Short, Sharp Interview: J J Toner

PDB: What’s going on now?

I’ve completed the Black Orchestra WW2 spy trilogy with A Postcard from Hamburg. The first book was strictly historical fiction. The second was an attempt to write a page turner – much more action adventure than history. With the third I tried to incorporate the best of both – sound historical fiction with lots of excitement.

PDB: How did you research this book?

Reading, reading and more reading.

PDB: Which of your publications are you most proud of?

The first book of the trilogy, The Black Orchestra is my best work, although I have recently published Zugzwang, a short story set in pre-war Munich, which I think is pretty special.

PDB: What’s your favourite film/ book/ song/ television programme?

Film: Avatar. Book: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Song: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Television programme: Spiral (Engrenages in the original French)

PDB: Is location important to your writing?

Yes. Locations are intrinsic to all my books (Ireland / Germany).

PDB: How often do you check your Amazon rankings?

Cheeky question! If I’m honest I’d have to say daily.

PDB: What’s next?

I’m not sure. I’m at a bit of a crossroads. I may write some more short stories in the pre-war setting, or a fourth book in the Black Orchestra series, or I may try something entirely new.

Bio: I was born under a gooseberry bush in Ireland. It was probably raining at the time as I’ve had a fear of water all my life. I studied Mathematics at university and spent 35 years working with computers in industry before retiring in 2007. I have been writing full time since then. When not writing I spend hours watching golf on TV or creating music on my computer.