Writing Historical Fiction in Devon
Michael Jecks is the author of over 50 novels. He was born in Surrey and lives in a small village in northern Dartmoor where he walks regularly looking for inspiration for his books or painting. Often he will walk the ancient tracks with a book, researching and reading while he walks (with the unfortunate result that he was once witnessed walking into a telegraph pole). His The Templar Series, published by Headline is, at 32 titles, the longest-running crime series by any living author. From 1999 to 2001 Michael was the organiser of the Crime Writers’ Debut Dagger. He has been a judge for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, and many other awards. In 2004/5 he was elected Chairman of the CWA. He formed the performance band of authors, The Medieval Murderers, and worked with the other authors on a series of collaborative novels. He worked on the committee of the Historical Writers’ Association. More recently he has worked with the BBC interviewing authors based in Devon, talking to them about their writing and where they find their inspiration. He also spent two years with the Royal Literary Fund as a Fellow, advising and helping students at Exeter University. In 2016 he was elected as Hon. Secretary of the prestigious Detection Club. In 2005 Michael became one of the founders of a new Morris dancing side, Tinners’ Morris, which has become noted for its eccentric and hazardous style and ability to drink copious quantities of beer.
The Historical Novel Society UK 2024 conference 