Wednesday 29 February 2012

Waiting For Godwin


Your first novel, Apostle Rising, has been a tremendous success. 
Could you tell us about the highest and lowest points you’ve
experienced since its release last year?

The amazing reception it got from so many sincerely valued writers
online as well as finding new readers. Seeing everyone get older.

Would you say that your life has changed in any way?

Not really.

To my mind, you’re the writer who seems to luxuriate more than
any other in the description of the horrific or erotic fiction.  From
my perspective as a reader, I get the feeling that you derive a lot of
pleasure from stretching yourself in every way imaginable
(especially in the depiction of violent acts).  I don’t wish to suggest
you’re twisted, but wonder if my impression of your pleasures is
accurate.

Impressions can be misleading. Writers usually say their best lines
come from nowhere, as Burroughs observed. There is a common
misinterpretation that writers are what they write, you are referring
to the body of work of mine that is popular, yet I also write poetry
and literary stories. I think the darker stuff appeals more to readers.
I have never met a serial killer yet I write about them.

To what do you attribute your love of dark subject material?

If you read the newspapers there is plenty of dark material in there. I
think writing characters who do extreme things is a good way to dig
into the human psyche and to explore motivation.

I note that your new book, Mr Glamour, is set in the world of
fashion.  I love the line in the blurb ‘The killer in Mr. Glamour
knows all about design, he knows what brands mean to his
victims. He is branding their skins.’  You really do have a vivid
imagination regarding methods of death and torture.  How
naturally do this ideas arrive in your consciousness or is this
something you need to work at?

Thank you. If you read some of the classics there is a lot of dark
stuff in there. I try to make things new, but truthfully you can find
any manner of deaths on the internet. The character will usually tell
you how they would commit an act.

Not only are you a talented novelist, but you’re one of the most
prolific writers working in the short form and have appeared in
some of the best anthologies around.  How easy is it for you to
shift between the two forms?

I started writing novels, so a story is easier. However the story form
demands a tightness that is not always necessary in a novel. It is a
different medium and I enjoy both. I see them as natural relatives.

And in terms of anthologies, what do you consider to be the
making of a good one?

A good selection of a variety of talents. A balanced selection of
stories.

I wonder about your writing environment.  I picture you
surrounded by heavy tomes, bones and curious objects.  Describe
the place you write for us.

Anywhere. Literally.

How did you and Black Jackal Books come together?

I sent them my manuscript.

The cover of the new book has a suggestion of voyeurism in it.  Is
it a cover you’ve had a lot of input in yourself?

Voyeurism does play a part in Mr. Glamour. Black Jackal Books
consult me about cover designs, and I suggested the basic concept.

Here we have another cop duo in operation.  Did you consider
giving Castle and Stone another run?  And would you now?

Do you mean writing a sequel to Apostle Rising? I am writing it.

Would you mind adding a little taster from the book?

Mr. Glamour is about a designer world full of beautiful wealthy people. It is about the creation of myth. Detective Chief Inspector Flare and Inspector Steele try to catch a killer who has climbed inside their heads. As they investigate they step into a hall of mirrors and find themselves up against a wall of secrecy. The investigation drives Flare and Steele - who are themselves harbouring secrets - to acts of darkness. And the killer is watching everyone.

Heywood Gould said:

“Richard Godwin knows how his characters dress, what they drink and what they drive. He knows how they live--- and how they die. Here's hoping no one recognized themselves in Godwin's cold canvas. Combines the fun of a good story with the joy of witty, vivid writing.”

But the real question is who is Mr. Glamour?


Richard Godwin is a widely published crime and horror writer.
His second novel Mr. Glamour (US and UK) is being published in March 2012 by Black Jackal Books and is available online and at all good retailers.
It is about a glamorous world with a predator in its midst.

His first crime novel Apostle Rising (US and UK) was published by Black Jackal Books as a paperback on March 10, 2011. In it a serial killer is crucifying politicians and recreating the murder scenes of an old case. It is available online and on the shelves of all good bookstores.
It met with excellent reviews worldwide and sold foreign rights throughout Europe.
The author’s work has appeared in many magazines and anthologies, and you can find links to his stories on the magazines page of his sitehttp://www.richardgodwin.net/magazines

His Chin Wags At The Slaughterhouse are interviews he has conducted with writers and can be found at the blog on his website here http://richardgodwin.net/ where you can also find a full list of his works.

9 comments:

  1. Great interview. I'm a new fan of Le Godwin. Will get to Mr. Glamour very soon.

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  2. Good stuff! I always enjoy Richard's writing. Apostle Rising is a fantastic book and I don't doubt that Mr Glamour is going to be every bit as dark, clever, and deeply enjoyable. Can't wait!

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  3. Damn, you fellas had me at "creation of myth" . . . Mr Glam is a far cry from Prêt-à-Porter, with a cover of instant impact to multi-markets. Indeed a book I shall fashion purchasing. I've gleaned from the here and there and there and here of Mr Godwin reads, that its his mind which pulls me in . . . a higher realm of intellect having its say in any genre is such a pleasure to get acquainted with. Suspected that a followup to Apostle Rising could be on the horizon. {Yay}.

    Nige, I loved the bones and curious objects Q . . . as if there are hidden mists that arise when Richard's mind kineticizes the keyboard. {Would make a helluva book trailer though . . . }

    ~ Best to the zest of both of your success soars, author menfolk I admire,
    ~ Absolutely*Kate

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  4. The juxtaposition of the beautiful and the grotesque is a challenge and Richard is an artist as he works through those kinds of scenes adn stories.

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  5. Richard is unique in that he ventures farther into what creates the darkest sides of human nature than other writers. Very few can go to the places he does without sliding into spaltterpunk or Grand Guignol shock for shock's sake. He does the opposite in fact, treating the horror and the quotidian realities by keeping a careful, clinical eye on the causes of both of them. When you are through with one of his short stories or novels you have been made aware of all the reasons behind all the events, be those reasons rationally arrived at or cadged in the cool breeze and certain light of pure madness. Besides that, he's a cool guy and a good friend to have handy in a dark alley.

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  6. Great interview. I agree with Nigel's assessment that the way you write ultra-violence is unique and fascinating. Very much looking forward to Mr. Glamour.

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  7. Always intriguing to discover more about a quite brilliant mind.
    Can't wait to devour Mr Glamour - love the cover.

    Regards,
    Col

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  8. Thank you all so much for your comments, I hope you enjoy
    Mr. Glamour. And thank you Nigel for hosting me.

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