Writing Tips with Sir Ian Rankin! Rebus author reveals the secret to a perfect crime novel

Are the early mornings the best time to write? How do you plot stories repeatedly for the same character? Do crime stories need to be planned in advance? Ian Rankin tells all to award-winning writing podcast, 'Writer's Routine'.

Ian Rankin is one of the biggest selling crime authors in history. His most famous character 'Detective John Rebus' has transcended novels, and is an icon of literature. He's appeared in TV shows, radio plays, and now his 22nd book, 'In a House of Lies'.

As a teenager, Ian found himself being thrust into a life of economics and accountancy, but after time (and some poor maths exam results) he started writing, and 30 years later is a crime-literature institution. We talk about the very first Rebus idea he had, how his writing routine has changed over time, and what makes him carry on telling stories. You can find out how Ian manages and organises his creativity, why he needs to get away from everything to focus occasionally, and how most of the time he has no clue who his killer will be.

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