Amanda Nicholson, a Manchester-based author, is set to release her latest crime novel, Death to All Men, on 2nd June. In this exclusive interview, she discusses her inspiration, writing process, and life as an author.

Q: Your new novel, Death to All Men, is out soon. Can you tell us more about it?
A: The hardback version is already out, but the paperback and e-book versions on Apple and Kindle will be released on 2nd June. The novel is a women’s crime story that follows Cassie, who starts a group for women to vent about men. Things take a dark turn when members of the group start killing bad men. Cassie also suspects that one of her new friends has a secret that could change everything.

Q: What inspired you to write Death to All Men?
A: I wanted to discuss serious issues that women face, like stalking, harassment, and abuse, but I also included humour to balance the darker themes. I was inspired by other novels that blend crime and dark comedy, like How to Kill a Guy in Ten Ways and How to Kill Men and Get Away with It.

Q: You’ve written under different names in the past. Why is that?
A: Initially, I wrote under Amanda Steele before I got married. Later, I wanted to explore other genres, so I used a few different pen names to keep my works separate.

Q: How did your writing journey begin?
A: I’ve always loved writing, but it became more serious around 2014 when I was studying creative writing as part of my degree from the Open University. I decided to finish one of the many novels I’d started, and that’s how it all began.

Q: Was it challenging to get your first novel published?
A: Yes, I initially self-published, then went through a small publisher, which didn’t work out, so I republished it myself. Later, I worked with another small publisher for a young adult fantasy series, but they eventually closed. It’s been a mix of self-publishing and working with smaller publishers.

Q: Your stories are often set in Manchester. Why is that?
A: I like to write about places I know, and being from Manchester, it’s easier to build realistic characters and settings. Plus, making my characters working-class adds a unique perspective compared to many crime novels where protagonists have a lot of time and resources.

Q: How do you develop your ideas?
A: I’ve learned to make notes on my phone whenever inspiration strikes. Sometimes I’ll come up with a one-liner that could fit into a story, and I keep everything in a folder to revisit later.

Q: Are your novels typically planned out or more spontaneous?
A: It varies. Some novels I plan in detail, like chapter breakdowns, while others I approach more freely. The latest one was more structured, and it made the writing process quicker.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
A: You don’t necessarily need a degree, but you should immerse yourself in writing communities, attend spoken word events, and read critically. It’s about learning what works and why.

Q: What do you think about the rise of AI in creative writing?
A: I avoid using AI because I believe it can’t replace real human experience. Some writers use it without fully understanding writing itself, which can result in generic or flawed content.

Q: How do you balance writing with your personal life?
A: I don’t have a fixed schedule but aim for word count goals. Sometimes I’ll write a lot in one sitting, and other times it’s more spread out. Having a supportive husband who also writes helps a lot when I’m stuck.

Q: What are your thoughts on audiobooks, and will Death to All Men have one?
A: I enjoy audiobooks myself, but there’s no audiobook for this novel yet because I haven’t found a narrator. I like the flexibility audiobooks offer, especially when multitasking.