J.M. Hall is a former primary school teacher and playwright turned cozy crime novelist, known for his recent work, 'A Clock Stopped Dead.' In this engaging conversation, he shares how retirement reshaped his writing routine and reveals his preference for the tactile process of writing long-hand. Hall discusses how his teaching background enriched his storytelling skills and the emotional journey behind his latest novels featuring retired teachers turned sleuths. He reflects on using personal experiences to fuel his creativity and the journey from playwriting to novel writing.