Inside the Mind - Richard Stokes

I've always loved storytelling, from since I was a child. I was fascinated by what made the stories I loved work, what made them engage and resonate with me? I was then lucky enough to work in storytelling professionally for over 25 years as a TV producer and learnt a huge amount about planning serial stories featuring long-term character arcs, development and story integrity. I took that experience from TV production to writing novels and learnt a whole new skill. I'm still learning.

The second in the Galileo thriller series is another crime mystery set on Mars fifty years from now. Set 14 months after the first book some characters have moved on, some less so. The first book was about corruption; how the rich and powerful can, with enough money and influence, seemingly get away with murder. This second thriller is about extremism - how people can take words meant for peace and unity and weaponise them for their own ends. It's also about the search for life beyond Earth - which is always a fun thing to explore. Available from 31st August 2026.

They sort of come to me as I write. Which is not a terribly helpful answer. I have a rough idea of who they are - background, age, look, family, professional experience - and then you just pile on a fundamental flaw or two - a habit of self-medicating, a fear of something, a short temper, a rebellious nature, problems with authority - something which will remain with the character to a lesser or greater degree across the entire story arc. It should be something they must battle and overcome and, in overcoming, find a new part of themselves which, crucially, moves the plot forward. The fun is delving into those flaws and making them both integral to the character and - if your character is working well - make them serve the story.

I try and do as many words in the morning as I can. A 2-3 hour morning session can produce 800-1500 words. Sometimes more if the story is clear, sometimes less if I'm also doing a lot of research. I will usually solve plot problems or have scene/character ideas whilst walking the dog first thing - so I then race home to get it onto the screen. I may do more in the afternoon but I always finish having written the first line of the next scene. It may change when I come back to it, but I'm always eager to finish what I started the previous day rather than being left unsure what to write. An 80,000 word book takes about 6-8 weeks to write a first draft. I usually do some writing 7 days a week when I'm first getting a structure down for a book - there is no off day.

Seeing the paperback version of my book in print. It's surely the same for every writer - properly formatted, pro cover in place, all the proofing done. It's a really satisfying feeling. It certainly isn't the royalties ;-)

I write on word on my MacBook Pro. It's a pretty straightforward set-up. I do love listening to film soundtracks while I write. Usually a sci-fi or crime soundtrack to fit the mood of what I'm writing at the time. It can't be too recognisable or I get thrown out of what I'm writing and start listening. I also use Vellum as a formatting software - I love it. So easy to use and a one off cost so no subscription.

It's the same as screenwriting. A] Know your craft. Storytelling is a sequence of events that follow a recognisable pattern. It's not a formula or a set of rules - it's a tried and tested series of inevitable steps that lead a hero/heroine from one point in their lives to a self-discovery of some kind. Learn that craft. Read books, watch movies, get 'how to' books. No one wakes up in a morning and says 'today I'll write a symphony.' You have to know how - writing a story is the same. And B] - Re-read your work. The first draft is never any good but from it you can shape and edit and move stuff and rewrite and then - after several drafts - you'll have something of which you can hopefully be proud.

It's really hard. What I would say is pull every lever you can. Use social media, use your friends' social media, be shameless in promotion (without being annoying or pushy). Use platforms like this one to promote yourself and your book, use Amazon Ads (cautiously), use Goodreads and use the internet - that's what google and YouTube are brilliant at - type in '10 best marketing techniques for new indie authors' and look at the thousands of helpful videos you can watch and articles you can read. A word of warning - there are many, many scammers out there willing to take your money in exchange for promising to make your dream come true. They won't. You have to be consistent and persistent in your efforts. No single magic moment will turn your life around. Think what your royalties are (or will be) and create a financial plan that matches that. Otherwise you'll end up a broke a writer very fast.

Yes - book 3 of the Galileo series, currently called - Galileo 3. It's set another year after the second book and is about exploitation. How far will someone go to protect themselves and how many lives would they sacrifice in order to hold on to power, money and influence. I love the sci-fi that reflects the world around us and, sadly, we see a lot of this behaviour in today's society. The 'little man' getting screwed over by those in positions of power. I like commenting on that in an abstract and entertaining way.