Meet Newly Published Crime Fiction Author Ric Brady from Yorkshire
Ric Brady is an author, playwright, and now crime fiction writer
Tell me a bit about yourself.
I grew up in West Yorkshire and went to schools in Silsden, Addingham and Ilkley. After finishing A Levels at Ilkley Grammar, I went to university in Manchester. I met my husband there, and after several years of living together in Manchester, we moved to Normandy, France in 2013.
What was it like growing up in Yorkshire?
It was great. I remember running around the playing fields on school breaks and being surrounded by the countryside, and how amazing it was in spring when lambing season starts and there are lambs everywhere. It wasn’t until I lived in a city that I realised I’d had an experience not many are lucky enough to have.
How did you get into writing?
I’ve always created stories and worlds in my head, so it seemed like a natural thing for me to do. I did theatre when I was younger to get over my shyness, and I enjoyed reading the scripts and wondered who wrote them. I’ve always been a reader as well, and started reading crime fiction from a young age, usually pinching my mum’s second-hand copies. I’ve written theatre scripts and then wrote interactive fiction, and I slowly got into writing fiction, after a long learning curve.
What can you tell me about your first novels?
Murder on a Yorkshire Moor is a story about Henry Ward, a former DCI for the West Yorkshire Police, who finds a body in the wilderness near Addingham. As the police are too stretched to investigate the crime as properly as Henry expects, he takes it upon himself to find out what happened.
In Butcher on the Moor, Henry feels reinvigorated after solving the case in the previous book but then gets dragged into a more serious investigation when he stumbles across a serial killer in Silsden.
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How does it feel to now be a published author?
It was really terrifying at first, as I wondered if anyone would want to read my stories. But now I’m thrilled, as so many people have and are really enjoying them.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Yorkshire is a huge source of inspiration for me. Most stories involve Henry walking around the countryside. I live in France, and obviously, there’s some nice scenery over here, but I still find Yorkshire mesmerising.
How have readers been reacting to them so far?
The reviews are really positive, and I’m really happy that readers are enjoying my books. People like the relationships between Henry and his neighbour, Mrs Whitehead, and the other characters. There are lots of details about the area that people enjoy reading.
Your favourite place to walk in Yorkshire?
A tough question, but probably the walking path between Addingham and Bolton Abbey along the River Wharfe, where you have a fantastic view of Beamsley Beacon.
An item you couldn’t live without.
My iPad. I take it everywhere with me so I can write on it.
A book you recommend.
The British Library has released a series of Crime Classics, which is great fun to read.
Your favourite author from Yorkshire?
My favourite Yorkshire crime writer would be Peter Robinson, as I love his descriptions of the area. But my favourite writer from Yorkshire would be Alan Bennett.
The best snack for a long journey.
Flapjack and/or a banana. And a large latte is compulsory.
Advice you’d give your younger self.
Don’t worry so much.
Advice you’d give budding writers?
Spend as much time as you can writing – even if it’s just an hour a week. Make sure that whatever you write is something you find fun. For example, don’t force yourself to write romances if you don’t like them. Luckily, I love crime fiction.
What’s next for you?
I’ve just finished book three in the series, which will be published in the next few months. And if I have time, I’d like to write something based in France, but I’m happy to stick with Yorkshire for now.
