Writing From the Inside Out: Hannah King on Crime, Craft and Character

Take a look here to see how I can help you publish your book!In this episode of The Write Place, I chat with Northern Irish author Hannah King about the creative process behind her gripping second novel, The Blind Spot. We talk about dual timelines, writing from a child’s perspective, and how to keep readers turning the page. Hannah shares her journey from creative writing student to published novelist, her experience as a legal transcriber, and the reality of writing the dreaded second book.  We also touch on her writing rituals, how she develops characters, and why she’s finally returning to a long-abandoned manuscript with fresh enthusiasm. Whether you're an aspiring author or a crime fiction fan, there’s loads to enjoy in this honest and thoughtful conversation.  And if you’re dreaming of launching your own book into the world but feeling overwhelmed by the process, I’ve just launched a range of affordable self-publishing packages. Whether you need help with editing, cover design, or the whole journey from manuscript to market, I’ve got you covered – check out wkwproductions.co.uk for details.In This Episode:• The spark behind The Blind Spot• Writing complex sibling dynamics and difficult moral dilemmas• Using dual timelines to explore character and structure• The second book struggle and how Hannah overcame it• Writing through trauma and the therapeutic power of crime fiction• The influence of creative writing courses and short stories• Channeling a child’s voice – and the power of nostalgia• Great advice for pushing through creative blocksAbout Hannah King:Hannah King is a crime and psychological fiction writer from County Down, Northern Ireland. Her debut novel, She and I, was published to critical acclaim, and her latest book The Blind Spot continues her exploration of dark family secrets, emotional complexity and moral ambiguity. Drawing on her background as a legal proofreader and court transcriber, Hannah brings authenticity and insight to the legal and criminal elements of her stories. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing from Queen’s University Belfast and is an alumna of their fiction anthology programme.  You can find Hannah on Instagram at @hannahkingauthor✍️ Sign up to my Write or Die monthly newsletter and get your FREE Writer’s Survival Kit: Sign up here📖 Haven’t read Safe Hands or The Call Back yet? Grab them on Kindle, in paperback or read for free via Kindle Unlimited📨 Want to say hello or share your writing struggles? Drop me a line: [email protected]