A CRIMINALLY GOOD READ

CRIME AUTHOR AND PSYCHOLOGIST LEONA DEAKIN TELLS US WHAT INFLUENCES HER WRITING

What was the inspiration behind your new novel?

I heard a podcast about the Smiley Face Killings in America – hundreds of deaths where the image of a smiley face has been found nearby – with the theory being that a team of killers might be working together. I thought, “Oh, that sounds like a good story…”

What attracts you most about writing psychological thrillers?

I’ve always loved a mystery, and what’s more mysterious than the minds of other people? Especially people with dark motivations.

How do you come up with your ideas, and how do you keep track of all the twists and turns as you’re writing?

Most of my stories are inspired by my fascination with the human mind – what makes someone a psychopath? Why do normal people join cults?

Are serial killers mad, bad or made? As for keeping track of the twists, that requires a lot of re-reading, and an abundance of Post-it notes and coffee.

How much, if anything, of what you write is based on real life?

I try to keep the psychological basis of my stories as factual as possible, mainly because I’m scared of other psychologists reading my books! And my characters are often inspired by people I know, although I’d never admit who’s who.

Has anyone particularly influenced your writing?

I have always loved Stephen King, which is odd because I’m not a fan of horror stories in general. But

I love how real his characters are, and how much I find myself rooting for his heroes and hating his villains.

How easy (or not!) do you find the process of writing?

I love writing and when I have a strong idea, it can flow quite naturally. But when inspiration dries up, or the plot becomes complicated, I run. I have my best ideas when running, particularly when I run with my husband, although I do feel guilty that he is constantly hearing spoilers.

What would your advice be for aspiring writers?

Persist and don’t be afraid to be terrible. My first attempt at writing a novel was awful and my next couple weren’t much better. The other day, I picked up my first Dr Bloom novel and cringed, wanting to re-write the first page. The more you write, the better you get.

Finally, what do you love most about your job?

As a child, I wanted to act, dance or sing, but I was told to get a proper job. I came to writing late, I was in my forties when my debut was published, but at last I get to entertain, which is what I always wanted to do.

‘DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE A TERRIBLE WRITER’