Author Interview: Lee Cockburn

What is your favourite thing about writing books?
I like getting involved in the personal lives of the characters and developing them as I go, making the reader want to know what will happen to them and their lovers and families as well as trying to make the story exciting and enjoyable.  I like seeing the story unfold, wondering where it will go next, I like to try and thrill, scare and exhilarate them, make them desperate to turn the page to see what will happen. I like to make the action scenes and loves scenes quite realistic, which allows the reader to relate to what is happening, sometime putting themselves in the position of the character at the time and actually feeling the fear or passion, as they read.  I like to hear when readers have become emotional when reading my books, which for me shows that my style of writing has moved them in some way, my mum still locks all the doors in her house after book one, many parents cried in book two and both my mum and friends really like book three, although my mum says there is too much swearing, oops ! I’m a very open minded, jovial, comedic character in my real life, but when I write, I choose hard hitting topics, some cruel, graphic, but all gripping and exciting, and people wonder where I get my imagination from.  I only write when I’m in the mood, never taking any time away from my children, I never get enough sleep, and I enjoy writing, it thrills me a wee bit, that I’ve actually written three books, never would have I ever thought that after being so sporty, that I would turn my hand to writing.

Who is your favourite character in your book and why?
Taylor is my favourite character, she it strong, athletic, intelligent, witty, popular and very good at her job.  She struggles to get the recognition she deserves for the work that she does, she is highly competent, respected by her peers, but forever fighting against the older ignorant cops that are set in their ways and unwilling to accept her.  Taylor’s private life is very colourful and she tends to get into trouble when her lack of self-control takes over, and she acts impulsively, many times to her detriment. Book three explains why she is so reluctant to commit, and the readers, may give her more of a break after that, as she fears being hurt again.  I like Taylor as there are parts of her character that remind her of me when I was younger, never meaning to hurt anyone, but certainly enjoying the company of a couple of female companions, and some of the trials and tribulations of working in a world that some narrow minded people don’t want to change..

What is your favourite drink to consume while writing?
Probably tea, as I write during the day mostly, as I have to pick the children up from school.  If I do write at night and have some wine, then my mood changes, and I might choose to write a love scene, as I can submerse myself in it, and tend to write more freely and the naughty bits get naughtier. 

Do you have any bad habits while you’re writing?
I like to watch TV over the top of the laptop, either an episode of the L Word or a James Bond film, I had the whole box set on when I was finishing Demon’s Fire, I don’t really watch, I just listen, only looking up at the good bits.

How do you research your books?
I didn’t research at all, everything comes straight from my head, I am lucky that I know the police procedures, which makes the book realistic.  I just pick a topic, crime and new characters, and then off I go, and it’s interesting to see where it goes.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Books one and three definitely a punster, just flew by the seat of my pants, get a wee idea and went for it, whereas book two was actually going to be my first book and I knew what I wanted in it, which made it much harder to write, as I tried to write it around to fit everything in.

If you could live in any fictional world, which would you choose and why?
Had I been male, I would quite like to have been James Bond, maybe not quite as much of a sexist though, although I like the excitement and the lovely ladies he meets, a never-ending tale of high-profile criminals, and all of the danger and passion he seems to have to endure.  I just like the variety of countries, criminals, the high life and unadulterated loving he has to go through to survive and fight again.

If you could befriend any fictional character, who would you choose and why?
I would befriend Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals) from the L World, I love her character in the series, she is beautiful, intelligent, professional, and much, much more, I actually visualise her as Taylor in my books, her tall athletic frame, very good looking, and her obvious ability in her profession.  I think she would be a loyal, and trusted friend once you got to know her.