The world of professional services marketing is known for its demanding nature, but for Dom Ayres, Senior Client Development Manager at Eversheds Sutherland, it’s just one facet of a multifaceted life. In his ‘other life,’ Dominic is an author, having penned his debut captivating cosy mystery Suicide in Suffolk.
Introduce yourself and the day job
I’m Dom Ayres, and while the world of law might seem like my natural habitat, I lead a double life.
By day, I’m a Senior Client Development Manager at Eversheds Sutherland, leading the client strategy and growth for the industrials sector in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), managing and developing key relationships with FTSE and Fortune 500-listed clients.
But when I clock out, I shed my corporate role and embrace a completely different world – the world of storytelling.
And your ‘other life’?
It all started with a bit of a dare. My wife was embarking on a new chapter as a nursing student, so I had some unexpected free time on my hands. What to do with it, you ask? Well, my wife jokingly suggested I write a book. We brainstormed a few ideas, and the one that grabbed us both was a story about a funeral director. Little did I know, this playful suggestion would lead me down a path I never expected.
The first draft was… well, let’s just say it needed some work. My initial vision was a thrilling whodunit, but my development editor gently nudged me in another direction. They introduced me to the world of cosy mysteries, a genre I knew nothing about at the time. Intrigued, I dove into the works of Agatha Christie and other masters of the genre, and a lightbulb went off. I reworked the story, embracing the warmth and charm of the cosy mystery style.
The result? Suicide in Suffolk.
Briefly, outline the plot of the book
A tale set in the quaint town of Lowestoft (where we go each year for beach days as a family). Our protagonist, Cecil Whitford, isn’t your average funeral director. He has a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of justice, which leads him to question a seemingly straightforward case of suicide. Alongside a determined young constable, Keeley Cooper, Cecil dives headfirst into a web of secrets and hidden agendas, determined to uncover the truth.
How did you find the time to write this book with a busy day job (and home life)?
The question everyone asks: how do I manage to balance the demanding world of law, busy dad of three kids with the creative world of writing? It’s all about two key principles: starting without overthinking and embracing low expectations. I don’t get hung up on elaborate plans; I just dive in, be it during school runs or late nights sitting on my son’s floor while willing him to go to sleep. Sometimes, I churn out chapters, and other days, a single sentence is all I can muster. But by keeping the pressure off, I allow myself to enjoy the process and seize those moments of inspiration.
Is it a one-off or will you be giving Richard Osman a run for his money?
Suicide in Suffolk has been a delightful surprise. It exceeded all my expectations, selling over 1,000 copies and reaching the top of several book categories. While I may not be Richard Osman just yet (the man sells a staggering number of copies every week!), the success has fuelled my passion to continue writing.
The story isn’t over yet. I’ve already released a prequel short story called Passing Out and I am working on more, all leading up to the highly anticipated sequel to Suicide in Suffolk.
How can people get hold of the book?
So, if you’re looking for a captivating escape into a world of charming characters, gentle intrigue, and a touch of the unexpected, then Suicide in Suffolk is waiting for you.
Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback format (or borrow it for free on Kindle Unlimited!) and join me on this literary adventure.
Find out at www.domayresauthor.com or follow on Instagram @domayresauthor.
