GARY HAYNES studied law at university. His main interests are military history and international relations. He’s also a massive film buff, especially thrillers.

He began writing seriously four years ago as a hobby, but it quickly became a passion. He says he loses track of time when he’s writing and has to force himself to switch off his laptop and sleep!

On learning the craft, he says: “Some how-to-write books say that you should try to write in all manner of ways, including while drunk. Some authors have written entire books while drunk. I tried it once. When I reread what I’d written the next day after taking two painkillers, I seriously considered therapy. My advice is don’t let writing interfere with getting drunk.”

He has three children and lives in Devon with his very patient partner. When he’s not writing, he likes to keep fit by working out at his local boxing gym and going for long walks by the sea.

Gary writes cinematic, fast-paced, action-packed thrillers, although not without a healthy smattering of humour. He plans on writing a series of novels based on his main character, Tom Dupree, a special agent in the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

You can contact Gary at garyceh@virginmedia.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryHaynesNovel