EDGE: EAST WIND IN PARADISE – Chapter 2 Reading by Carl Jackson (plus interview)

Watch the Reading of EDGE EAST WIND IN PARADISE:

Reading performed by actress Maya Woloszyn

Get to know writer Carl Jackson:

1. What is your novel about?

Edge: East Wind in Paradise is about a Barbadian government operative named Shannon Edge who thwarts an attempt to smuggle arms into the country and is left with more questions than answers. As his investigation draws him closer to the truth, he becomes entangled in a deadly game of murder, money and power.

2. Why should this novel be read by people?

People should read the book because it’s exciting and the themes and the characters help to hold it together. Although the original novel was written in 1981, when I updated the book to reflect the changes in 21st century technology and lifestyle, the themes and politics remained constant. We currently live in a world where the distribution of wealth isn’t equal with some countries facing economic collapse and those topics are central to the novel.

3. How long have you been writing stories?

I’ve been writing stories for so long that it kind of slips my mind (laughs). I started writing short stories in the 60’s and then began to write some novels in the late 70’s and 80’s. I’m looking forward to continuing the adventures of Shannon Edge and I have two more Edge novels that are currently in progress.

4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?

I love cowboys and I’m a big John Wayne fan. True Grit was a favourite as well as the classic, Shane. I’m also a fan of the James Bond films and war movies like the Guns of Navarone.

5. Do you think this novel could be adapted into a movie?

Yes, definitely so. The themes in the novel are quite current and with the resurgence of espionage films I think that Edge: East Wind in Paradise would be an entertaining film. There are also plans to adapt the novel into a comic book and graphic novel.

6. How many stories have you written?

I’ve written three novels so far: East Wind, another unpublished Shannon Edge manuscript and a historical novel called Nor the Battle to the Strong. I’ve also published some short stories in newspapers in the West Indies.

7. What motivated you to write this novel?

I wanted to write a book with a hero that was based in the Caribbean and since I was living in Barbados at the time I set the story there. I always had that kind of book swirling around in my head and I felt that it could make a statement and that people would enjoy reading it. I wanted it to be a local story so I tried to give it local touches.

8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?

When I’m writing, I will begin immediately after I arrive home from work and usually work until midnight. Once things begin to flow I like to write without interruption so that I can get immersed in the stories and the characters. If I ever run into a period where the story isn’t progressing as I’d like, that’s when I go back and edit what I’ve written.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I am passionate about playing cricket, politics and music, especially Jazz. I really enjoy listening to Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. and play the guitar to help me relax.

10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival? What was your feelings on the initial feedback your received?

I decided to enter the Wildsound Festival based on a suggestion from my nephew. He thought that it would be a good way to get some feedback on the novel and to help give it some exposure. The feedback from the panel was excellent and I’m grateful that East Wind was so well received.

11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

The best advice I can give to anyone who is interested in writing is to never throw out an idea. Keep everything that comes to mind as it may not fit with what you are writing at the moment, but may be invaluable down the road.

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