1) Who are you and what have you written?
My name is Cheryl Rees-Price and I am the creator of the DI Winter Meadows series. The Silent Quarry is the first book in the series and introduces DI Meadows, a Welsh detective from an unconventional upbringing, who works in the Valleys. The second in the series, Frozen Minds was released on 14th October. You can find out more about my books on my website, cherylrees-price.co.uk or follow me on twitter @CherylreesPrice.
2) Why do you write crime fiction?
I didn’t set out to write crime fiction. My first book was a paranormal mystery. The idea for my second book, The Silent Quarry, just happened to fall within the crime genre. I enjoyed the process of plotting and the research so much that I decided to stay with crime and continue the series.
3) What informs your crime writing?
I do a lot of research for my crime novels, only about 10% makes it into the books. Quite often I find myself delving into true crime cases to try to understand what drives an ordinary person to commit a crime such as murder. These motives often form the base for my ideas and stories. Some of the cases that I have researched are more bizarre than any crime fiction I have read.
4) What’s your usual writing routine?
I work in finance so try to fit my writing around my job. I hand write all my notes and first drafts which gives me the freedom to write anywhere. When I’m working on a book I try to write 1,000 words a day.
5) Which crime book do you wish YOU’D written, and why?
There are so many books I wish I had written so I’ve picked the first one that come to mind. The Awakening by Sharon Bolton. One of my favourite authors. The book drew me in from the start and kept me turning the pages. Believable characters and a clever plot. It left me wanting more.
