook - a beautiful crime novel, by a wonderful US author. I never felt it got the traction it deserved.

Sean wrote: "Peter, thanks for joining us, it has been fun and interesting."

Thanks so much, Sean, some really great questions! Hope I've answered them all!