:60second interview Lynda La Plante Lynda La Plante, 66, is best known for creating the Prime Suspect TV series, starring Helen Mirren. She also created TV series Trial And Retribution and has written crime novels. She has just adapted her book The Red Dahlia for TV Interview by Andrew Williams I try to write on days when I know I wont be distracted, which I always am, usually by cold-callers from Kitchens Direct Were you interested in The Black Dahlia case before you wrote the book? Yes. I read a book written by an ex-homicide detective who said his father was the killer. His father had been a suspect during the original investigation. His father was a surgeon and heavily into drugs. When he died, his young Hawaiian widow sent the detective a photo album. He found lots of family pictures but in the middle was a picture of Elizabeth Shaw, also known as the Black Dahlia. He became obsessed with proving his father was the killer. I found it very convincing. Then I found a website dedicated to the case, with the autopsy pictures and letters from the killer to the police. I thought if Im this interested then what sort of sicko could be out there, also looking at the website, contemplating a copycat attack. Thats where the idea came from. Are you interested in any other real-life crimes? Loads. It fascinates me. Im also interested in peoples ability to lie. Im fascinated by how people lie over and over again in interrogations. The drama used the actual autopsy pictures of Elizabeth Shorts mutilated corpse. Did it upset viewers? Yes, but I find it equally disturbing to see a D-list celebrity in the jungle p***ing and vomiting and eating rats, so excuse me for living. Chris Tarrant did a show years ago about Japanese game shows, we all laughed at it, but now we have it every night of the week. Is there too much reality TV? Yes. Its cheap, tawdry and creates a terrible void. The American crime shows dominate the schedules and they are excellent shows. Then you look at what weve got and weve fallen behind in every single category. Do you have any unusual writing habits? I like to isolate myself and surround myself with research. Writing The Red Dahlia, I was surrounded by the crime scene picture him with him a limp. Who have been the best actors to work with? David Hayman, who was star of Trial And Retribution for ten years, is one of the best actors Ive come across and very generous. If hes in a scene with a young, inexperienced actor he will haul them up by their boots and give them confidence. Whats your New Years resolution? To give up smoking. Ive tried everything. I only really smoke when I write, as soon as I sit at the computer I light up. Its very sad. Currants are apparently quite good. Youre supposed to eat a currant when you want to have a cigarette. Well see. I wouldnt get hypnotised, I find giving someone that power over your brain quite a worrying idea. I dont want to be sent out robbing banks. Whats been your most extravagant purchase? I have an old Mercedes 280 SL. Its incredible. You sit in there and think: Look at me, Im the business. pictures and the notes the killer sent to the police. I can go into my office any time of the day and night and write. I get up very early and write for a couple of hours when Im uninterrupted. I try to keep my writing to days when I know I wont be distracted, which I always am, usually by cold-callers from Kitchens Direct. Has crime fiction become too grisly? Its always difficult to say that because you look at the news and there are terrible things being done. I dont think things are going further in fiction than they are in reality. One of the biggest recent publishing hits has been The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, which is full of horrendous mutilations and murder, but its very well written. Do you welcome actors having input into their characters or would you prefer them not to? I encourage it, although sometimes I have to tell them not to go too far. I have to say: No thanks, I didnt D Thursday, January 14, 2010 metrolife 15 Edited by Vicki-Marie Cossar features@metroherald.ie Style Counsel Jumpers Long pattern knit poncho, (right) 40, www.asos.com Allsorts hand-knit jumper (below right) 250 (made to order), www.famirvoll.com Preppy argyle V-neck sweater (right) 44.50, www.gantuk.com Scarves & ear muffs Pastel argyle shawl (above) 49, www.gantuk.com Multi-check wool scarf (left) 17.50, www.austinreed.co.uk Pacha Jacquard knit ear muffs (right) 12, www.vivaladiva.com True coloursBrighten your day: Winter woollies are out in force as we battle to beat the icy chill and miserable faces line the streets. Grey seems to be the order of the day, so reach for the rainbow and inject a burst of colour into your life By vIckI-mArIe cossAr Hats & gloves Hat with heart motif (above left) 6, George at Asda. Tel: 00 44 500 100 055 Sequined coloured berets (above) 12 each, www.adhoclondon.co.uk Turquoise Willow hat (right) 50, www.nobis-shop.co.uk Red fingerless gloves (left) 5, www.fashionunion.co.uk Stripey coloured gloves (above right) 5, George at Asda. Tel: 00 44 500 100 055 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html