Working: Where a Crime Writers Ideas Come From
This week, host June Thomas talks to Val McDermid, a prolific crime novelist whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide. Val has even been dubbed the \u201cQuine of Crime,\u201d a Scottish alternative to the title \u201cQueen of Crime,\u201d which the Agatha Christie estate objected to. In the interview, Val explains where her ideas come from and how she decides which of her on-going series to pick up next. She also talks about incorporating Scottish slang into her books, including her latest one, Past Lying: A Karen Pirie Novel.\xa0\n\nAfter the interview, June and co-host TK Dutes talk about the problem of having too many creative ideas.\xa0\n\nIn the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Val discusses some of her side gigs. Then she talks about the practice of incorporating real-life events into her novels.\xa0\n\nSend your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.\n\nPodcast production by Cameron Drews.\n\nIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows\u2014you\u2019ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices