Episode 104 - From Arctic Lawyer to Debut Novelist: Malcolm Kempt on Writing A Gift Before Dying

Malcolm Kempt spent 17 years as a criminal lawyer in the remote Canadian Arctic before trading the courtroom for full-time writing. His journey from law to literature led to his critically acclaimed debut crime novel, A Gift Before Dying.

In this episode, Malcolm shares how isolation in one of the world’s harshest landscapes shaped his atmospheric storytelling, why he chose to write crime over horror despite his love for the genre, and the unconventional path that led him from a $500 ice cream trailer to a two-book deal with Penguin Random House. He opens up about his "waste books" writing method, the importance of deep focus in a distracted world, and why aspiring authors should put down their phones and pick up their pens. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•    How lived experience fuels authentic storytelling – Malcolm's 17 years in the Arctic provided the foundation for his debut novel's setting and themes

•    The "waste books" method for overcoming writer's block – A historical approach to capturing ideas without pressure

•    Why choosing your genre matters – How Malcolm balanced his love of horror with his background in criminal law

•    The power of writing communities – How online workshops and critique groups helped Malcolm develop his craft in isolation

•    Practical advice on focus and productivity – Why eliminating phone distractions is essential for deep creative work

•    The reality of the publishing journey – From winning an unpublished manuscript award to landing a major book deal

•    How to build a sustainable writing practice – Balancing family, day jobs, and creative work