Tom Dots Doherty offers valuable tips for breaking into the publishing industry
Tom Dots Doherty discusses his transition from advertising to writing, the influence of business on his novels, and offers advice for aspiring authors in the crime thriller genre.
Tom Dots Doherty is a name that resonates with both the advertising and literary worlds. With a career spanning over three decades in the Irish advertising industry, Doherty has not only shaped the landscape of marketing in Ireland but has also transitioned into a successful author of gripping crime thrillers. His novels, such as “JimiJix” and “JimiJix Special Brew,” showcase his unique ability to weave intricate narratives that captivate readers from start to finish. Doherty’s work is characterized by its originality and depth, drawing readers into a world where ordinary individuals are thrust into extraordinary circumstances. His keen understanding of human nature and the complexities of business and entrepreneurship enriches his storytelling, making his books a must-read for fans of the genre.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, we delve into the mind of Tom Dots Doherty to explore the intersection of his advertising expertise and his literary pursuits. We were eager to understand how his extensive experience in a results-driven industry has influenced his writing process and the development of his compelling crime thrillers. Doherty’s insights into the business of writing, his creative inspirations, and his advice for aspiring authors offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of a writer who has successfully navigated the realms of both commerce and creativity. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the stories and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft of this remarkable author.
Tom Dots Doherty masterfully blends advertising expertise with storytelling, creating captivating crime thrillers that engage and inspire readers.
You’ve had a long career in the Irish advertising industry. How has your experience in advertising influenced your writing, particularly in your crime thrillers like JimiJix and JimiJix Special Brew?
Advertising is a results driven business in which there is a deadline to complete a project. That gave me the experience of working within a certain time frame instead of revising, revising, and then revising some more, a book that was already finished. You should always work to a deadline and, at some point, let things go, otherwise, you could revise forever.
JimiJix involves the murder of a restaurant’s marketing mascot, a unique premise for a crime thriller. What inspired you to centre your story around this concept, and how did you develop the idea of turning a marketing character into the focal point of a murder mystery?
While working in advertising, I was involved in the recruitment of a marketing mascot on one of the accounts that I worked for. That experience led me to consider making a marketing mascot the focal point of a mystery story.
As someone who has invested in over 200 Irish firms and various start-ups, how does your knowledge of business and entrepreneurship play a role in the narratives you create?
Most things (some people would argue all things) are driven by money, so having a knowledge of business and entrepreneurship is not a bad attribute to have in any venture. A business is often driven by the money it brings in, and writing should be too. Writers should analyse their sales/readership, only then will they know where and when their work is being read and by who. Those ‘business’ statistics should be reviewed frequently.
Your books are set in the world of crime and revenge. What draws you to these themes, and how do you ensure that your stories remain fresh and engaging for your readers?
My books focus on an average person being thrust into a world of crime and revenge as they seek justice. How I endeavour to keep my stories fresh and engaging is simple – I ask four questions at the end of each chapter – did the chapter move the story on? What were the turning points in the chapter that kept the reader engaged? Did the chapter contain a mini-drama? And, did the chapter convey a feeling or mood, did it contain sensory information (what was the environment like, what was the weather like, what were the sights like, what were the sounds like, what were the smells like, the tastes, etc.)?
You have diverse hobbies, including long-distance running, which can be quite meditative. Do you find that your running or other hobbies influence your creative process or help you develop ideas for your books?
Unfortunately, after a recent diagnosis, I no longer run. Everyone is different and gets their ideas differently too. However, writing is a meditative exercise for everyone, as you have to carry a lot of information around in your head, dream up scenes, and think of the reader. Reading was described as an exercise for the mind a long time ago, so the link between writing and thinking was already well established by then, though some people don’t think that way even still.
With a background in both advertising and writing, what advice would you give to aspiring authors who are looking to break into the publishing industry, especially in the crime thriller genre?
Coming from an advertising background, I had the advantage of being familiar with a number of print terms and knew people who advised me on things such as cover design, the internet, and media issues. These are all examples of working with other people, so I would recommend that any aspiring authors work with a team – with the premier spot going to an agent or manager.
For self-publishing aspiring authors, I would make the following observation. That nobody is going to find your book unless you highlight its existence. Writing and then publishing a book is hard work, but it is a completely futile action unless you are willing to promote your work in some way. Otherwise, you are like someone who puts a product on a big supermarket shelf and then expects people to find and buy it.
Before writing a book a writer should jot down the answers to these two questions: Who will read/buy your book, and why are you the best person to write it? These, or similar questions, are usually asked by literary agents before taking on a new client. You now have less time to convince someone to indulge in your product. That’s why it is so important to have what is known as an “elevator pitch” ready for your book(s). Sum up what is different about your work in ten words or less, and then remember those words by heart.
