Robert Gold
Author Interview - Robert Gold
Author of Twelve Secrets
In TWELVE SECRETS, the past and the present collide and the darkest secrets of each of the residents in the town of Haddley are exposed. In a small town, everyone has a secret.
Twenty years ago, Ben Harper’s brother was brutally murdered. In seeking her own answers, did Ben’s mother come too close to the uncovering the true killer? Grief stricken, did she take her own life or did the killer strike again?
Now, the police arrive at Ben’s home and tell him someone has murdered his brother’s killer. Who killed the killer? Ben is determined to finally discover the truth behind the horrendous deaths that destroyed his family. But as he seeks answers, the secrets of his hometown are rapidly exposed, including his own. Can he stop the killer before they strike again?
Author Interview - Robert Gold
Author I draw inspiration from:
There are huge number of crime and thriller writers I admire and who have inspired me for many, many years. If I was to limit myself to choosing my three favorites, the first would be Karin Slaughter. I can still remember the feeling of being blown away when I first read her—and that was over twenty years ago. The novel was KISSCUT and it was shocking, thrilling and completely original. Until I read Karin, I never imagined myself as a thriller writer. Although it was many years later before I wrote TWELVE SECRETS, she absolutely inspired me to write.
My second would be Harlan Coben. Nobody’s writes twisty thrillers betters than Harlan. In TWELVE SECRETS I try to do a small amount of what he does but he is the true master. He’s written so many great novels, but my favorite is RUN AWAY. It is a perfectly plotted thriller.
And my third is Agatha Christie. Every thriller writer owes an enormous debt to her. She was a true pioneer who helped create a genre. Every one of her stories has stood the test of time. No other author created characters and seeded plots in the way she did. Every time I read one of her novels, I learn something new about being a writer. I have so many favorites amongst her books but if I was to select one it would be NEMESIS. The plot brilliantly brings together a horrendous act from the past with the present day. In my own way, that’s what I try to do in TWELVE SECRETS.
Author Interview - Robert Gold | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
I’m happy to sleep anywhere and I’m happy to read anywhere.
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
When I was at school, if anyone asked me what I wanted to do, I said I wanted to be a writer. The problem was I don’t think I quite knew what that meant and I certainly didn’t realize however much you might aspire to write, you need something else to pay the bills.
My first effort to become a writer came in my twenties when I wrote some stage plays. My dream was to become Arthur Miller but however nice people were about the plays I wrote, none were ever produced.
Fifteen years ago, I sat down and wrote a novel about the breakup of a marriage and it has lived in the bottom drawer of my desk ever since. It was only after I’d worked with James Patterson on his BOOKSHOTS short story series that I had the confidence to sit down and write a thriller.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
The fact that all options still exist tells me each one is great and offers readers the luxury of choice. I think it is brilliant that hardcover editions still thrive, and I love the collection of hardbacks on my bookshelves. Paperbacks remain my own favorite. I prefer to read rather than listen and all of us need time away from our screens.
I’m a relatively recent convert to audio. An audio book is great for the dark hours when you can’t sleep, and I often find myself with three or four books on the go at any one time.
The last book I read:
THE HOUSEMAID by Freida McFadden. A brilliant twist delivered with perfect timing.
Author Interview - Robert Gold | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
I’m sure every author has their own approach to writing and there are no right or wrong approaches or secrets to unlocking a story.
For me, I write at least half of the novel on screen as a first draft. I start with a pretty good idea of where I want that first half to go and have it mapped out, broadly in my head. And once I start, I keep going. The very best piece of advice I was ever given came from an editor who simply told me, “Get something down.” By that she meant don’t stress over every single line as you write it. With your first draft, you’re the only person who will ever see it.
I keep going until I need to go back and tighten the plot to be sure it will all work for the end. At that point, I print out everything I have and then rewrite it all by hand, scrawling over the text I’ve written. I love that part of the process. There is something special about being an author and urgently writing words and telling the story that lives in your head.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
I’m going to cheat on this one a little bit and say Ben Harper, who is the lead protagonist in TWELVE SECRETS. After reading the book for the first time, a number of my friends said to me, “Of course, you’re Ben, aren’t you Rob.” I didn’t see it but I’m sure all authors bring something of themselves to their lead characters. Ben is younger than me, so perhaps I play up elements of his character I wish I had had more of. In future novels, I’ve written a number of characters who are older than me, and I often think they are how I’d like to be as a septuagenarian.
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
I learned pretty early you need a day job to pay the bills unless you are very lucky or extremely talented as a writer. For twenty-five years I’ve worked in sales for a British book publisher. I’ve been lucky enough to have a great career with them. Writing books is now a nice bonus.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
I’m a child of the 1980’s. At school, I had a long, grey coat which I loved. I keep hoping one day it will come back into fashion!
Place I’d most like to travel:
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to lots of different places around the world. Now, I’d love the chance to experience big events such as the Olympics in LA or the Australian Open tennis in Melbourne.
My signature drink:
Scotch whiskey with ice.
Favorite artist:
Paul McCartney. He has been the soundtrack of my life. He is such a unique talent in that he can write in almost any genre of music.
Number one on my bucket list:
In the fall of 2024, I received a diagnosis of an advanced stage of cancer. I’m receiving brilliant treatment but at the moment of diagnosis my perception on life changed. In a quiet moment, I sat down with my best friend, and he asked me what was on my bucket list. I realized I had no desire to visit far flung places or to see something I’d never seen before. Far more important to me was time with my closest family and friends. Right now, number one on my bucket list is to take my nine-year-old godson to see his first professional soccer game. He’s a huge soccer fan and that is definitely something I’ve indoctrinated in him. I hope to take him to his first game in the next few weeks.
Find more from the author:
X@books_gold
Facebook.com/Robert.Gold.Books
About Robert Gold:
Author Interview - Robert Gold
Robert Gold is the Sunday Times bestselling author of the Ben Harper series, which includes Twelve Secrets, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick, Eleven Liars and Ten Seconds. Originally from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, Robert Gold began his career as an intern at the American broadcaster CNN, based in Washington DC. He returned to Yorkshire to work for the retailer ASDA, becoming the chain’s nationwide book buyer. He now works in sales for a UK publishing company. Robert now lives in Putney and his new hometown served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Haddley in his thrillers.
