Were you always an avid reader or what else brought you to write a novel?

I was an avid reader as a boy. Wilbur Smith, Robert Ludlum and Frederick Forsyth were amongst the favourites. When I enlisted into the military as a nineteen-year-old, novels took a backseat to doctrine and other official publications. It wasn't until later in my career as an interrogator that I realised my mind needed a break from reality every now and then, while at the same time keeping it 'exercised'. Well-plotted thrillers are perfect in achieving both. Not really why I started writing though.

After seventeen adrenalin-filled years in the military, I suddenly found myself tied down to a nine-to-five job. A major adjustment in life that left a touch of 'something' missing. I thought of taking up poker, golf or becoming a regular at my local watering hole. Alas, the 'one-who-must-be-obeyed' thought otherwise. My wife suggested I give writing a go as maybe it could help me achieve that adrenalin rush that had been missing since leaving the military. It worked. I love the rush of not knowing what's around the corner for my main character, the anxiety that accompanies tying together sub-plots and the absolute thrill when it all comes together in the end. There are so many talented thriller writers across the globe who are able to whisk the reader away for a break and somehow leave them invigorated when they hit the end. That's why I read. That's why I write. That's what I strive to achieve.
 
Your advice on the website for new writers is surprisingly accurate and seems to come from long years of experience. Do you have other works that have yet to see the light of day?

Thank you for your kind comment. Much appreciated. The tips I provide are based on my experiences as an interrogator and what appears to have worked for me as a writer. I write the genre I love to read. I figure if more writers read my tips, then there will be more books in the future that I'll love to read. Sooner or later I'll conquer the world and every new writer will produce thrillers the way I like. Or, maybe I just realise how difficult it is to get published and that we all search high and low for any tips that seem reasonable.

This may annoy some, but The Interrogator is my first go at writing (makes you want to consider the validity of the writing tips now). Apart from quite a few interrogation reports, briefs and papers produced and delivered in my previous life; my debut novel will be my first 'official' publication credit.
 
Will you write full-time now or is it still a matter of writing when you have free time?
 
Writing full-time is a goal I'd like to achieve. I'm a realist though and know certain things need to align before this will happen. When I signed with Random House my writing became like a second job. My primary income was, and is still is, derived from a career outside of writing. Not to say that I'm not fully committed to fulfilling my contract to my publisher. It's a balance I need to manage. My fundamental commitment is to my family. I do my best to provide for them. And when Russell Crowe options movie rights, I may be one step closer to becoming a full-time writer.

What's next? Do we get another Jay Ryan story or something completely different?
 
Jay Ryan is here to stay. I'd like to continue to build this series. The natural progression sees Jay move on with life and unfortunately, his past catches up with him again. When four out of five interrogators who deployed to the Middle East in 2002 go missing, and a new anthrax strain is released into a packed concert, there's only one person alive with the antibodies to defeat the deadly new virus - Jay Ryan.

How do you write? Do you have a ritual, do you plan out every detail or do you see where the story leads?
 
I don't outline and I stick to a linear type of story that I find allows me create a realistic plot following a logical sequence of events as seen through the eyes of my main character. So, there's no author intrusion and readers discover the twists and turns as my main character does. My writing is third person point of view in past tense. These are the stories I like to read and I enjoy writing in this method.

Generally, I write ten chapters (around 15,000 words) then edit. This process helps me to identify areas to strengthen the plot and look at sub-plot elements as I go. It allows me to check the flow and ensure the right characters are doing the right things. Mostly, it helps me to review and strengthen the writing early.

If you were given one paragraph to convince people to buy your novel what would it say?

I write from experience and imagination. I'd ask - do you think you could tell what elements of my novel are from experience as an interrogator and which are from using my imagination? Is it plausible that Israel removed chemicals weapons from Iraq before the 2003 offensive? Did an interrogation of an Iraqi General take place before the ground attack? And did he give information that could have prevented the war? Is there really a secret interrogation facility in the Gold Coast hinterland? Sometimes the lines are blurred between fact and fiction.

When you're not writing do you read much and who do you enjoy most?
 
Every chance I get. I'm a huge Jack Reacher fan and Lee Child is a very talented writer. Lisa Unger and Jeff Abbott must get special mentions too. As should the wonderful debut authors of International Thriller Writers. I have a great mix (of thrillers) on my bookshelf from Michael Connelly, David Morrell, Steve Berry, Robert Crais, David Baldacci, Matthew Reilly, John Grisham, James Patterson and Dan Brown - to name a few.

Would you mind sharing what your initials J J stand for?

My agent informed me some time ago I should be prepared for this one. I had plenty of time to come up with something cool, but.... being an ex-interrogator, I thought I'd err on the side of caution and write under a pen name. Had I'd been more marketing savvy; I'd have considered a name such as Michael Conner, Leyton Child or Daniel Brownie.

The full answer to this question has been edited, for now. Let's build up a sense of mystique and see where it leads ... You can find more details about JJ at his web site http://www.jjcooperbooks.com

One thing that is certain though, Mr. Cooper has a long road ahead of him and, I for one, will gladly accompany him on the journey. After all, with such glowing praise from Lee Child, Jeff Abbott and Lisa Unger all we can do is wait in anticipation until the book is released in August to find out for ourselves.

Derek Gunn lives in Dublin, Ireland with his wife and three children and is the author of the post-apocalyptic thriller series, VAMPIRE APOCALYPSE, widely praised on both sides of the Atlantic. The first two books in the series are; A WORLD TORN ASUNDER (2006) and DECENT INTO CHAOS (2008). The third Vampire Apocalypse book, FALLOUT, is due out in 2009. An adaptation of Derek's first book is under option and is currently in active development as a major movie.