Interview With Ian Rankin, Author of The Naming of The Dead - Page 4

I don't know the answer to that, as I've never tried writing properly for comics, but I've always enjoyed reading them.  My stories tend to be quite visual, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of using very few words, with lots of pictures. In the novel, you can use as many words as you like. This is not the case in comics.

I notice Rebus – and lots of the other cops in your book – often seem to drink while on the job, something which is discouraged, if not against the rules, with cops in the United States. Why do you think that is? Is that a cultural difference?

Though Rebus does drink while working, he is pretty much alone in that.  He is a dinosaur, the last of a dying breed of cops who would take a drink at lunchtime without it affecting their work-rate.  I doubt you'll see Siobhan drinking much more than a soft drink at lunchtime.  Of course, after work is another matter  -  the cops I have met in Scotland do like to visit the pub after work has finished for the day.

Cheaper than going to see a therapist, I guess.  Rebus has another problem however -  since March 2006 smoking has been banned in all bars, clubs, restaurants and work-places in Scotland.  So now he has to step outside to smoke, whatever the weather.  One further catch being, it is illegal to take an alcoholic drink outside with you when you exit the pub, so he can't drink and smoke at the same time.  Poor guy, but at least his health's improving...

Article Author: Scott Butki

Scott Butki was a newspaper reporter for more than 10 years before making a career change into education.

He is an in-house media critic, a recovering Tetris addict and a proud uncle.

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