John Ruttley

I am John Ruttley and I love writing; in fact I feel it is essential for me to write. My books start as ideas which buzz around in my head and gradually grow more and more complex, elaborate and demanding, until I am virtually forced to write them down. Once I have emptied my head of the ideas, it immediately starts to fill again with more, and the process is repeated again and again. I would say that I am an ‘untidy’ writer, roughing out the outline of his stories first, almost in a rush to get them on paper. I first write the end of the story and then work backwards. I then go through a long process of alterations and polishing. Subplots, character descriptions and traits are added gradually, like layers of paint until the work is finished.

I try to work a set number of hours, or write a set number of words every day straight onto a word processor, while listening to music, either classical, blues, or rock depending on mood and what I am writing. I am lucky enough to have a room for use as an office where I can write in complete privacy with no interruptions

After a varied employment career including some years at sea, working in a nightclub, shipyard, foundry, brewery and in the insurance industry, I have recently completed a BSc in Criminal Psychology, which I feel has helped me with my writing. My work experiences have a provided me with a wealth of material and characters to draw upon for my stories. I have been writing full time since the year 2000. My inner compulsion to write is something I enjoy and I find the creativity extremely satisfying. I like reading crime fiction, and my favourite authors are Ian Rankin, John Harvey, Peter Robinson and Michael Connelly.

Other than writing, my main interests are walking, oil painting and genealogy. I have spent over years thirty-five years researching my family history and have uncovered a truly fascinating story that reflects the changes in British history and society over the past 850 years. There’s certainly enough material for a future book, if I ever find the time to get around to writing it. After recently completing my degree course, I am about (September 216) to start a Masters degree in history and hope to complete my next novel next year.