Lesson Summary

During his conversation with Morgen, Tony discusses his journey into writing; how having extra time over lockdown started his crime series set in Malta, published as AJ Aberford.

He shares how the country's real-life events inspire his plotlines, although he changes some facts to avoid controversy.

Tony talks about the editing process and receiving criticism from publishers, highlighting the importance of being receptive to external feedback, and how his wife helps him with proofreading and promotion.

Tony is a diverse individual who has had multiple careers, delving into law, finance, and even running a craft brewery before transitioning to become the author of the Inspector George Zammit crime and thriller series.

Living primarily in Malta, Aberford drew inspiration from the island's rich history and unique position in the Mediterranean region for his writing.

His novels explore the complexities of Maltese culture, politics, and geography, setting the stage for intriguing stories filled with blurred lines between right and wrong.

Tony's personal interests include cooking, travel, cycling, and he is currently working on a new series, still crime but with paranormal elements. We look forward to those!

AJ Aberford has enjoyed a varied career, having been both a corporate and banking lawyer, owning and running a private investment company, and founding a leading Yorkshire craft brewery. Changing direction again, he is now the author of the Inspector George Zammit crime and thriller series.

AJ Aberford still keeps his house in Yorkshire, England, but lives primarily in Malta, the inspiration for his books so far. Upon moving there, he soon became enthralled by the culture and history of the island that acts as a bridge between Europe and North Africa.

Malta’s position at the sharp end of the migrant crisis, as well as the rapid growth of its commercial and offshore financial sectors, provide a rich backdrop for his writing. The culture, politics and geography of the southern Mediterranean continually throws up surprises in this fascinating part of the world, nothing is ever what it seems, with the lines between right and wrong often blurred and twisted.

AJ Aberford is married and has two grown-up sons, as well as grandchildren. He is a keen cook, an adventurous traveller, a cyclist, and is currently writing the fifth book in the Inspector George Zammit series.

AJ's website is https://ajaberford.com and his Amazon page is https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Aj-Aberford/author/B0B6Q89PP2.