I believe that if writers want their readers to care about a character, they have to care themselves. I have to root for a detective who screws up as much as Thorne does, who shares my birthday, my North London stomping ground, and my love of country music, both alt and cheesy.

In this quote, Mark Billingham emphasizes the idea that writers must deeply care about their characters in order for readers to feel emotionally invested in them. He argues that for a character to resonate with an audience, the author must first develop a genuine connection to them. This is particularly important when writing a complex character, like a detective who makes mistakes, as it’s the flaws and imperfections that often make characters more relatable and engaging.

Billingham specifically mentions his own character, Thorne, highlighting the aspects that make him feel real and grounded in the author's own life. Thorne shares aspects of Billingham's own identity, including their shared birthday, the same North London stomping ground, and a mutual love of country music. This connection between the author and character adds depth to Thorne's persona, making him more authentic and relatable to readers who may recognize those traits.

By rooting for a character like Thorne, who is not perfect but deeply human, Billingham suggests that writers must embrace the imperfections of their characters in order to make them compelling. Thorne's flaws, such as his mistakes, are part of what makes him so real and likable, because they echo the struggles and complexities that real people face. This connection to the character allows the writer to inject a sense of authenticity into their storytelling.

Ultimately, Billingham's quote reveals how essential it is for writers to empathize with their characters in order to craft narratives that feel genuine and emotionally engaging. By putting personal elements into the character's development and making them multidimensional, writers can create a bond with their readers that makes the story and characters unforgettable.