Duncan Whitehead

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Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I was born in Preston, an industrial town in the North West of England, but I was raised in Thornton-Cleveleys, a smaller town in the Blackpool area. Blackpool, amongst other things, is the UK's most popular tourist destination, a kind of 'poor man' Las Vegas. After completing high school and college, I joined the Royal Navy. In addition to serving at sea, I had the opportunity to work in British embassies across South America, including Argentina and Uruguay. After I retired from the Navy, I made my home in London; however, soon, I was off on further adventures when I was hired by a well-known Australian TV producer and his author's wife to work aboard their superyacht. After seven more years of traveling the globe, I eventually settled in Savannah, Georgia, before I finally (I hope) moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I'm married, have one wonderful daughter and two equally wonderful step-daughters, and a cat named Mike.

When and why did you start writing books?

I was an avid reader from an early age. I began reading 'grown up' novels at the age of ten and it was hard to find me without a book in my hand. I read extensively when I was in the navy and working overseas and I always wanted to create something myself. I began by writing short stories, which were not very good, but I had no intention of publishing them. As time went on I wrote more, until I eventually wrote my first book, The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club, which I did nothing with for three years.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I felt I had some good stories to tell, and as an avid reader, I wanted to share what I had created.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Poppy Darling - the main protagonist in my parody novella 'A Cozy Mystery...With Cupcakes and Zombies'

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

My latest book, 'A Cozy Mystery...With Cupcakes and Zombies' - I had to write in the style of a poorly written cozy mystery but also reassure the reader that this was purely for effect...to achieve this, I had to have characters break the fifth wall. That wasn't easy.

Who is your favourite author and book?

John Kennedy Toole - A Confederacy of Dunces

What book are you reading right now?

I am reading The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

From real-life events or from listening to friends and family recounting funny and/or interesting experiences.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love traveling and spending time with my wife and visiting our adult children.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes, it is a parody of 'Murder, She Wrote' entitled 'Murder, She Hoped' - it centers around a self-published cozy mystery author who finds herself embroiled in what she hopes are crimes. However...