Focus: Darren Stafford

Who are you and where are you from?
Hi, my name is Darren Stafford. I was born in Singapore while my dad was serving in the RAF, and we moved back to England when I was two years old. I now live in Durham.

What is it you do?
I have been a prison officer for 30 years and currently work at HMP Frankland in Durham. Alongside my career in the Prison Service, I write fiction. I published my debut novel, AOIFE, in September 2025, followed by A Song for Elara, and my third book, READ 11:47, is due for release in August 2026.

How long have you been doing it?
I’ve been writing on and off for many years, but it wasn’t until last year that I found the confidence to publish my first novel, AOIFE. It’s a supernatural story set during a prison night shift, blending ghost story, romance and thriller elements. I followed it with A Song for Elara, a tragic love story about music, memory and loss.

What inspires you?
Music has always been a huge influence on my writing, as has the work of filmmaker David Lynch. After his death last year, I realised there was still one of his films I hadn’t seen—Mulholland Drive, which has been named one of the greatest films of the 21st century. I was captivated by its dreamlike atmosphere and the relationship between Betty and Rita, played by Naomi Watts and Laura Harring. That blend of mystery, emotion and surrealism continues to inspire my own stories.

Tell us about your work.
I joined the Prison Service in 1995 at HMP Durham before moving to HMP Frankland in 2004, where I still work today. I genuinely enjoy the job, and the unique atmosphere of prison life—particularly on night shifts—often sparks ideas for my fiction. Whenever there’s a quiet moment, I find myself jotting down notes or developing scenes for future stories.
My books tend to blend love, loss and memory with something slightly strange or dreamlike. Music is also woven through much of my writing and often becomes part of the emotional heart of the story.

What have you got coming up in the future?
My next novel, READ 11:47, will be released in August. In October, I have a prison horror novella, One Short: A Tale from HMP Stillwater, launching for Halloween. At the time of writing, I’m also putting the finishing touches to my Christmas novella, The Crooked Star, which is due for release later this year.

My books are available on Amazon and through most major book retailers.

Where can people find out more about you?
I’m active across social media, where I share updates on my books, writing and upcoming projects.
TikTok – @DarrenStaffordWrites
Instagram – @DarrenStaffordWrites
YouTube – @DarrenStaffordWrites