Staff Writer |
Felix Francis is renowned worldwide as one of the greatest crime fiction writers to have ever lived. His bestselling crime novels have captivated a truly global audience, with the character, Sid Halley, being a particular favourite of racing enthusiasts.
After managing his father's affairs, British racing crime writer Felix Francis (Dick Francis's son) swapped physics teaching for thrillers. He has penned 17 novels and is currently crafting his 18th. His books, a seamless blend of horseracing and suspense, are translated into over 30 languages and are sold in many countries, particularly in the U.K.
Ahead of the scintillating real-world Dubai World Cup race night, Ten Furlongs Magazine recently interviewed the racing crime writer on his life, his books, and of course, racing.
I'm currently immersed in writing my latest book, 'Syndicate', which explores the world of racehorse ownership in syndicates. The story kicks off at the Epsom Derby, where the protagonist's syndicated horse wins the race, bringing him immense joy. However, the celebration is short-lived as his daughter is kidnapped later that evening. This new narrative direction, involving syndicate ownership, is a departure from my usual themes. I've received valuable insights from experts like Harry Herbert, who manages high-profile thoroughbred racing syndicates. As always, the ending is the most crucial part of the story.
When my father's literary agent informed me that all his books would soon go out of print due to his retirement and lack of new material, I was asked to write two chapters in two months to prove myself capable of continuing his legacy. Terrified yet determined, I wrote the last book for Dick Francis, which received positive reviews and became a bestseller. I've since published 16 more books, all related to horses and people in the racing world. My father, a champion steeplechase jockey, used to say, "The admiration from winning a race is fleeting, but the happiness and satisfaction from writing a book are long-lasting." Waiting for publisher feedback is my most difficult two weeks of the year, but positive responses bring immense satisfaction.
I conduct extensive research for my fiction writing, ensuring authenticity while expanding on real-life events to entertain. My brother, a former jockey and trainer, provides valuable insights, correcting inaccuracies when necessary. Despite occasional errors, I strive for accuracy, incorporating real places and race names, and consulting resources like the British Flat Pattern and Listed Races book.
My characters are unique individuals. I put them in complex situations to make them exciting. They're an amalgam of different people on the racecourse. But my characters are not superhumans. They are regular people thrown into an irregular position. They must investigate something because someone is threatening them or they are thrown into a situation. All my main characters are me. I write in the first-person narrative. They are either me or what I would like to be. They could be anybody, taken from the world's reality and turned into characters.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh once greeted everyone at a cricket match where I was a guest. I had met Queen Elizabeth before, but someone introduced me to her this time. He said, "Ma'am, can I introduce Felix Francis; he's an author." The Queen turned to him and exclaimed, "I know, I've read them all." It was remarkable to hear her say this in front of many people. I always take copies of my new book to Buckingham Palace every year, but this moment was truly magical. It was the best feedback I could imagine.
Receiving feedback is an essential part of any author's journey, and I've been fortunate to receive positive responses, especially from the horse racing authorities. A past chairman of the British Horseracing Authority, in particular, appreciated my work, even influencing rule changes based on my stories. However, the most rewarding feedback comes from readers who express their enjoyment directly. Despite occasional misconceptions about my writing, my success has allowed me to extend my father's literary legacy, bringing me immense satisfaction.
The rewards are multifaceted. I earn a living from writing, and book sales allow me to lead a life I enjoy. It's gratifying when people tell me they've enjoyed my work and become immersed in it. However, the challenge lies in the hard work of writing 90,000 words and having to create a new story every year. There may come a time when I don't write about horse racing, but that would be because I couldn't think of a story related to it. There are countless stories to tell, as they can be based on greed, revenge, and envy, among other themes. The biggest challenge is crafting a believable plot. Once that's done, writing the words is relatively straightforward.
While my book 'Guilty Not Guilty' initially featured a steward at a racecourse, it had minimal racing content. However, due to reader and publisher demand, I incorporated some racing elements. Horse knowledge isn't essential to enjoy books, as the stories are about people rather than horses.
I'm a big horse racing fan, though I don't bet. I love watching races and hope the sport stays as it is. Horses are treated well, even better than humans, enjoying a luxurious life. Many young people attend races knowing the sport prioritises integrity over emotions, despite what my books might suggest. The reality is that racing is built on honesty and integrity, but there are always those who will attempt to circumvent the system. And that is fine fodder for my stories.
I'm concerned that animal rights activists believe that horses should only be grazing. They don't understand that horses are herd animals that love to run. Horse racing simply channels that natural instinct. It's the second most popular spectator sport in the United Kingdom after football. I hope it continues as it is, because it does a great job year-round. It's a big industry, employing many tens of thousands of people and providing enjoyment and escapism. It's both entertainment and big business.
If you could create a dream situation for an international race for one of your characters, which race would it be?
The Melbourne Cup, also known as 'The Race that Stops the Nation,' is a celebrated horse race in Australia, held on the first Tuesday in November, over a two-mile course. The day is a public holiday in the State of Victoria, with people all across Australia tuning in to watch, and it offers a significant prize to the winner.
Other notable races exist, of course, like the Kentucky Derby and the Dubai World Cup, and I have even enjoyed watching White Turf in St Moritz in Switzerland, where the horses race on a frozen lake. The Middle East also has a strong racing culture, including camel racing. Royal Ascot in the UK is another notable event with high-quality races and much glamour. Nonetheless, I think the Melbourne Cup stands out to me as the most captivating of all the great international races.
The secrets of Felix Francis's captivating crime novels, seamlessly blending racing thrills with gripping narratives, aid in witnessing his passion, authenticity, and dedication to crafting characters. Fueled by experience and research, his journey resonates with racing fans and general readers. His insights on writing and the future of horseracing offer valuable perspectives, while his genuineness leaves a lasting impression.