HIT THE NORTH! NICK QUANTRILL INTERVIEW!

HIT THE NORTH! 

 NICK QUANTRILL INTERVIEW! 

Nick Quantrill's fantastic first novel, BROKEN DREAMS (published by Caffeine Nights), was released to great acclaim in March this year. 

The Hull based writer will also have a story included in Maxim Jakubowski's  prestigious The Mammoth Book Of Best British Crime 2011. 

And he was STILL decent enough to give me an interview...

Q1 :What was it like when you actually got a copy of ‘Broken Dreams’ in your hands?

I think I’d describe it as a real mix of emotions. On one hand it felt like a real milestone. It was like I’d climbed a mountain and made it to base camp, so I was full of pride and excitement. It was a real pleasure to be able to give early copies of the book to my friends and family to mark their support. 

On the other hand, I always knew it was just the start of an even harder road. The day you allow yourself to sit back with a self-satisfied smile is the day you should stop, so I’m always striving to do more. I could probably be knighted for services to literature and I still wouldn’t feel like I’d done enough. It’s always a case of looking ahead.

Q2: What has the response been to ‘Broken Dreams’?

The response has been great. People have really responded well to the lead character, Private Investigator Joe Geraghty, and the ideas which underpin the story. My only worry was how well a story set in such an unfashionable city like Hull would travel, but I’m delighted it has done. People have turned up to signings and events, so it’s all good. In a wider context, I’ve had great support from media, especially in the Yorkshire region, so the message is starting to spread. It really just comes down to working hard and seeking out opportunities.

Q3:Do you enjoy the promotional side of being a writer?

I’ve learned to embrace it. The first couple of events were absolute torture, but I feel a lot more relaxed now talking about my work or reading from it in front of people. 

I think it’s part increased confidence on my own part and part realisation that people are genuinely interested in hearing about my work. I can’t deny that it’s also good fun. Maybe the most pleasing aspect has been reaching people in the more surprising places. I’ve done a few street festivals around Hull and people seem more prepared to stop and have a look at the book and a chat than if it was part of maybe a literary event.

Q4: Joe Geraghty is a true underdog. Do you think you’ve made him so believable because you’re a Hull City supporter?

That’s a low blow, Brazill...very low indeed. I suppose you could draw a parallel between Hull City and Joe Geraghty. Both have taken some beatings over the years and in some ways have seen better days. I can’t deny that being a Hull City supporter in recent years hasn’t been a lot of fun, though. We’ve had a peek at the top division and mixed it with the best of the country, but these days we’re freshly relegated and in all kinds of financial difficulty. No doubt some would say we’re back where we belong. Although Joe’s more a rugby man, I suppose we both seem to have an attraction to self-inflicted misery...

Q5: The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime. What the hell is all that about?

You tell me! In fact, it’s your fault, as you sent me the email from the editor, Maxim Jakubowski, asking for short story submissions for his anthology. Given that the 2009 edition features Colin Dexter, Alexander McCall Smith and Peter James, I thought my chances of getting a story included for 2010 were pretty remote, but I sent a couple of stories off anyway, more in hope than expectation and it was a great feeling to hear my Joe Geraghty story, ‘Sucker Punch’, had been selected. 

The big hitters for 2010 include Ian Rankin, Simon Kernick and Kate Atkinson, so I fully appreciate how privileged I am to have made the cut. It’s also pleasing to know that some of my writing pals, Nigel Bird, Gerard Brennan and your good self have also been selected. 

It’s fantastic that some space is found for new and emerging writers and I’ll be working hard to take advantage of any opportunity it gives me.

Q6: How’s the follow up to ‘Broken Dreams’ going?

Nearly done (he says hopefully...). I’m all but there with getting the next Geraghty novel, ‘The Late Greats’, into a state I’m comfortable with and then it’ll be off to the publisher to start the editing and crafting process. 

‘The Late Greats’ sees Joe searching the city of Hull for a missing musician before his band’s big comeback is compromised. It’s a story about friendship, loyalty and asks what really counts as success. 

I think it also shows a darker to Joe’s character, as things start to change for him on a personal basis. He definitely develops in this book and proves he’s capable of making bad decisions as well as good ones, even when he’s trying his best. He’s maybe not the judge of character he thinks he is. It certainly sets me up nicely for the novel after that...

Cheers Nick!

Nick Quantrill's website is here: 

www.hullcrimefiction.co.uk