Port Macquarie crime author Drew Lindsay begins 34th novel entitled The Black Lagoon

He scans the houses, car parks and ovals looking for the perfect place to hide a human body.

Drew's wife, Narelle Lindsay gives directions to a vacant block in town where they can bury the murder victim.

They arrive to find new houses have recently been built there.

"We can't bury them here, we'll have to find a park nearby," Mr Lindsay says as he begins altering the plot of his murder mystery novel.

The Port Macquarie crime author is known for his dynamic story telling using extensive experience of working with the NSW Police, as a detective and managing his own private investigation business.

He has already published 33 books in the space of 10 years including his ninth novel, Treasure, which is set in Port Macquarie.

"A lot of the subject matter is based on my work in the police force, my work as a private investigator. People who you have met are kind of mixed into the characters," Mr Lindsay said.

"I've got a bit of a routine now when I'm writing. I do a lot of research to start any book because even though they are works of fiction you must have your facts right.

"The characters are the most important part of the book and you have to get them spot on. People that are reading must feel the character is alive or relate to them to stop the book falling flat.

"The plot comes last. Most of the time I have no idea what is going to happen at the end or even halfway through the book. I don't think I've ever plotted it out and half the time I have no idea where I'm going."

Mr Lindsay also relies on his knowledge as a professional dive leader and private pilot's licence holder.

His latest unreleased work and 34th novel is entitled The Black Lagoon and following series hero, ex Detective Sergeant Ben Hood.

"Ben Hood is pretty much modelled after me to some extent so I know how I do things, he does those things the same way," Mr Lindsay said.

"For the other characters I get a picture of somebody from somewhere and I make a new character around them.

"The picture could be anyone from the newspaper or online. You have to write what they look like, what they do and put that on a character board.

"The locations could be any place I've been to in Australia which I can use as a setting of a novel. I just think about which one would be interesting this time.

"I've got to be excited about the location and the America fans in particular enjoy following the locations of my books."

Narelle manages all the work behind the scenes including proof reading and publishing. She also updates a database of loyal and avid readers about new additions to the series.

"I think his writing is great. I think his books are more enjoyable than many other authors because they are so realistic and use Australia locations," she said.

"He had various roles in the police force as a motorcycle cop and the vice squad which gave him the expertise to write about realistic characters.

"Most of the books are sold in the United States but we are seeing big increases in the United Kingdom and Europe."

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