Author Interview – H.N. Hirsch – Winter

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, author H.N. Hirsch discusses his new book, Winter, in which Professor Marcus George discovers a murdered colleague and becomes an amateur sleuth.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed H.N. Hirsch about his life and career, what inspired him to write his new book, Winter, and his creative writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

A retired college professor who has taken his knowledge of the law and politics to write a mystery series.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I’ve done scholarly writing as a professor, but started thinking about fiction writing in the 1980s. Have always been a great reader.

When did you take a step to start writing?

I retired from teaching right when Covid hit, so I thought, now or never.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

About a year.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

Writing each of the four novels in the series takes about 4-5 months. Then the production process takes another 4 months or so.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Winter?

It’s a continuation of the story of two main characters I’ve grown quite attached to.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Winter?

I find the biggest challenge in mystery-writing is leaving subtle clues that don’t give the game away.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

Both main characters, Bob and Marcus, are a mixture of myself and people I’ve known.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

Can’t answer that without telling you too much!

What is the inciting incident of Winter?

A murder.

What is the main conflict of Winter?

Who did it, and why.

Did you plot Winter in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

General plot worked out in advance. Some details filled in as I go along.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Winter need?

I use a wonderful freelance editor, Priscilla Long. She is also a writer and an old friend.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

Read as many books as you can in your genre, get a sense of what works and what doesn’t.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

#5 in the series is drafted, and sitting on my editor’s desk at the moment.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Yes, I am proud of the series. The sense of having created something out of your imagination is a wonderful feeling.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/44CiNrA

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Ibl9Gt

www.hnhirsch.info