Julian Stockwin

Julian Stockwin MBE is an author of historical action-adventure fiction. Suffolk readers will know him as the author of the Thomas Kydd Series. His latest novel, Yankee Mission, was published in October by Hodder & Stoughton. He has also written two standalone novels, The Silk Tree and The Powder of Death. You can find Yankee mission and Julian's other books on our catalogue.

Who were your heroes as you were growing up?

My great uncle Tom Clay, a seaman in the true sense of the word, took me over his ship 'Cutty Sark' and also around the National Maritime Museum - he was a great influence on me. A gentle, quietly spoken man, he’d been around the Horn in square sail, and whenever I could I would sit spellbound and listen to him talk about life before the mast on the seven seas. (No one else in my family had any connection with the sea; my father served in the army during the war).

And of course I have to mention Admiral Nelson. He had such a huge impact at all levels, in life and in death. I personally believe he was Britain’s greatest hero. Nelson inspired such devotion that grown men sobbed hopelessly at his death. At his funeral service at St Pauls the 48 seamen from 'Victory' were to fold the battle ensign and lay it upon the coffin, but in front of everybody they turned on the flag and tore it to pieces, one for each man. An impulsive, emotional initiative worthy of the great man himself.

What first sparked your interest in the sea?

As far back as I can remember, I’ve been bewitched by the sea. Going to a decent grammar school was wasted on me; on the school bus I’d gaze out across the Channel at the low, grey shapes slipping away over the horizon on voyages to who knows where, taking my imagination with them. In the late 1950s, the sea seemed to be much more a part of our shared consciousness.

As a young boy I remember the thrilling drama of the 'Flying Enterprise', when Captain Kurt Carlsen refused to leave his sinking ship and, with First Mate Dancy of the ocean salvage tug 'Turmoil', heroically fought to bring her within sight of port before she tragically sank. Then, too, at the time, London Pool was packed with ships flying the red ensign, and it was also the time of the very last of the square riggers. Theoretically, you could still sign up outward-bound on a commercial voyage.

Do you allow yourself a certain amount of time for research and does it vary from book to book? How do you know when you are ready to write?

Each book takes 12 months to write. It does vary a little from book to book but usually general research and research travel takes 4 months, detailed planning 1 month, actual writing 6 months and editing and revision one month. I work closely with my wife Kathy whose input is particularly important in the planning and editing stages. I am a 'visile' and I know when I am ready to write when I can see the narrative arc of the book playing out before me.

How did you come to work with the maritime artist Geoff Hunt?

When Hodder published the first book Kydd they told me they had invited Geoff Hunt RSMA to paint original artwork for the cover. I knew of Geoff's superb maritime paintings and was honoured and delighted that he agreed. Geoff pays great attention to detail and we corresponded over a number of years to ensure accuracy of each cover. Latterly, Hodder decided to have the covers created by another artist, Larry Rostant, who, while having a different style, has created equally stunning covers.

Your latest book is Yankee Mission, which is the 25th in the Thomas Kydd series. Can you tell us a little about it and how it was to write?

This book is set in 1812 and sees Kydd finding not only his career, but his life hanging in the balance. It was a challenging book to write as so much has been written about this particular year but I hope I was able to bring a fresh perspective to the era.

Is there anything you can share with us about your latest project?

It's still in the planning stages but will come out next October, working title is Sea of Treason.

What is on your 'to read' pile at the moment?

Quite a few sea biographies, as you would expect - and also, for light relief, David Jason's new memoir The Twelve Dels of Christmas.

One book, piece of music or art that everyone should experience?

What a question! However I am always moved by 'A Sea Symphony' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

What is the funniest or strangest thing one of your readers has shared with you?

Well, I guess it is that one of my readers made a stipulation in his will that he be buried with a copy of Kydd, the first book in the series.

Can you tell us one thing about yourself that your readers may not know?

I am a fully qualified naval shipwright and if time travel existed I would be right at home in any of Kydd's ships!