Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
An award-winning crime reporter of 25 years. Still working while juggling a fledgling fiction writing career. A mum of 2 and 3 grandchildren.
Tell Me A Story is my first book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tell Me A Story came from a private blog I started. I’d just quit my full-time job and felt burnt out. I started writing fiction for the first time in 30 years and the stories flowed.
The title comes from the words I would say to my Grandmother who only passed 7 years ago – tell me a story. She was an imaginative and wonderful storyteller.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t write every day. I spent 27 years writing newspaper articles and columns daily. I write when the mood takes me. I work better with a tight deadline so as usual I’m sailing close to it with my debut novel. Can’t say I make life easy for myself.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Val McDermid, Dennis Lehane, Patricia Cornwell, John Le Carre, Agatha Christie and many Scottish crime writers such as Douglas Skelton, Ian Rankin, Craig Robertson, Lin Anderson, Liam McIIvanney, Abir Mukherjee and lots more.
My ultimate literary hero is William McIIvanney. He was a genius crime writer.
What are you working on now?
Putting the finishing touches to my debut novel, Death Knock.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media I guess but it’s difficult because you feel like you’re constantly on the hard sell trying to get people to see your work. It can be anxiety inducing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Breathe! Don’t give up, keep following your dreams.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you worry about what others think or say let me show you an empty room filled with all the people who walk in your shoes, pay your bills and determine your future. Don’t let anyone discourage you.
What are you reading now?
My TBR pile is huge but I’m loving In The Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the debut. Put out another anthology and write a play based on one of the stories in my current book.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Laidlaw by William McIIvanney and I’m going to cheat and say as a child The Famous Five by Enid Blyton
Author Websites and Profiles
JD Hamilton Website
JD Hamilton Amazon Profile
JD Hamilton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account