Between the Pages with Alex Kane
June 15, 2023
Living and writing in Scotland, Alex Kane has been publishing gritty gangland thrillers for Hera Books since 2019. Taking inspiration from her home by setting her novels on the streets of Scottish cities, Alex has received an abundance of five-star reviews and adoring readers who keep coming back for more twisted, gripping stories. Her latest book, Janey, is another on brand title: focusing on a strong female protagonist figure who rules with an iron fist and isn’t afraid to take revenge into her own hands. We decided to go Between the Pages with her:
- What initially drew you to the gangland genre in particular?
Initially, I had planned on writing psych thrillers, however when chatting with my editor, Keshini, she suggested that my books had a strong element of gritty gangland thriller within them and together we agreed that I would transition over to the dark side. I’m so glad I did. I absolutely love writing in this genre. You can go to some really dark places, and of course, where better to set a gangland thriller than in Glasgow. I absolutely love the research. However I still like to have an element of psychological thriller in there within the characters storylines.
- You are now on your 10th book, where do you continue to find new inspiration from, with both new plot lines and characters?
Genuinely, every time I sit down to write a new book, I stare blankly at the screen and wonder if I have another book in me. I start with a character or a scenario for that character (for example, in Janey, my initial idea was Christina would meet a man in the prison she worked in as a nurse and she’d be able to see past his crime) and then the entire story just developed from there. Janey didn’t actually make an appearance until later in the book, and then she just completely took the wheel. My characters inspire me, as well as my daughter who is now one year old. I do this for her, so I can be at home with her all the time and spend the earliest, most important years with her.
- Since becoming a new mum: how has this changed your writing career, and your approach to being an author?
It changed my career entirely. I actually worked in early years childcare for twenty years before falling pregnant. As soon as I knew I was having her, I knew I didn’t want to send her to nursery full time. Not that it’s a negative thing. It’s such a positive impact for children to go to nursery, but for me, I didn’t have her to have other people essentially bring her up in her early years. So, after a chat with the hubby, he and I agreed that I’d retire from childcare and write full time while also being a full time stay at home mum. It has been incredible but also so hard at times. I’ve learned to manage my writing days far better than I ever did before she was here. And like I said before, she is my inspiration and reason to keep going. If it wasn’t for my daughter, I don’t know if I’d have had the courage to switch over completely.
- There is a pressure on mothers to either write before having children or when their children are much older. As someone outside of this binary, what advice would you give?
Time management is key. And a good sleep routine for your baby if you’re writing with a child under one. That’s what works for me. If it’s your passion, do it, regardless of when you plan to have children. You can still be you and follow your dreams even with a baby. If having a baby has taught me anything, it’s not to allow myself to get lost. It’s still very much doable with a young child. Having a good support network around you makes a big difference too. Thankfully I have very active grandparents who are my childcare.
- Do you think there is anything the publishing industry can do to accommodate writing mothers more?
In my experience with Hera Books, I’ve found them to be very flexible and understanding about time and deadlines. If I’m honest, all it takes is understanding that having a baby and writing to a deadline is never easy, especially if you don’t have childcare. Longer deadlines and flexibility.
- Did you have any concerns about going back to writing after having a child?
None whatsoever. My daughter went to her grandparents from three months old for two days per week and I got to delve back into what I love aside from being a mum. I was excited to explore my writing capabilities again. And like I’ve already mentioned, my time management has been much better since having her because I know that I only have two days per week, as opposed to every evening and weekend before having my daughter.
- What can readers look forward to in your latest and future work?
More grit, more crime, darker storylines. My new character, Janey, is by far my absolute favourite. I hope everyone loves her as much as I do.