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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Nick Everard talks about his new book, Past Unbecoming, about world war 2 research that results in a murder sixty years later.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Nick Everard about his life and career, what inspired him to write his new book, Past Unbecoming, and his creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I’m a former Army Officer now back in the military orbit as Regimental Secretary of my old Regiment after over 20 years’ doing other things – variously the City; Schools adventure travel (I was a Director of World Challenge) and recruitment / Executive Search. I live just outside Market Harborough with my wife Kiki and assorted animals. We have two grown children.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
An unrealised ambition which I thought might have to wait till retirement: I’ve always been good on paper in a professional sense.
When did you take a step to start writing?
During the pandemic, like many I suspect. I had plenty of time on my hands: no excuse.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
I started ‘Clean Kill’ in May 2020; then back to work for awhile after lockdown was lifted so I could only progress it sporadically. Finished in summer 2021; a couple of months to find a publisher and then published in May 2022.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
Started after Easter in 2022 (before the first book was published); complete December 2022; published May 2023.
I have a third a third book which I started after Easter in 2023; it took a little longer to complete (Feb 2024) and so will not be published until September 2024.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Past Unbecoming?
I like theme-based books (this one was ‘a scandal surfaces’), and wanted to set it against a background I could portray convincingly (the Army) whilst ensuring it was readily accessible to a wider audience.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Past Unbecoming?
Making it plot-driven, and omitting much of what I knew as irrelevant (and probably off-putting) had I included more military detail.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
He’s a little like me back in the 80s, albeit his post-military career differs significantly. He’s also richer! He has characteristics drawn from many people.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
He’s of a type I knew well in my Army days, though not inspired by any specific individual.
What is the inciting incident of Past Unbecoming?
Discovery of a number of clues apparently pointing to a scandal in late World War 2; seemingly covered up.
What is the main conflict of Past Unbecoming?
Concern for the impact on present-day people (and indeed the Regiment) should the apparent facts come to light.
Did you plot Past Unbecoming in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
Pretty much the latter – I know roughly where I want to go, but give characters their head, and they often surprise me. Occasionally you do have to take stock when you hit a definite fork in the road plot-wise, but I don’t reflect on it for very long.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Past Unbecoming need?
From my publisher, but very little needed; some minor punctuation / typos and rectification of a continuity issue.
What is the piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Keep going forwards; never back. I write in 45-minute sessions, and 4 such sections comprise a chapter. I briefly review what I wrote in the previous session each time, but otherwise press on. That way you’ll eventually end up with ‘something’ – though there’s probably a month of fine-tuning to lick it into shape.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Third book ‘Braybrooke’ is with the publisher now. It’s inspired by a real 1932 murder which took place in that small Northamptonshire village, where I have lived for 25 years – but aside from where the body is found / the weapon etc it’s a completely fictional tale. Too many local sensitivities otherwise (still).
Fourth book is still in my head, but will be called ‘The Fourth Time’ – I’m about to begin it. It draws on Ian Fleming’s famous James Bond quote – ‘Once is happenstance; twice is co-incidence; three times is enemy action.’ My characters will take it from there.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Yes – I am. Although ‘Past Unbecoming’ is not a specifically ‘Army’ book many of my military contemporaries have read it and say it feels ‘right’ in terms of the culture of a cavalry Regiment and its veterans. I enjoyed writing it.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Past Unbecoming
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Jo0sEB
Paperback:Â https://amzn.to/3PJ8Q51
Clean Kill
Kindle: https://amzn.to/44653oi
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3U5Lsjm
Website – www.nickeverardbooks.co.uk
Twitter – ne912
FB – Nick Everard Author
Instagram – nickeverardbooks
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