Ian Rankin hopes new book will help readers discover ‘godfather of tartan noir’

During the lockdown, the speaker engaged in a project to honor Willie Mcilvanney's legacy by writing a book set in 1972 Glasgow. Despite challenges, the book aimed to introduce new readers to Mcilvanney's work. The book achieved significant success, reaching high positions in UK charts. Writing during the pandemic provided an escape and allowed exploration of a simpler time without modern technology.

What motivated the speaker to take on the project during the lockdown?

• A plan to start a new career

• A need to keep busy

• A desire to travel

• A wish to write about modern technology

What was the speaker's main goal in writing the book related to Willie McIlvanney?

• To explore new writing styles

• To honor McIlvanney's legacy

• To create a new genre

• To write a bestseller

How did the book perform in the UK charts?

• It did not chart

• It reached #1

• It was #2 in Waterstones and #3 overall

• It was in the top 20

What aspect of writing about 1972 did the speaker find enjoyable?

• The challenge of writing in a futuristic setting

• The complexity of DNA analysis

• The absence of mobile phones and computers

• The use of modern technology

Why did the speaker write more during the pandemic?

• To travel more

• To escape from the pandemic

• To focus on non-fiction

• To attend more festivals