In this podcast, Erik D’Souza interviews David L. Tucker, a nominee for Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell, for his debut crime novel, A Painting to Die For (published by Otter & Osprey Press). David explains how he transitioned to writing crime fiction, inspired by a trip to London and observations about the art market, which led to the story's setting in London during Brexit in 2017. The novel follows Bill Fredrick, a struggling Toronto portrait painter who becomes involved in a dangerous situation when he travels to London to help his wealthy uncle with a family matter. Erik and David discuss the writing process, including how David incorporated sensory details into his narrative and how the book successfully engages readers through its slow-burning tension and atmospheric descriptions.

Bio

David L. Tucker has won numerous international awards as a writer, producer and director of television documentaries, art specials, drama and current affairs programming. Best known for his work on CBC’s The Nature of Things with David Suzuki, Tucker garnered a Gemini for Best Direction, a Gracie, a Chris, a Prix Italia, a Freddie, and presented work at Hot Docs. His previous collection of short stories, One Way Ticket, earned him an Oakville Arts Council Literary Award. With a graduate degree in interdisciplinary fine arts, Tucker has also taught media aesthetics, documentary and screenwriting and presented scholarly papers in Paris, Budapest, Berlin and in the States.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279