From Courtroom To Bestseller
David Field, a former criminal lawyer turned novelist, shares his journey into historical fiction, blending vivid characters, rich settings, and a passion for history into over thirty captivating novels.
David Field is a masterful storyteller whose works have captivated readers with their vivid depictions of history and humanity. With over thirty novels to his name, Field has carved a niche as one of the most compelling voices in historical fiction. His ability to breathe life into the past, transforming dry historical facts into rich, character-driven narratives, is nothing short of remarkable. From the Norman Conquest to the intrigue of Tudor and Stuart England, Field’s novels transport readers to bygone eras, offering not just a glimpse into history but an immersive experience. His “Bailiff Mountsorrel” series, in particular, has earned widespread acclaim for its intricate plots and authentic portrayal of life in historical Nottingham. A former criminal lawyer turned full-time novelist, Field’s transition from the courtroom to the writer’s desk has been nothing less than extraordinary, and his works stand as a testament to his talent, wit, and boundless imagination.
David Field’s journey from a career in criminal law to becoming a prolific novelist is as fascinating as the stories he pens. When asked why he left the legal profession for the uncertain world of writing, Field explains that it wasn’t so much a leap as a natural transition. “At the end of my legal career, I transitioned from what had been merely a hobby into a new full-time occupation,” he shares. For Field, the skills honed in the courtroom—crafting compelling arguments and framing precise questions—were the perfect foundation for his new role as a storyteller. When arthritis made it difficult for him to stand in court, his creative mind sought a new outlet, and writing became his calling.
Field’s foray into novel writing was inspired, in part, by the vibrant community of writers in the rural area where he lived. “It occurred to me that if this dissolute shower of inebriates by which I was surrounded could write novels, then perhaps I could also,” he quips. Thirty novels later, Field has more than proven his point.
His passion for history, which began in his school days, became the cornerstone of his writing. But for Field, history is more than a series of dates and events; it’s the story of real people living through extraordinary times. “The peasant tilling his crops as a massive invasion army clattered and jingled past, the parishioner lighting a votive candle at the Canterbury altar while the self-appointed assassins from the Court of Henry II were outside baying for the blood of Archbishop Becket,” he muses. These vivid, human moments are what ignite his imagination and drive his storytelling.
Field’s first historical novel, Conquest, was born from a spark of curiosity about the Battle of Hastings. An article he read pointed out that the battle, despite its historical significance, was so small and contained that it might not have been audible in the next valley. This perspective set his imagination alight. “What must have been the reaction of the locals, rich and not so rich, when they raised their eyes from their crops and saw the sails of the Conqueror’s invasion fleet out on the water beneath them?” he wondered. From that moment, a series of novels flowed, each one delving deeper into the lives of ordinary people caught in the tides of history.
Field’s Bailiff Mountsorrel series, including The Castle Abductions, is another testament to his ability to blend historical authenticity with compelling storytelling. Drawing on his upbringing in post-war Nottingham, Field reimagines the city in its Tudor and Stuart heyday. “Why not at a time when there were long orchards stretching out behind grand mansions where intercontinental trucks now drone down six-lane bypasses?” he asks. His deep connection to the setting lends his novels a sense of place that resonates with readers.
At the heart of Field’s writing is his commitment to creating relatable characters. “Readers want to relate to ‘characters’—real people living real lives,” he says. For Field, the process begins with historical research, but it’s his imagination that brings the past to life. “I close my eyes and populate that two-dimensional scenery backdrop with live people who then tell me what they want to do, how they want their lives to develop, and who they love, hate, and fear,” he explains. This approach has not only fueled his creativity but also endeared his novels to a loyal audience.
Despite his self-deprecating claim to be “the world’s worst marketer,” Field’s books continue to find their way into the hands of readers, thanks in no small part to the efforts of his publishers, Sapere Books. His success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of history brought to life through the eyes of a gifted writer.
David Field’s novels are more than just stories; they are journeys into the heart of history, guided by a writer who understands the timeless power of human experience. For fans of historical fiction, his works are a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
