After leaving the police, I felt compelled to put everything down on paper—not just to document that chapter of my life, but to better understand it. What started as a personal project gradually became something I felt could resonate with a wider audience.

Jade Cameron – 17 July 2025

The Back Flap

When Jade finally achieved her dream of becoming a detective, she discovered that the reality wasn’t quite as she’d imagined. Living the Dream: Confessions of a Trainee Detective offers a gripping and unfiltered look at the hidden realities of life as a detective in training. With unflinching honesty, Jade pulls back the curtain on her journey within Thames Valley Police, exposing the camaraderie and conflicts, the pride and frustrations, the adrenaline-fuelled moments, and the thankless tasks.

This powerful memoir will captivate, enlighten, and take you far beyond TV’s glamour and heroics. Join Jade on a journey that is eye-opening, deeply personal, and profoundly human—as she discovers what it truly means to live the dream.

About the book

What is the book about?

When Jade is accepted onto the highly competitive trainee detective programme at Thames Valley Police, it feels like the culmination of a lifelong dream. The story follows her journey starting at the training school and subsequently through various specialist policing departments—ICR, PCT, CID, and eventually DAIU. The book offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at life inside the police force. As Jade navigates the daily realities of the job, the weight of the work begins to take its toll. The book explores not only the operational aspects of policing but also the emotional cost, particularly the strain on Jade’s mental health as she struggles with the pressures and contradictions of the role.

When did you start writing the book?

I began writing the book around six months after leaving Thames Valley Police.

How long did it take you to write it?

The exact timeline is something I’ve chosen not to specify in the book—mainly to preserve confidentiality of the persons and cases described in the book.

Where did you get the idea from?

The idea grew out of a need to process my own experience. After leaving the police, I felt compelled to put everything down on paper—not just to document that chapter of my life, but to better understand it. What started as a personal project gradually became something I felt could resonate with a wider audience. I hope the book offers valuable insight into policing culture, sheds light on how detective training operates in practice, and perhaps even sparks conversations about reform.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes, especially when revisiting some of the darker moments—periods of low mood, self-doubt, and burnout. Those memories were emotionally difficult to confront. Fortunately, I had guidance from an experienced writer who helped shape the material and provided a much-needed external perspective. That support was invaluable.

What came easily?

Once I started writing, the memories came flooding back. Everything in the book is rooted in real events, so the material was already there—I just had to unlock it. On some days, I could write for hours without pause.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

All of the characters are drawn from real people I encountered during my time in the police, though their names and identifying details have been changed to protect their privacy.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Jess McDonald’s No Comment: What I Wish I’d Known About Becoming A Detective had an impact on me. I recognised so much of my own experience in her words. It was a book that made me feel seen, and it affirmed that stories like ours are worth telling.

Do you have a target reader?

The book is intended for a broad audience—anyone curious about the inner workings of policing will find something here. But I especially hope it reaches those considering a career in the police. It offers a candid look at what they can expect from the job and the training, the challenges as well as the rewards.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

My process was quite intuitive. I began by writing down everything I could remember about specific cases and experiences —just raw memories, without worrying about structure or style. Once I had the material down, I returned to it to shape it into something more coherent and readable. I chose to keep the tone informal and conversational because I want the book to feel accessible—like sitting down for a chat with someone who’s lived the experience.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Not initially. I wrote chapter by chapter, following the order in which memories resurfaced. As the manuscript evolved, I reorganised the chapters—splitting or merging them where it made sense—to create a better narrative flow. The structure developed naturally over time.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Editing was a continuous process. I would often revise sections as I wrote, and then revisit them later with fresh eyes. It was very much an ongoing refinement rather than a one-time revision.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I worked with a professional editor who gave me valuable feedback and helped shape the manuscript. Their outside perspective really helped to elevate the book.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Not usually. I did most of my writing in cafés, where the soft background hum created the perfect atmosphere. I find the ambient noise oddly comforting—and with a good cup of coffee, I could write for hours.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, I initially submitted the manuscript to a few agents.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I submitted my book to a few agents but later chose to take the self-publishing route. It felt like the right decision, especially because the book is so personal to me. Self-publishing gave me full creative control, and I’ve really valued that autonomy throughout the process.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Yes, I worked with a designer I hired through Reedsy. It was important to me that the cover looked professional and reflected the tone of the book

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I’m mostly winging it! I haven’t hired a marketing expert, but I’ve been finding my own ways to promote the book—reaching out to relevant audiences and exploring opportunities as they arise.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Go for it! Self-publishing has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. There’s something fulfilling and exciting about seeing your work through from first draft to finished book—and knowing that every part of it reflects your vision. It’s a lot of work, but it’s absolutely worth it.

About You

Where do you live now?

United Kingdom

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Living the Dream from Amazon US or Amazon UK.