Ann Cleeves

Your stories have travelled from remote landscapes to primetime television. Has success changed your life much?

The great thing about being a writer is that I don’t get much attention. I get invited to library events and book festivals, and I quite enjoy them. It’s busy when a new book’s out, but mostly I’m left in peace.

“The great thing about being a writer is that I don’t get much attention.”

With acclaimed screen versions of Shetland and Vera, how satisfying has it been seeing those worlds reimagined?

I’ve been very pleased. Although the adaptations differ from the novels in some details, both remain true to the spirit of the books.

You’ve won and been nominated for major awards. Is there still one you’re chasing?

No, I’ve been very lucky.

“Finish the book, and make it as good as it can possibly be.”

You’ve said writing was always the ambition. How did it begin professionally?

I always wanted to write, and the third publisher accepted me after I was pulled from the slush pile of unsolicited manuscripts. It doesn’t happen like that these days!

For writers trying to break through now, what really matters?

Finish the book, and make it as good as it can possibly be.

“Inequality of opportunity.”

Crime has been your home as a storyteller. Have you ever felt drawn elsewhere?

I feel I can tell the stories I need to tell within the crime genre.

Could you imagine not being a writer?

I’ve done lots of weird jobs in my time – from being an observatory cook to a women’s refuge leader. Now’s my time for writing.

“It’s an escape and a way of facing new challenges.”

And away from deadlines — how do you unwind?

I’ve got grandkids. Not exactly relaxing, but time-consuming and fun.

You’ve often spoken about the importance of reading. Why does it still matter?

It’s an escape and a way of facing new challenges. It’s a way to explore the world without leaving your own room.

“The bad times provide the best material for a novelist.”

What kinds of books have stayed with you most over the years?

My particular reading passion is crime in translation.

What makes you angry?

Inequality of opportunity. Cutting library funding is just one example – not everyone can afford to buy books.

“Life is too short. And goes so quickly.”

What makes you happiest?

My husband, reading, writing. Life is too short. And goes so quickly.

Looking back, any regrets?

No. Never look back. There’s no point, and anyway, the bad times provide the best material for a novelist.

Ann Cleeves is the bestselling crime writer behind the Vera Stanhope and Shetland series, both adapted for television.

Interview by Carl Marsh