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Interview: Neil Woods

The Good Cop, Bad War author talks about his former life investigating drug crime, and reveals his hidden talent

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How much is the illicit drugs market actually corrupting our institutions? You really should ask this, and prepare yourself to be shocked

What are you like on social media?

I've only got into social media since I've become active politically, so I'm learning as I go. I'm told I need to get into Instagram, and so I'm gearing myself up for that.

Not many people know this, but I’m very good at…

I wouldn't say I'm good at it, but a love of mine is singing. Just before I started writing I was in a rock covers band, I used to love playing at parties and pub gigs. I've always sung, but I don't really get the chance much nowadays. Thankfully, both of my kids are very musical, so I get to harmonise with them sometimes.

What moment in history would you like to have witnessed and why?

A Led Zeppelin concert, circa 1972. If I had a time machine I would travel from gig to gig. I would listen to Frank Zappa, Yes, Return to Forever, and all manner of different artists. I would just have to start with Led Zep though.

How do you celebrate finishing a book?

I celebrate whenever I finish any writing with a run. Even if I'm just scribing a small piece for a website, if I can I run off that concentration with a stretch of the legs around the woodland and fields near my home.

And finally, what question do you wish someone would ask you? And what's the answer?

How much is the illicit drugs market actually corrupting our institutions? You really should ask this, and prepare yourself to be shocked.

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