Join us as we dive into T.M. Payne's crime writing secrets. Tina worked in the criminal justice system for eighteen years, fourteen as a police case investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit. Tina now lives on the Wirral with her partner Suzie and spends her days (and nights!) plotting and writing crime novels. Her Detective Sheridan Holler series includes: Long Time Dead; This Ends Now; Play with Fire and Count the Dead. Book 5 will be published in July 2026.

At the end of this podcast, Ascent Novel Prize Founder, Hayley King announces an exciting opportunity for all crime and thriller writers, sponsored by Tina and partner, Suzie. Visit Ascent Novel Prize in the new year for more.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to T.M. Payne and Her Journey

08:00 Tina's Writing Journey and Early Challenges

17:38 Finding an Agent and Building Confidence

24:03 The Complexity of Writing a Series

24:48 Tina's Journey: From Hardships to Blessings

26:08 Writing Process: Overcoming Blocks and Drafting Strategies

28:21 The Publishing Timeline: From Draft to Final Edit

34:59 Pacing and Structure: Crafting Engaging Narratives

42:56 Tying Up Loose Ends: The Art of Satisfying Endings

44:52 Advice to Aspiring Writers: Confidence and Persistence

46:07 Future Plans: Continuing the Journey with New Books

48:21 Supporting New Writers: Paying It Forward

To find out more about Tina and her Detective Sheridan series, follow her at: (1) Instagram

All of Tina's books are available at independent bookshop Messrs Fletcher and Frost, 51 Mount Pleasant Road, New Brighton. Or you can order them here: Long Time Dead by T. M. Payne | Waterstones

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For more information on Ascent Novel Prize visit: Ascent Novel Prize | international writing competition

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(1) Instagram