A J Wilton’s July Q&A: The Plot Thickens—Inside the Author’s Writing World

Greetings, literary enthusiasts and curious minds! On July 31, we had the pleasure of diving into the world of A J Wilton, an Australian small businessman and hobby author whose novels about Mort and Pig are captivating readers far and wide. For those who missed the live Q&A, here’s a detailed recap of the lively discussion that unfolded.

Getting to Know A J Wilton

Before diving into the juicy details of the Q&A, let’s set the stage. A J Wilton is a Gold Coast hinterland resident who balances his thriving small businesses with a passion for writing. His journey into the literary world began during the quieter days of the Covid pandemic. With two novels already in his Mort and Pig series, and plans for a total of five, Wilton has proven that passion can flourish even in the busiest of lives. Alongside his wife and three adult children, Wilton enjoys travelling and indulging in landscape photography, adding a splash of creativity to his already vibrant life.

Themes and Messages: Unpacking the Unconventional

Q: The Invictus Games? Not your typical book opening! What inspired this unique backdrop for "Mortice in America"?

A J Wilton shared that the Invictus Games provided an exciting and dynamic setting that immediately draws readers in. The choice of this backdrop was intentional, adding a layer of realism and energy to the opening scenes. The games, known for celebrating the courage and resilience of wounded veterans, set a tone of bravery and resilience that resonates throughout the novel.

Q: Your book delves into sensitive topics like drug syndicates and underage prostitution. How do you handle these heavy subjects, and what message do you hope to convey?

Wilton approached these difficult topics with a sense of responsibility and respect. He believes in addressing these issues candidly to shed light on their real-world implications. The message is one of awareness and the need for societal change, aimed at sparking conversations and encouraging readers to consider the broader impact of such issues.

Q: On a lighter note—justice and revenge are central themes in "Mortice in America." Are you more of a ‘by-the-book’ guy, or do you have a secret vigilante side?

Wilton chuckled, admitting that while he may not have a vigilante side, he enjoys exploring these themes through his characters. He likened his approach to a careful balancing act, ensuring that the justice and revenge arcs in his story are compelling yet grounded in reality.

Character Development: Mort and Pig’s Dynamic

Q: Your dedication mentions a real-life inspiration for Mort. Can you tell us more about this influence?

Wilton revealed that Mort is inspired by real-life individuals he admires from the Aussie military, who is a true hero of our times. The character embodies traits of resilience and determination, reflecting on the trials he’s encountered and the challenges faced. This blend of reality and fiction gives Mort a relatable and authentic edge.

Q: Mort and Pig—sounds like a buddy cop show in the making! Pig emerged as a fan favourite in our read-a-long. How did you develop this dynamic duo?

The chemistry between Mort and Pig is a highlight for many readers. Wilton explained that their partnership was inspired by his own friendships. Cleverly crafted to blend humour with action, creating a balance that keeps readers engaged. Pig’s distinct personality complements Mort’s, making their interactions both entertaining and essential to the story’s progression.

Q: Spoilers ahead—Suzie’s daring mission in Chapter 7 was a nail-biter. How did you approach writing her character for such a high-stakes operation?

Suzie’s character was designed to embody bravery and intelligence. Wilton detailed his approach to crafting her role, emphasising the importance of creating a believable and strong female protagonist. Feedback from his female readers has been positive so far and a testament to his ability to write complex women that add depth to the novel’s narrative.

Plot and Structure: Crafting Intrigue

Q: Espionage, FBI operations, and intricate plots—are you moonlighting as a secret agent? How did you get the details so spot on?

Wilton humorously dismissed the secret agent theory but acknowledged that extensive research was key to crafting the novel’s intricate details. He spent considerable time studying espionage and FBI operations to ensure authenticity, which adds to the book’s immersive experience. His search history might raise some alarms though! 

Q: Hunter and Campbell’s reconnaissance mission adds significant intrigue. How did you weave this subplot into the main narrative?

Wilton attributed his ability to infuse subplots into the main narrative as part of his research process, gathering all the pieces to come together in one page-turning twist! It’s certainly an engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Writing Process: Navigating the Novel

Q: Writing "Mortice in America" must’ve been quite the adventure. What was more challenging—keeping up with Mort’s antics or ensuring your research was accurate?

Wilton noted that balancing Mort’s antics with rigorous research was a juggling act. However, he found that meticulous research was essential for crafting a believable story, while Mort’s escapades provided the creative fun. With his jet-setting addiction to every corner of the globe, we get the feeling his sense of adventure inspires the narrative more than he lets on! 😉

Q: Do you feel your writing has evolved since Book 1?

Absolutely. Wilton acknowledged growth in his writing style and storytelling techniques. Each book in the series reflects his evolving approach, driven by reader feedback and his own experiences.

Personal Reflections: Fun and Fancies

Q: Here’s a fun one from the fans! If you could grab a drink with any character from "Mortice in America," who would it be and why?

Wilton had a lighthearted answer: he’d love to share a drink with Midge. The location? His reasoning? Midge is a man of mystery and who wouldn’t want to know more of what’s brewing behind the scenes.  As for the safest place for that drink, somewhere away from the chaos of their adventures but he would leave that up to Midge to decide!

Future Projects: What’s Next?

Q: The big question—what other top-secret projects are you working on that you can tease us with?

While Wilton kept details under wraps, he confirmed up to 10 books in the Mort… series and a potential spin off in the works. 

Which character do you think would be featured in the spin off? Comment below. 

One thing is for certain… Readers can expect more thrilling adventures and intricate plots that will continue to leave us at the edge of our seats! 

Want to watch the replay? Click Here.

Till next time, 

Keep sipping and reading! 

PS: Got any other questions? Email us at support@ajwilton.com.