Meet John Mayer, Advocate, Fisherman, and Author
We’re thrilled to welcome Scottish Supreme Court Advocate and acclaimed author, John Mayer. Known for his gripping Parliament House series, John shares his incredible journey—from a rough childhood in Glasgow to advising Greenpeace, practicing law in Edinburgh, and catching octopus in the Greek islands. His life, much like his books, is anything but conventional.
From Near Death to Law and Writing: John Mayer’s Early Struggles
Q: You’ve had quite a life, John. Can you tell us about your early years?
John opens up about his near-death experience at just seven months old due to a rare blood type and pneumonia. “The doctors didn’t have my blood type,” he recalls, “but a visiting doctor saved my life with an unconventional technique—pumping my mother’s blood into me.” This life-altering event was only the first of many near-death experiences, including being shot—twice.
These harrowing events shaped John’s career in law, where he often questioned authority, a trait that now fuels his creative process as a writer.
The Maverick Advocate: John’s Journey to Becoming an Outsider
Q: Did your law career influence your writing?
John’s nickname at Parliament House, Edinburgh, is “Maverick,” and for good reason. He’s always questioned authority, a mindset that made him a successful Advocate and a unique writer. “To be a good writer of drama, you need to convey real events, not just imagined ones,” he says. Many of the cases and characters in his Parliament House series are inspired by real-life experiences, adding authenticity to his writing.
The Creative Process: Unplanned, Unscripted, and Always True
Q: How do you approach writing your books?
“I don’t follow any conventional rules,” John says. Unlike many authors, he doesn’t outline or plan his stories. His process begins with a single evocative word—titles like The Cross and The Trial serve as jumping-off points. Despite his freewheeling process, his writing adheres to a three-part Aristotelian structure, consisting of a premise, development, and conclusion. “I write when I feel like it, whether that’s after a fishing trip or a drink,” he adds, with a laugh.
That was the first of several times that I’ve been close to death. For instance, I’ve been shot, twice; once in New York City and once in Glasgow.
Top 5 Tips for Aspiring Writers from John Mayer:
- Write When You’re Ready – Don’t force it. Write when you’re truly inspired.
- Find Your Truth – John’s advice? “If you have a unique perspective, don’t dilute it. Be true to your voice.”
- Draw from Real Life – “Life experiences, no matter how painful, can be your best material,” John explains.
- Break the Rules – John advocates for flexibility in writing, reminding us not to get too bogged down by formats.
- Create for Yourself First – “Don’t write for trends or critics. Write because you have a story to tell.”
Explore some writing tips here.
Inside The Parliament House Series: Law Meets Life
Q: What inspired the Parliament House series?
John draws inspiration from his legal career in Parliament House, Edinburgh’s Supreme Court, which is over 500 years old. His protagonist, Brogan McLane QC, fights “low life in high places,” reflecting John’s real-life experiences as a lawyer representing underdogs. “I wanted to tell the truth about what goes on behind the courtroom doors,” John explains, “because it’s more interesting than fiction.”
Find out more about John’s book on the series WEBSITE or on 
Writing Through a Different Lens: Autism and Creative Expression
John also discusses how being slightly autistic gives him a different, more intense perception of life, which he channels into his writing. His outsider perspective helps him dissect the complexities of human nature and bring depth to his characters.
What’s Next for John Mayer?
Although John doesn’t follow a rigid writing schedule, fans can expect more from the Parliament House series. He continues to draw inspiration from his legal career, fishing trips, and life’s unexpected moments.
John Mayer’s World of Words:
John Mayer’s journey from law to literature is both inspiring and unconventional. His Parliament House series invites readers into a world where truth is stranger than fiction, and each story is deeply rooted in real-life events. Explore his books and discover the fascinating mind behind the courtroom drama.
Navigating the Challenges: Balancing Law, Writing, and Life
Q: Balancing a demanding career in law with writing must have its challenges. How do you manage it all?
John admits that balancing both professions hasn’t been easy, but his passion for storytelling has always pushed him to keep going. “Law and writing share a common thread—they both deal with conflict resolution and human behavior,” John explains. Writing is a creative outlet for him, a way to express thoughts and stories that transcend the confines of the courtroom. “After a long day of legal work, writing allows me to release that pent-up energy, whether through fishing anecdotes or courtroom drama.”
He shares that his legal work often involves understanding people at their worst or most vulnerable, and this gives him a deep well of emotions and experiences to draw from in his books. “In both law and writing, empathy is key. You have to understand your characters—or clients—deeply to tell their stories authentically.”
John’s Life Beyond the Courtroom and Writing Desk: Adventures in Greece and Fishing
Outside of the legal world and his writing career, John enjoys spending time in Greece, where he indulges in his love for fishing. His encounters with nature serve as a source of inspiration, offering clarity and moments of introspection that enrich his stories.
“I’ve spent many mornings catching octopus and afternoons drafting legal briefs,” John says. “The simple act of fishing teaches patience and strategy, which are important skills for both law and writing.” His time spent outdoors helps fuel his creativity, allowing him to return to his writing with renewed focus and purpose.
