This is quite a visually exciting story. What made you choose to turn it into a novel, as opposed to a screenplay?
Procter: This story has been some years in development, originally thought of maybe 5 years ago. Never in all that time had I envisaged it as anything other than a novel. Although the idea of perhaps, now turning it into a screenplay is something that I would not be adverse to trying.

Your knowledge of, and passion for, Kent and its surrounding coastline comes across in your writing. What is it about Kent that suits your story so well?
Procter: I live in Kent, having been born and brought up in the County. It therefore seemed only right to base the story around locations that I knew. The story is, if you wish, a modern twist on an old idea, smugglers and the like. Kent and the South East have a long association with such events. The many varied parts of the landscape lend itself to this sort of story. We have everything a good crime story needs, isolated coves, desolate and deserted beach areas, airports and ferry ports, not to mention the new Channel tunnel. Being the gateway to England, Kent has always been in the forefront of the fight against anyone attempting to enter or smuggle things illegally into the country.

You have such a great range of characters in this story, all with their own traits, beliefs and crosses to bear. Will we be seeing more of these characters in the future?
Procter: Yes the sequel to "Forgotten Souls" is "Dresden Green" which is almost written. Carter and his team will continue with their adventure. A further three books are planned. The ground work for them is already completed.

The whole story operates around a series of tremendously original crimes – how do you go about creating such a unique premise?
Procter: As a prolific reader of newspapers. I am never short of material. There aren’t many new crimes, most have been committed before. All I do is put my own spin on it, as I like to call it the Carter twist. Turning something quite mundane into something that would stretch his mind.

Who are your favourite authors, and how do you feel they have influenced your writing style?
Procter: Numerous authors have influenced me. I tend to read a lot of autobiographical books. Sport and Politics are what I really enjoy. John Major, Bill Clinton and Margaret Thatcher wrote books which were particularly profound. While for easy reading, I really enjoy the likes of Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, Douglas Reaman, Ian Rankin and Bernard Cornwall. I also enjoy Cathereine Airde. I’m not adverse to occasionally picking up one of the wife’s books, Joan Jonker or a Barbara Taylor Bradford, though I would never admit that too readily.

What has been the biggest challenge that you have had to face when writing this book, and how have you overcome it?
Procter: The biggest challenge, that’s difficult. This will most likely sound slightly arrogant but actually writing the book was relatively easy, the story had been formed over a number of years. The problems began when it was completed, most likely all authors experience the vagaries of the publishing worked. I was no different. Manuscripts sent out invariably returned in almost the same pristine condition, with a standard non-committal reply. You find yourself in the eternal circle, you need an agent to find a publisher, but to get an agent you really need to be an established published author. Where do you find that elusive first person to read your work and look at it dispassionately. Getting the book into print was the biggest hurdle, self publishing helped but then you realise that you now have to publicise your work, otherwise no-one knows it’s out there. These are some of the things an author has to overcome.

It is obvious from your book that you have done a lot of research into the working lives of your characters. Is this based on first-hand experience?
Procter: Having lived to the ripe old age of 52, I have met so many weird and interesting people. It is from all of them that I drew on to establish my characters. Taking a trait here and an eccentricity there, blending them together. Each character is unique, they are all a blend of a lot of people, myself including. The Police procedure isn’t typical or a representation of those hard working under valued and put upon professionals. A story about Policemen writing numerous reports wouldn’t be interesting. What I have written is an adventure, a caricature of what they might be able to achieve if they weren’t constrained the way they are.