Ian Rankin

Crime author Ian Rankin has said that he was rejected five times by publishers for his first ‘Inspector Rebus’ novel before he eventually found success, on the 30th anniversary of the debut of his most famous character.

The 57 year old novelist is marking 30 years of his much-loved novel series featuring Inspector John Rebus, which has reached 21 instalments since the first book, ‘Knots and Crosses’, was published back in 1987 by Bodley Head. The tough, no-nonsense policeman went on to become one of the most popular characters in the crime novel genre.

However, it wasn’t easy getting noticed at the beginning for Rankin, as he reached out to publishers but got knocked back on a number of occasions.

Continue reading: Ian Rankin Reveals First 'Rebus' Novel Was Rejected Five Times

Tim Burgess says it was an ''honour'' collaborating with Paul Weller on 'Spinning Out'.

The lead vocalist of the British indie band 'The Charlatans' has joined forces with a number of artists on the new album 'Different Days', including Johnny Marr and 'New Order's STEPHEN MORRIS and Gillian Gilbert, but he has admitted working with the 58-year-old musician was an ''honour''.

Speaking to NME, the 49 year old said: ''It was great to work to Paul's method and pace.

Continue reading: Tim Burgess Says Collaborating With Paul Weller Was An 'honour'

It’s been almost two days since the death of celebrated Scottish author Iain Banks and condolences are coming in from all across the literary world. Fellow writer and Scottsman Ian Rankin led the tributes on Twitter, with a toast to the late author. He later commented for BBC News: "Even the ones that didn't drink were putting a wee bottle of water or a soft drink in their pictures," he said.

"It was a lovely sort of communal thing to do to celebrate his life."

Van McDermid, another author and friend of Banks was among those to toast his life and work, "for all the hours of delight and provoked thought.”

Continue reading: Authors And Fans Mourn The Death Of Writer Iain Banks

James Herbert, the influential author of The Rats and countless other horror novels, passed away on Wednesday, March 20. Crime writer Ian Rankin is amongst those who have paid tribute to the late author, who died at the age of 69, at his home in Sussex.

Posting on his Twitter feed, Rankin said “Sad news about James Herbert – as a teen, I scared myself silly reading him. He led me to King, Barker, others. RIP ...”