921. From Comedy to Cosy Crime π€π (with Ian Moore)
Feb 10, 2025
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Ian Moore, a bestselling author and former stand-up comedian, shares his fascinating journey from the comedy stage to writing cozy crime novels set in France. He discusses the humorous challenges of transitioning to life as a B&B host and the unexpected joys he found during the COVID lockdown. Ian also delves into the nuances of plotting versus pantsing in writing, the deep bonds with his goats, and the cultural intricacies of living as an expat. Prepare for laughs and insights into the world of crime fiction!
Ian Moore's shift from stand-up comedy to cosy crime writing highlights how life experiences can inspire creativity in literature.
His writing process blends structured planning with spontaneity, reflecting the unpredictability he enjoyed in live performances.
Living in rural France has profoundly impacted Ian's creative work, providing rich cultural elements that enhance his storytelling.
Ian's exploration of identity and belonging in his novels resonates with readers, drawing from his personal experiences of raising bilingual children in France.
Deep dives
B2B Marketing Introduction
The episode begins with a humorous story about someoneβs father who works in B2B marketing and showcases his enthusiasm for calculating return on ad spend (ROAS). This anecdote highlights the niche nature of B2B marketing, emphasizing that not everyone understands the details involved. The father appears eager to share his knowledge during a career day at school, which leads to amusement among relatives. LinkedIn is mentioned as a valuable platform for targeting B2B audiences, hinting at its effectiveness in connecting professionals within that sector.
Ian Moore: Comedian to Writer
The guest, Ian Moore, is introduced as a seasoned stand-up comedian who has transitioned to writing. He has spent many years performing comedy across the UK and is known for his dry and sarcastic humor. Ian's life took a significant turn when he moved to rural France with his wife, who always dreamed of living there. This change brought about the establishment of a bed and breakfast (B&B) where he balances his writing career with managing the guesthouse, adding a unique contrast to his previous urban lifestyle.
Cosy Crime Fiction: A New Venture
Ian has shifted his focus to writing, particularly within the cosy crime fiction genre, which is characterized by light-hearted murder mysteries. He discusses the peculiarities of this genre, where violence is minimal and amateur detectives often solve crimes in non-threatening environments. Ian's series features titles such as 'Death and Croissant' and 'Death and Fromage,' cleverly incorporating French themes. The concept allows him to draw on his life experiences running a B&B while exploring the humorous side of crime, making it a cathartic exercise for him.
The Evolution of His Writing Process
Throughout the episode, Ian reveals his writing process, which combines elements of planning and spontaneity. He mentions that he concocts stories through a series of notes and ideas, balancing a structured outline with the flexibility to modify plots as he writes. This approach mirrors the unpredictability of performance in stand-up comedy, yet Ian finds a sense of control in writing. He emphasizes the joy of integrating twists and remains conscious of the balance between keeping readers engaged and providing clues to resolve the mysteries.
Life in the French Countryside
Living in rural France has dramatically influenced Ian's life and writing, offering a refreshing backdrop for creative work. He humorously discusses the challenges he faced while integrating into the local culture, particularly with language barriers and cultural differences. The move to France also brought unforeseen experiences, such as managing a B&B and coping with local expectations. This juxtaposition between his comedic past and his current writing has provided rich material for his storytelling, enhancing the appeal of his books.
Themes of Identity and Belonging
Ianβs characters often grapple with identity, resonating with his personal experiences raising bilingual children in France. He illustrates the complexities of belonging and cultural navigation faced by expats, which enriches the narratives in his novels. Ianβs exploration of these themes serves not only to entertain but also to reflect on the broader human experience of displacement. This storytelling approach encourages readers to consider their own identities and the influences of their backgrounds.
Writing as a Long-term Commitment
Writing has emerged as a lifelong commitment for Ian, allowing him to express himself while fostering connections with readers. He compares the ephemeral nature of stand-up comedy and the lasting impact of written stories, which can be revisited and cherished over time. The fact that his books are recognized and available globally brings him considerable satisfaction and motivation. Ian's journey illustrates the unique fulfillment that comes from transitioning to a stable writing career, alongside the challenges of maintaining creativity and productivity.
Ian Moore returns to the podcast to talk about his career shift from stand up comedy to writing "cosy" crime novels. After several decades as a professional stand-up comedian, Ian has transitioned to writing murder mysteries. Now he is a bestselling author and his books are being adapted for television. In this episode Ian talks about ending his stand-up comedy career, why he was not suited for life as the host of a guesthouse, writing books on trains, and why his COVID lockdown was actually great.
