M. W. Craven — A Life of Crime (Fiction)
In conversation with Bill Swainson.
M. W. Craven is best known for his intricately plotted, best-selling crime novels set in Cumbria, featuring instinctive detective Washington Poe and super-intelligent geeky analyst Tilly Bradshaw. This summer he launched a new series, set in the USA and with a main character, US Marshal Ben Koenig, who is medically incapable of fear.
Craven will talk about his well-established characters, and his two newest books: The Botanist, the latest book in the ‘Washington Poe’ series, and Fearless (‘A superb thriller that will have everyone gasping’ — David Baldacci). He will also discuss the craft of crime-writing, and the not-so-gentle art of breaking into the American market, the ups and downs of film and TV options and the importance of humour.
M. W. Craven was born in Carlisle but grew up in Newcastle, running away to join the army at sixteen. In 1995 he completed a degree in social work with specialisms in criminology and substance misuse, and then took up a probation officer position in Whitehaven. Sixteen years later he took the plunge and became a full-time author. He still lives in Cumbria.
Bill Swainson is a Freelance Editor and Literary consultant, who edits a list of fiction in translation at MacLehose Press. He was formerly Senior Commissioning Editor at Bloomsbury (2000–2015).
Photo courtesy of Julie Winspear Photography.
