Welcome to the weekly Irish Independent Authors Collective (IIAC) author interviews. Today on my blog, I’m delighted to introduce you all to Terry Hickland. I hope you all enjoy learning more about Terry and be sure to check out his books.

Irish Independent Authors’ Collective – Terry Hickland

Tell me a little bit about yourself and why you decided to join the Irish Independent Authors’ Collective?

My name is Terry Hickland, and I’m a crime and general fiction author, based just outside Lisburn. I have self-published two novels, and have written three screenplays, two of which are under consideration at the moment.  The Piano Boat, my latest novel, is to be launched soon (no pun intended!).

As an independent author, I had been looking for a group or body that could provide support, advice, and a collective, representative voice. Perceptibility and acceptance can be very challenging to an indie writer, and being part of a collective offers additional backing. One of our members mentioned funding: when it comes to editing and publishing, this too may deter many writers.

How long have you been writing and why did you decide on self-publishing?

I started writing in 2011, and have produced two novels, a series of short stories and three screenplays. In addition, I enjoy writing poetry, and have had four of my works published.

I had sent On Marian Place – the first book in a crime thriller trilogy – to fifty agents, hoping to have it published the traditional way. It was rejected. Taking stock, I let a few trusted people read the manuscript; they told me to go for it and self-publish. The thought of self-publishing greatly appealed to me, not from a vanity point of view, but what really spurred me on to take control of my destiny was the term used in the agents’ rejection letters, “a matter of opinion and perception”. Having lived in Germany for many years and working with quite a few WW2 veterans, I knew I had a good product and sensed that readers would feel the same. The procedures I have learnt about and the skills I have gained from self-publishing On Marian Place have made the publication of The Piano Boat much simpler.

Do you think the stigma surround self-publishing is lessening?

From the readers I have spoken to, yes. The main thing they look for is a stunning book cover that draws them in, a great story with an appealing protagonist, someone they can relate to and become involved with, even if it’s just to the end of the book. That’s not to say I have not experienced the stigma of self publishing, it’s still prevalent. I have one of my novels listed with a large book chain, and have found that support from store managers varies considerably. Having your work available in libraries and entering it in mainstream book competitions leans heavily in favour of the publishing houses. This is also reinforced through book reviews and ratings.

What do you feel the hardest part of self-publishing is?

Marketing, and creating an awareness of one’s product. There is so much competition that it’s hard to stand out from the crowd. Apart from being able to produce great writing material, indie authors need additional marketing skills that will allow them to promote their work.

What genres do you write?

European crime fiction is my favourite topic, having lived in Germany, but in recent times I have touched on the theme of grief and how it affects those of us at a young age. This was not an easy theme to write about, but I got through it in the end. The subject of unexpected romance came to me when in conversation with a woman from North Yorkshire recently, resulting in my latest film script. The lead male character, I have to say, bears an uncanny resemblance to Pierce Brosnan, (what are the chances it will one day reach our screens, lol?). Now I just have to write the novel!

What is your favourite story or character that you have written?

I find it difficult to choose as both my stories and characters vary so dramatically! In my crime thriller, On Marian Place, my sympathy lies with poor Frau Kohler, the long-suffering wife of the arch protagonist and resident psychopath, Curt Kohler. She has experienced deep mental trauma because of him, painfully recalling the tragic loss of her twenty-three-year-old first-born child to Detective Chief Inspector Schmitt at German Counter Intelligence, Pullach.

The lead character in my latest novel, The Piano Boat, is a darling little black-haired eleven-year-old fellow called Ruairí who, through no fault of his own, feels misunderstood, becoming a complex and solitary character. As The Piano Boat was such a moving story to write, I think, as I move on to other writing projects, it will always be my baby.

What time of day do you prefer to write?

Weekends and holidays, or when I have a clear head and the fountain of inspiration is at full tap.

Do you have a special writing space?

Having owned my own business in a previous life, I have a beautiful office situated away from any disturbance, a room with a view of rolling countryside. Listening to Chopin or Maria Callas adds to the ambience.

Do you outline your books ahead of time or just go for it?

I don’t use outlines or cards, I just put to paper what is in my head at the time. I generally have an overview of what will be taking place. Future ideas and plots are put into a paragraph at the beginning of a new chapter at the end of a day’s writing. The beginning, middle and end of The Piano Boat came to me in around in twenty minutes, which was an exception to the rule in writing.

Who are your favourite Irish authors?

Anne Dunlop, Sinead Moriarty, John Boyne, and Roddy Doyle, although being a member of the Irish Independent Author’s Collective will allow me to broaden my palate!

Your latest book The Piano Boat is perhaps more towards women’s fiction, what was the inspiration behind it and is there anything you would like readers to know?

Inspiration for the story came from having lost someone close to me, who passed away before their time, which was as the reader will understand, a tragic time for everyone. The idea itself came to me after a bit of friendly banter with a close acquaintance, who asked that I write an uncomplicated novel. My decision to centre the story around the village of Ballinderry, Co. Tipperary was based on visiting the area many times while touring Ireland with my family, having fallen for its breath-taking natural beauty. It was the backdrop of Lough Derg that brought all the elements of the story together as one. The Piano Boat takes in familiar landmark areas such as: the townland of Terryglass, O’Meara’s Acres, Coolbawn, Dromineer forest, and the town of Birr.

With my son studying piano at RIAM Dublin, I thought The Piano Boat as a title was very fitting. In life, music can be a great healer, bringing people together in solidarity, regardless of circumstances, and allowing our memories to live on.

Is your latest book part of a series and if so how many books are planned for the series?

The concept was for a one-off novel but, in saying that, I had attended the John O’Connor Writing School and Literary Arts Festival in Armagh and, whilst taking part in a screen writers’ workshop, someone asked what became of Ruairí later in life, so watch this space!

Where can readers find out more about you?

On my website at www.terryhickland.co.uk. I’m also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/public/Terry-Hickland and on Twitter www.twitter.com@Charland74.

On Marian Place by Terry Hickland

On assignment at a G8 conference near Berlin, Detective Chief Inspector Detlef Schmitt inadvertently uncovers a number of intriguing documents dating back to the Second World War. Unaware of their true significance he removes them, even though his heavy-handed approach places his career in jeopardy.

After a seemingly unrelated case leads Schmitt to a bank in München, he suspects that there is an inextricable link between the bank and the documents. A high-ranking politician takes a sudden interest in the enquiry and this, coupled with an attempt on Schmitt’s life, convinces him that there are dark forces at play who want the past to remain buried…. literally.

On Marian Place is available in ebook and paperback from Amazon.

Until next time,

Keep reading and writing,

Amanda