Interview with Author Conrad Jones

Give us a quick introduction on yourself and your book. I am Conrad Jones, author of the Soft Target series, (nine thrillers) A child for the Devil (horror) and a series of book marketing guides. (100 ways to publish and market your eBook)

What inspired you to write your first book? I was the victim of the IRA bombings in Warrington, England in 1993 which inspired me to learn and study terrorist groups, religion and crime families. That led to me writing later in life. On March 23rd 1993 he was managing the Restaurant in Warrington`s Bridge St when two Irish Republican Army bombs exploded directly outside the store, resulting in the death of two young boys and many casualties. Along with hundreds of other people there that day Conrad was deeply affected by the attack, which led to a long-term interest in the motivation and mind set of criminal gangs. He links this experience with the early desire to write books on the subject. His early novels follow the adventures of an elite counter terrorist unit, The Terrorist Task Force, and their enigmatic leader, John Tankersley, or `Tank` although his later books follow Detective Alec Ramsey and the Major Investigation Team. His novels are set in the North West and North Wales.

In 2007, he set off on an 11-week tour of the USA. The Day before he boarded the plane, Madeleine Mcann disappeared and all through the holiday he followed the American news reports which had little information about her. He didn't realise it at the time, but the terrible kidnap would inspire, The Child Taker years later. During the trip, he received news that his house had been burgled and his work van and equipment stolen. That summer was the year when York and Tewksbury were flooded by a deluge and insurance companies were swamped with claims. They informed him that they couldn't do anything for weeks and that returning home would be a wasted journey. Rendered unemployed on a beach in Clearwater, Florida, he decided to begin his first book, Soft Target. He never stopped writing after that.

He has reached over 200,000 downloads of his thriller novels and has had 7 books on the top 100 kindle charts, 3 number ones and an Amazon clicks Reader's book of the month award. Recently he has 8 stand alone novels and a horror thriller, Nine Angels and the biographies of three time world champion Russ Williams (Undisputed) and extraordinary lady, Debby Hughes (Lapping it Up).

Do you have a specific writing style? I write action packed thrillers and horror novels.

How did you come up with the title? Warrington was described as a 'Soft Target' by the press which stayed with me.

How much of the book is realistic? Most of what I write is based on fact wrapped around the fiction.

What books have most influenced your life most? Novels by James Herbert, Stephen King, Stephen Leather.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Stephen Leather has helped me a lot with marketing.

What book are you reading now? Ash by James Herbert

What are your current projects? I am editing my next novel 'Frozen Betrayal' for the publishers.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. My agent Darin Jewel

Do you see writing as a career? Yes it has been my full time job since 2009
Who designed the covers? I use a guy on fiverr.com there are some great book designers on there!!

What was the hardest part of writing your book? The time I spend in my writing bubble, usually 9-6 seven days a week for 3 months for each novel.

Do you have any advice for other writers? Yes, keep writing. I was self published for my first 5 novels until an agent became interested.