An Unexpected Writing Journey: Michael Jecks

Sometimes, the best journeys start in the most unexpected ways. For Michael Jecks, writing wasn’t always the plan, but life has a way of steering us toward our true calling.

From navigating multiple career paths to becoming a celebrated mystery novelist, Mike has embraced the twists and turns of the writing life with wit, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart. As a result, they’ve created stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. 

We hope you find inspiration in Mike's journey and find the courage to pursue your own! 

What inspired you to get into writing?

I was always determined not to get into writing. I loved reading, but I was pretty sure (correctly as it turns out) that creative arts are a dangerous way to earn a living. Incomes fluctuated even before Amazon, ebooks and the collapse of so many bookshops. 
 
Instead, I studied to become an actuary (the definition of an actuary is, “someone who finds accountancy too exciting), which was fine until I failed literally every exam. Since I had to earn something, I decided to take up a career as a computer salesman. I spent four years in a company called Wordplex, then another four in Wang Laboratories - and yet after thirteen years, I had racked up thirteen jobs because every company went to the wall during the recession of the late eighties and early nineties, all of them owing me money. 
 
So, in ninety four, finding myself with a large mortgage, no savings, and no job once more, I had to make some decisions. With my wife’s agreement and my parents’ financial support, I decided this was the time to try to write my own books. With no qualifications, I had little option - I had to become (a) creative. 

Which authors have inspired you the most, if any?

This is one of those fabulous questions that is so difficult to answer, because I imagine every author I have ever read has influenced me in one way or another. But when I was young, it was guys like Gerald Durrell and JRR Tolkien. In my teens I developed an absolute mania for the humour of PG Wodehouse - and later for the wonderful books by Terry Pratchett.

But soon it was Frederick Forsyth, George MacDonald Fraser, Nevil Shute, John Masters, Len Deighton, and all the other brilliant thriller writers of the sixties and seventies, as well as the classical writers like Dickens.

But soon I knew that crime and mystery novels really appealed to me - Agatha Christie, Dorothy L Sayers, and still one of my favourites, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. More recently, the books by Michael Connelly and Elmore Leonard have been great influences, as well as John Gardner and his Liquidator series … but you can see the problem. Basically, I used to read voraciously. 

A while ago I was having a chat with Iain Rankin, and we both bemoaned the fact that we loved reading, yet now we are writers, it’s difficult to find time to sit down to read anything other than research material!

It's funny how some of the best writers begin their journeys trying to avoid the very craft they become famous for. Often, it's life's unexpected twists—failed exams, economic downturns, or even the determination not to pursue something—that lead to new paths.

For Mike, writing became a refuge after the instability of multiple jobs, a long and eclectic list of writing influences, and some support from family, the doors to creativity opened.

Was there a turning point that made you realize this was something you wanted to pursue in life?

All joking aside, I realised almost immediately that I wanted to make a career of it. As Terry Pratchett used to say, what’s not to like? Writing is indoor work with no heavy lifting. It is mentally exhausting - imagine, you create a story, peopled with imaginary characters, and all through writing the book, you are looking at every scene, every event, not only forming the plot of the stories, but also seeing those developments through the eyes of each of the various characters. It is incredibly tiring! But it’s also rewarding, and it’s wonderful for the author to get out into the real world and meet people who enjoy the stories - wonderful and rather humbling!

Do you have a day job aside from being a writer?

I suppose I do have one, sort of, but it’s not full-time. Every year the Smithsonian arranges for tours, through their division called Smithsonian Journeys. For the Mystery Lover’s England tours, I am their expert talking about mystery novels and novelists. As a past Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association, and now the Honorary Secretary of the Detection Club, I have met most of the crime writers of the present day, and I can talk about the Golden Age of crime writing, the modern writers, publishing, the process of writing … pretty much every aspect. For me, it’s wonderful to get out, and for the guests on the tours, they get a really good feel for the locations of each of their favourite mystery authors and how modern writers work.
 
The other thing I do is paint. I have always loved to play with watercolour, and it’s become another job as well as a pastime. For me, it is wonderful to have the chance to turn my brain off and just put down on paper what I see before me. In truth, it is not only relaxation, but also a way to fix a scene in my mind, giving me a more accurate recollection of an area than a camera would. It’s the process of sitting down and studying the view before me, how the various aspects of a view tie together, how the colours, the shapes, the textures combine.  

While writing can be a solitary and exhausting endeavor, the creative satisfaction and the chance to meet readers make the effort worth it. Plus, Mike's side job provides a fine balance. It's fascinating to learn how a passion for mystery novels has led to an expert role at Smithsonian Journeys.

This part-time gig, where he leads mystery lovers through England, demonstrates how our expertise can open doors to unique opportunities that, at first, we could only dream of. It’s proof that writing can connect us to the world in surprising ways.

How do you find a balance so you can keep up with writing? 

Ah, well, the main thing about being a writer is simply the fact that, if you want to call yourself a writer, you have to write.
 
So many authors fail, mostly because they don’t have the discipline. After all, there are so many distractions: TV, Netflix, podcasts, YouTube, social media - it’s a miracle that anyone can get anything done. For me, an early lesson was, that I could get more done if I sat down in a quiet room. As soon as I started to write, back in 1994, we couldn’t afford to buy a TV licence, so the television had to go, and that itself was enormously helpful in terms of finding time.
 
As I mentioned before, it takes a lot of effort to imagine different people and describe scenes looking through their eyes; it involves using their own speech patterns and thought processes, remembering at all times what their motivations might be, what they perceive other participants’ motives are … it is exhausting, and it requires concentrated thought. I tend to find I work in one hour bursts. In an hour I will be able to write down about a thousand words. After that, I will either have to carry on straight away, or take a fifteen minute break, during which I will plan the next scene to write. 

The main thing for me is the fact that I spent so many years at work. It means I am used to the idea of getting up at a sensible hour, so that I can be sitting at my desk and working by nine in the morning. This is a second aspect of discipline: so often writers will say that they suffer from “writer’s block”, or they’re too tired to write on that specific day. Well, that’s fine, but as I said, if you want to call yourself a writer, you have to write. Lawyers cannot decide that they are too tired, or that they just cannot function that morning. They still have to go to client meetings or court.

How has your journey with writing evolved over time?

When I started out as an author, I was determined to get as many hints and tips from experts as possible. I don’t have any qualifications as a writer. I stopped studying the arts before university. So I thought I needed to learn how to write. I picked up books on writing, how to plot, how to develop a story … all information that, well, I don’t use now. Like Stephen King, like Iain Rankin, like JRR Tolkien, I never plot now. I write, and the story develops as I throw events at my characters. They drive the story, not me. Otherwise, if you have a plot, you soon find that you will begin to twist and torment your characters into complying with your perfect plot, and that just means your characters, the most important part of any book, will become unrealistic. 

 
How has your writing system changed over the years?

When I started out, I used to sit at my table with the computer at about half past six and write with two one-hour breaks until midnight. That was find when I was younger. Now, well, now I tend to make sure that I get out with the dogs (I have a Bernese Mountain dog and Rhodesian Ridgeback) for at least a couple of hours a day. While out I can monitor emails and respond to the most urgent messages, so it’s not exactly down time, but it works for me. Then, back at my desk, I will work in one-hour bursts. In that time I can put down a thousand words, and when I have, I can get up, move around, make a coffee, and think about the next scene before sitting down and writing that. 
 
I have come to realise that I work best in the afternoon and evening. I’ll usually get two thousand words in the afternoon, and another three thousand in the evening. That way, usually, I can write about twenty five thousand in a week - except, of course, life gets in the way. Just recently we had the cooker and central heating system leak kerosene all over our kitchen; then the car died; then the dog became unwell - real life does prevent good writing!

With practice, many writers eventually find their own pace and a system that works for them which helps in developing an intuitive sense for storytelling. It's great to see Mike shift from writing marathon sessions in the early days to a more balanced routine as well, an evolution that mirrors the way life itself shifts. 

Taking breaks to walk the dogs, reflect, and plan scenes also shows how even the busiest creative can find moments of mindfulness while still being able to do what they love. 

Can you share a memorable story or experience related to your passion?

There have been many. I am incredibly lucky to have made a load of friends through my writings. One such guy was Jack Spittler, who invited me to go to New Orleans as the Grand Marshal of the first parade of the Mardi Gras! It was incredible to be asked to go out there, and I had a whale of a time: driven under police escort with outriders in a limo to the floats, and then a journey flinging beads at the crowds. I still have a series of wooden coins celebrating my part in the Krewe of Little Rascals parade. And I cannot think of too many authors who have been given that kind of an honour!  
 
And then, a little later in that same year (2014) I was invited to Toronto for the Bloody Words Festival, where I was the international guest of honour. 
 
All in all, that was a pretty good year!

What has been the most rewarding part of sharing your journey on social media?

I have tried many different social media - I find Facebook horrible to use: the way that they have author pages set up is not logical or coherent. It may make sense to a computer whizz-kid, but for me it is a horrible mess, and makes no sense. I am much happier with Instagram and YouTube. 
 
I tend to have videos and pictures on Instagram, but I’ll talk about my own favourite subjects on YouTube. In the past it has been various stories and reviews about books, but also about pens, writing, and occasionally writing (all at YouTube.com/c/writerlywitterings). However more recently I was diagnosed as diabetic, and that came as a real shock. I had no symptoms, and yet my sugars were three times the safe levels. For that reason I am now speaking once a week about my own experience as a diabetic patient, and how I’ve managed to get my diabetes into remission. I have had a lot of comments back from that, and I do find the interaction with others who have suffered from this horrible disease to be heart-warming and very supportive.

Social media can be a double-edged sword, but for Mike, YouTube and Instagram provide a space to connect with fans on a more personal level. It’s touching to see how the platform has allowed for meaningful conversations about more than just writing. For instance, now there's a place for people to build a support network, a connection, with other people living with diabetes. 

What are your future plans or goals related to your passion?

Ah, well - more books, more stories, and more paintings. I do love watercolouring, as I said before, and I hope to put down a lot more books and pictures while I can. My good friend Simon Brett has written over a hundred books - I have completed some fifty seven now (I think) so I still have a long way to go.
 
Just now (yesterday) I sent back the edits of the ninth in my Bloody Mary Tudor series, I am today getting back into my modern day Art of Murder series, and when that is complete I have to write a book with a very famous person, which will hopefully be well received. All in all, there are not enough hours in the day - but it is a job I love. I’m not cut out to work for anyone else!

With a to-do list that includes more novels and paintings, Mike's passion for creativity shows no signs of slowing down. It’s inspiring to hear someone so determined to continue creating in multiple forms, even after such a prolific career. 

How did you discover LOCHBY?

I actually heard of Lochby through a viewer on my YouTube channel. I had been talking about a notebook and began to look at Bond gear, which a delightful viewer had sent me, and while discussing it, I was advised that Lochby had formed from Bond, and that I should look into it. I am very glad that I did so - I love the waxed cotton material and the quality of the workmanship.

What is your favorite LOCHBY product and why?

This is not easy, but I guess I would have to say it’s probably the Venture Pouch. It is just so practical and useful. I have it with me everywhere I go, because it holds my paints, brushes, pens, a notebook, a sketchbook, and it is just so convenient. I can shove it into a pocket when I’m out with the dogs on a walk, or stuff it into my rucksack when I’m out on business or away for a couple of day’s camping. I’ll also always carry the Tool Roll as well, but that tends to hold all my tech gear - battery, chargers, cables - as well as my diabetes blood testing equipment.

But it’s the Venture Pouch with that fabulous grab handle that really appeals to me. I just hope before too long there is a strap so I can wear it as a small bag when I’m out with the dogs - it’ll be more useful, since it can be a heavy weight in my pockets.

How does LOCHBY help you with your creative or productive pursuits?

Lochby equipment is growing to be essential for me. The Journal is now my ideas book for when I’m writing. I use one cahier for notes about characters in my latest book; a second for scenes and random concepts that occur to me; a third for general direction and overall atmosphere I want in my stories. It’s pretty much the most used tool I have in my office. And then I also have a sketch book as my fourth cahier, in which I can make simple sketches in watercolour when I’m out and about. 
 
As for the Venture Pouch and Tool Roll - they mean I can keep everything organised, so when I’m going out, all I have to do is grab one or both, and I’m ready!

We're honored to know that Lochby has become a trusted companion for many creatives who own them, blending adventure with the analog experience. We're happy to know Mike has made our gear part of his daily routine and helps him with inspiration and organization. 

Do you have any tips for making the most out of LOCHBY products?

My key tip would be, to acquire some wax from a company like Belstaff or Barbour, and follow their instructions to keep the cotton in the best condition. You don’t need much, but a small top-up would be a good idea to make sure that the bags remain waterproof.

Speaking of tips, what advice would you give to someone just starting to write? 

My key advice always is, don’t go on courses, don’t spend money on training or getting advice from professional authors, because all writers have their own approach. What works for me will likely not work for you. So the main thing is, if you want to be a writer, sit down, turn off social media, the phone and emails, and start writing. You’ll get nowhere with the first two, three or four books you try to write, but if you have determination and keep at it, you will get there.
 
But don’t give up the day job until you have already earned more from your writing than you have from the main income-earner.

Are there any common mistakes beginners should avoid?

The main one is focusing too much on research. After all, for most of us, that is the fun part of the job - writing itself is a bit of a slog. There’s a skill in knowing that you have “enough” research to start writing, and when you get there, sit down and write. 
 
I think the commonest mistake most people make is to think that anyone can write a book. It is true, in much the same way that anyone “can” fly a plane. But it takes time and practice to take off, fly, and land all in one piece. Writing in a style which is your own, writing stories people want to read, is not something that just anybody can do. It takes time to learn the discipline. 

Diving into any new craft can be intimidating, but Mike has some practical advice for beginners. They emphasize the importance of patience and practice, reminding us that mistakes are part of the journey. Their insight into avoiding common pitfalls—like rushing the process or not experimenting enough—can help anyone approach their work with more confidence and creativity.

How do you balance your passion with other aspects of your life?

It’s not easy. When I am writing, I tend to find that everything else is squeezed out. I am living the lives of the people in my stories, and that makes me a very frustrating person to live with. However, the dogs are a great motivator and effective at forcing me to get out of the house for some exercise. Then again, I am trying to make sure that I spend some time out with paints and brushes. However, the main sanity-restorer is dancing with an English Morris side. I was a founder member of Tinner’s Morris some twenty years ago, and the dancing keeps me fit and healthy, while the compulsory visits to the pub after practice keep me well-lubricated!

How do you stay motivated to continue your passion?

I am very fortunate to have a job that I love. It is as I have always believed: if you can find a job that is fun, that is something you would do anyway, whether you were paid for it or not, then work is fun, rather than a slog. 

What is your favorite writing accessory and why?

A fountain pen. I am a brand ambassador for the English company Conway Stewart, and I tend always to have one of their pens near to hand. My first pen from them was a collector’s version of the “Churchill” which came in a glorious presentation box. Then, a little later, I bought a version of their “Drake”, a solid silver pen that is beautiful and writes like a dream. Now I tend always to carry a small “Model 58” in my pocket. It’s light, attractive and old-fashioned-looking in black acrylic with gold bands and a gold nib. 
 
I cannot use ball point pens. My writing looks horrible when I try them: but a good fountain pen or pencil - I cannot make notes or plans without them!

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires your creative process?

“Get on with it!” - not the most inspiring, perhaps, but it sums up my attitude to work. Don’t prevaricate, don’t put it off till tomorrow: just crack on and get the words down!

What's a fun fact about you that your followers might not know?

Probably the biggest surprise to most people is that I am a Morris Dancer in my spare time. It’s a curious form of folk dancing, but it is extraordinarily good exercise, and with a good group of friends, like my peers in the Tinner’s Morris side, it is both enormous fun, but also wonderfully supportive. I believe my friends in the side are my closest friends. 

Would you look at that! Dancing and writing is quite the combination but hey—both are still art. Little things like these make people even more relatable and interesting! 

How has being part of the writing community influenced you?

I am fortunate that I have been elected to several writing communities: I was on the committee of the Crime Writers’ Association, and helped to found the Historical Writers’ Association, as well as the South West Writers and Medieval Murderers. Writers tend to be very supportive and helpful to others. I am now the Honorary Secretary of the Detection Club, which is a great privilege, and hugely enjoyable, and I have benefitted from chatting to some of the greatest crime writers alive. 
 
But if there is one thing that these writers and writing generally has taught me, it is that humility is the best policy at all times. Never let your head swell with presumed brilliance. My agent once gave me some good news, but before telling me, she told me to fetch a pin, so that when my head grew too big to get through the door to my office, I could puncture it!

Who in the community do you look up to and why? 

There are so many: Michael Ridpath, Martin Edwards, PD James, Peter Lovesey … mostly for their kindness and support over the years to someone who is not as good a writer nor as successful as them, but someone who does work hard to try to entertain people. Because, truly, that is my job. To divert people from their normal day-to-day concerns and hopefully give them a good story that they will find uplifting.

What role does creativity play in your life, and how do you nurture it?

It is everything to me. I write, I paint, I work leather to make a variety of bags and pouches, and I love working with wood too. Creativity is there in all of us, and I think that (certainly here in England) the education system is designed to smother any little creative flames before they can catch. 

Now, of course, we are all threatened by artificial intelligence, by extremists who want to control what books should be available, and which can be banned - or burned. People pick up social media messages, and cannot tell whether they are propaganda designed by bots or by AI, or whether they are researched, reliable information. 

To me, remaining creative, making up stories, painting pictures, are ways of keeping myself sane.

It's clear that Mike’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. Just starting out or deep into your craft? We hope their insights serve as a reminder to embrace the process and keep creating.

Inspired by their work? Make sure to follow him on Instagram and Youtube to stay connected. You can also read more about Mike's incredible works from his blog right here.