Today I’m delighted to welcome Ian Patrick who, before becoming an author, spent 27 years in the Metropolitan Police. Rubicon, his debut novel currently in development with the BBC for a six part TV series, was followed by Stoned Love and he has just published How the Wired Weep. Ian is also an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy Scotland where he lives dividing his time between family, writing, reading and photography.
Hi Ian how lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge. What can I get you at the bar?
I: I’m so happy to be here, thank you. I don’t drink alcohol so I’ll have a mocktail please.
So where did we first meet in real life?
I: I believe it was at a book launch in London for Louise Voss and Mark Edwards. Jane Isaac brought me her guest and it was a great evening with a room full of writers. Many I then followed on Twitter. The energy in the room was addictive. It reinforced my belief that I was on the right path with my own writing.
Well, I’ll have to dispute that, Ian. We first met at BeaconLit when Jane was one of the panelists. However what were your first impressions?
I: You were very approachable, kind, and enthusiastic about my writing. I’d just started out and you agreed to read a draft of a novel that I’d written. I think it’s important to mention how that feedback went! Needless to say it was a bitter pill to swallow but as a result of your honesty, I wrote Rubicon. Criticism is hard to take but if you can’t take it and adapt then you will never know your best self. It was a valuable lesson and one I will never forget.
I must admit when I read Rubicon, I was amazed at how much your writing had improved and if my criticism helped in some small way to achieve that, I’m delighted! Points in common?
I: I know there’s a theory about six degrees of separation and this was evident when it transpired you are friends with family on my wife’s side. You also have an excellent series set in the 90s, when I was policing, so that was an enjoyable thing for me to help with advice for the first in the series.
Not just the first book, Ian and I really appreciate how quickly you respond to a query.Tell me about your latest book.
I: How the Wired Weep follows the paths of a detective called Ed and a Covert Human Intelligence Source (informant) called Ben. This book is very much a baby of mine. It’s taken two years for me to get it right and I’m very pleased with the result. It’s a fast paced dose of urban contemporary fiction. If your readers enjoyed the TV series The Wire or have read Richard Price’s Clockers, then they will enjoy How the Wired Weep. I like to get into the minds of both the detectives and the criminal when I write, as each brings a different perspective to the table.
I’m looking forward to reading this, Ian. What are you working on now?
I: At the moment I’m spinning plates! I have two novels in development both based in Scotland. One is very much a personal based drama story and the other more speculative fiction along the lines of The Hunger Games. I’m also developing a script for a short film.
A busy time. We’re all missing book events, so what would be your dream panel (at any event) – subject, fellow panelists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?
I: I was very close to a dream panel at Newcastle Noir this year but sadly it was cancelled. To get an invite to appear at any festival is a privilege and I was very disappointed to miss this opportunity. As a wheelchair-user, festivals that promote inclusivity are very important to me. Newcastle Noir and Bloody Scotland are two inclusive festivals. I was at Bloody Scotland in 2018 on the main stage with Val McDermid and Denis Mina. Reading from Rubicon and the memory of that event, in front of 800 people, will always stay with me.
I: I would love to be on a Q&A panel with Margaret Attwood and Chuck Palahniuk chaired by Joe Rogan. It would be great to just sit and explore the craft of writing with these people and hear their take on the world.
That’s a panel to aspire to! What are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?
I: This is a very interesting question because for me not a lot will change. I’ve been shielding for the entire time. I’m also listening to the science more than the government. I’m fortunate because we live in a very remote area of Scotland so live a pretty isolated lifestyle anyway but when tourism opens up again it will be interesting for me to see how things are and whether the R rate goes up.
One thing lockdown has made you think about/want to do?
I: I’m a thinker; always have been. I like to be introspective and this period has been both a cathartic and challenging time. I have an incurable muscle condition but if you met me you’d never think I was vulnerable. I don’t consider myself so but nevertheless it wouldn’t do me any good to be laid up in bed as my muscle wouldn’t repair in the same way as most people’s.
I: It’s made me more aware of how precious life is and that we don’t have long to live a life of value. I write so people like myself who have times of struggle get a break from reality and can enter another world. I want to write more and support people in this way. Life really is what we make it and it’s very easy to lament what we don’t have rather than embrace and develop where we can and add value to others’ lives.
I: Thank you so much for having me here and for all your support over the years. It’s very much appreciated. Ian x
Fabulous to catch up and good luck with all your projects, Ian.
You can find out more about Ian’s books here and follow him on Twitter @ipatrickauthor