legal thriller author

What kind of law do you practice?

Civil litigation. Although it’s not always civil… 

Have you ever drawn directly from a real case for your novels?

No comment. (Seriously, no.)

What’s the biggest misconception people have about lawyers?

That they know all of the law, all of the time. Interestingly, in professional negligence claims, the law assumes that lawyers do, or at least should, know the law.

Is the courtroom really as dramatic as it is in fiction?

I’m going to say, thankfully, no. Or, at least, most of the time. You can’t beat a good bit of cross examination of a witness where they crack and the truth comes out, or those times when an advocate slips up and their opponent skillfully exploits it.  

What’s something about the legal world that would surprise most readers?

That in most civil courts, the barristers and judges are not wearing wigs and gowns, they wear suits and have iPads.

Why do you think readers are so drawn to courtroom drama?

The Courtroom is an ancient arena which has largely been preserved throughout centuries. There is order (procedure) and power plays (advocates, judges), but there are also key moments of matters changing course with just a few words sometimes,

What themes do you find yourself returning to?

When I first started writing, I didn’t think about themes, and didn’t think I had any! However, I can see that friendship and loyalty (being tested but winning through) are strong themes, together with the obvious justice theme.

How realistic should a legal thriller be?

I think legal thrillers have to be authentic in terms of scene, language, and have a bearing in reality. But, the real-world law can be at times boring and slow-moving. No reader wants to wait eighteen months for a case to come to trial. That doesn’t happen in the movies and shouldn’t happen in books! 

How do you balance practicing law, judging, and writing?

Unlike my work, writing fiction is a purely creative outlet. I get re-charged and re-freshed by doing it. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of  days its tough and I'm too tired and have no inspiration.. but thankfully those are the exception. 

Do you outline meticulously or discover the story as you go?

On the Plotter vs Pantser spectrum, I am at the extreme plotter end. I start with a 1 page synopsis or notes with ideas. Then I build about 4-6 pages of bullet points of what I want to have happen in the book, which I then elaborate on. Only when that’s complete do I start writing. 

Where do you get your story ideas?

Stephen King in his book, On Writing, uses the phrase "the boys in the basement" to describe his subconscious mind — the creative, automatic force that generates ideas, characters, and plot points, while his conscious mind focuses on other things. I’ve found this really helpful - it means you don't need to be at a desk to be working on a book. I can be driving, running or working out, and it’s useful time as I mull over characters, plot, and come up with new ideas.

How much legal research do you need to do for each book?

I tend to research as I go. When I get to a part dealing with actual law, I do my research. Thankfully, so much is available on the internet. Being a lawyer definitely helps separate out what’s legitimate and what’s made up though! 

Do you write early in the morning, late at night, or in stolen moments?

Usually stolen moments! I’ve clocked up a lot of hours writing in my car whilst my kids are at sports clubs. Either that, or early morning. I can’t write late into the night. 

How do you keep courtroom scenes authentic but accessible to non-lawyers?

One thing I love about court scenes is that there is a distinct language, culture and etiquette. Keeping these elements is essential for the scenes to be authentic. It could be barristers referring to each other as “my learned friend”, or saying to a judge “I’m obliged, M’Lord” - which sounds ancient, but is very much used today in Court. To make it accessible, sometimes I explain the terms, but other times hopefully it’s clear from the context.

What part of writing a legal thriller is the most challenging?

I find the hardest part is knowing what clues to drip feed - how much, and when. And also, ensuring everything is consistent to avoid tripping up later, or with a mystery that doesn’t actually make sense. Where a crime has been committed in the book, I have a detailed note of ‘what actually happened’ where I go through the facts of the crime chronologically. Even though this is revealed towards the end, it’s essential to have that clear throughout the book. 

What’s your favorite part of the drafting process?

Whilst I love penning ideas at the outset, and am learning to love (tolerate) the editing process, getting that messy first draft done is just the best feeling. 

When did you first realize you wanted to write fiction?

I’ve read avidly my whole life, but never even thought about writing a novel until I read all of the Steve Cavanagh books (Eddie Flynn series). I got to the end of the series, put the book down, and thought to myself, if was going to write a book, what would I write? I thought I was going to tell everyone I knew that I was writing a novel, and then stop before completing the first chapter. But lo and behold, I finished the chapter, and didn’t stop. I had a first draft in 3 months. And then the dreaded editing began.. .

Who were your early writing influences?

The first book that got me totally engrossed was Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer. I was so caught up in the epic tale, I couldn’t put it down. Defending Jacob by William Landay is probably my favourite legal novel. I read it once, and loved the story as a legal drama. Then, I heard William Landay interviewed and he said the book was all about the family relationships and how its impacted by what happens to one member. I re-read it and it was like reading a new book. The man’s a genius.. 

What was harder: passing the law exams or finishing your first manuscript?

Finishing my first manuscript was a joy and delight. Law exams were much harder and required lots of cramming and multiple coffee frappuccinos. 

If you weren’t a lawyer or writer, what would you be?

When I did the very basic computer programme about future careers when I was a kid, it always came out with Royal Marine.  I like to pretend that's what I'd be doing, but I'm probably too partial to a good cup of tea and a stable WIFI connection to be that adventurous. 

Do friends ask you for free legal advice at dinner parties?
All the time. 

What fictional lawyer (from books, TV, or film) would you most like to cross-examine?

Probably Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn. He’s very cool. It would probably look more like a can-we-be-friends chat, than a cross-examination. 

Guilty pleasure TV show after a long day in court?

I feel like I should say Suits, or Silk, but I’m going to go with Yellowstone. I'm a sucker for the landscapes and country music. 

What’s one legal term you secretly love using?

It’s more from American trials, and not used in English courts, but “asked and answered” is a good one. “Cease and desist” is another favourite, especially with my children.