Duncan Whitehead
Verified Gold (Monthly) Account
- Genres:
- Mystery
- Thrillers and Suspense
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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...
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