Sam Blake: ‘Some men don’t buy crime novels written by women’

Tell me about your latest thriller, Three Little Birds

Dr Carla Steele is a forensic facial reconstruction expert, whose mission is to bring the missing home. When a skull is found in Lough Coyne, a cold case gets very hot.

How important is research for authenticity in crime writing?

For me, research is crucial. I did a forensic facial reconstruction course with the University of Sheffield for Three Little Birds. Crime readers are very smart and love a puzzle. They are tuned to look for clues, so if I want to keep them hooked, I have to work hard (but I love research!).

You started out writing detective novels (Little Bones) then switched to psychological thrillers (Keep Your Eyes on Me). What’s your favourite genre?

I love a twisty book that challenges me and where I learn something new. For me every book is about character and story, whatever the protagonist’s profession.

[ The Horse, a short story by Sam Blake ]

Why do you write under the pseudonym Sam Blake rather than your own name, Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin?

My own name is very long and hard to remember – and harder to pronounce if you’re not Irish. Research also suggests that some men don’t buy crime novels written by women, so ...

How important was it for you then to have strong female characters such as Cat Connolly?

I love writing strong female characters, who are well able for the men who don’t read women!

Is crime writing a natural progression from loving Enid Blyton’s Famous Five stories as a child and Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier?

Absolutely, via Agatha Christie.

Your last book was a YA crime novel, Something Terrible Happened Last Night. Was that a challenge?

I have teenage characters in previous books (Emily Jane in Remember My Name and Hope in No Turning Back) and I loved writing them, but yes, getting in tune with the technology they breathe was a challenge!

As well as being an author, you run the writing resources website Writing.ie, writers’ group Writer’s Ink and Inkwell, a publishing consultancy. Tell me about those. And do you have interests outside books?

Everything I do dovetails – I love helping new writers and passing on the knowledge I’ve gained from my own experience and from the hundreds of writers I’ve worked with and interviewed, helping move them forward and creating opportunities for them. I’m fascinated by psychology, art and antiques (and jewellery!) – many of the things that find their way into my books.

[ How to Write Crime: ‘Avoid the cliches and tropes, such as the divorced alcoholic detective’ ]

How has the scene changed over the past 20 years?

Digital publishing and self-publishing have revolutionised the world for writers, but editors and agents also have less time than they did, so it’s vital that books are really ready before submission.

You were born in St Albans, England, but moved to Ireland in 1992 and now live with your family in Co Wicklow. What brought you here and how do you find it?

I love it here. I came over because I met my husband and now live between the mountains and the sea, only 30 minutes from Dublin. But it’s the people who make it special.

Your husband is a retired garda. How useful has he been?

Very!

You’ve always wanted to write but it took a long time to get published. Tell me how you went about it. Would you do anything differently now?

I wrote several books, serving my apprenticeship and learning the ropes. Once you get the writing bit sorted, it all comes down to plot. I set up Inkwell and Writing.ie and had two kids on my route to publication. Taking your time sometimes pays off.

Which projects are you working on?

The next YA book, Something’s About to Blow Up, is just finished and I’m working on my 2025 adult thriller (set in Paris).

Have you ever made a literary pilgrimage?

The Orient Express is on my bucket list.

What is the best writing advice you have heard?

Just keep writing (Sarah Webb).

The worst thing about where I live? We have an occasional poltergeist and food delivery is a bit patchy

Who do you admire the most?

Anyone who triumphs over the odds to succeed.

You are supreme ruler for a day. Which law do you pass or abolish?

I’d ban war.

Which current book, film and podcast would you recommend?

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch; Saltburn; and Now You’re Asking with Marian Keyes and Tara Flynn.

Which public event affected you most?

The current conflicts in Gaza and the Ukraine are heartbreaking (and enraging.)

The most remarkable place you have visited?

The Paris sewers (you did ask!)

Your most treasured possession?

My imagination.

What is the most beautiful book that you own?

My first-edition Rebecca – a wartime edition so not beautiful, but very special.

Which writers, living or dead, would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Daphne du Maurier, Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde.

The best and worst things about where you live?

Best: my house is over 100 years old and used to be a post office. Worst: we have an occasional poltergeist and food delivery is a bit patchy.

What is your favourite quotation?

Febvre: “There are no necessities, but everywhere possibilities; and man, as the master of these possibilities, is the judge of their use.”

Who is your favourite fictional character?

Sherlock Holmes.

A book to make me laugh?

Aisling Ever After.

A book that might move me to tears?

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness.