Ask the Author: B.V. Lawson
Answered Questions (7)
B.V. Lawson
Hi, Frances! Sorry it took so long to reply, but things have been a bit crazy (Covid and such). But Scott Draco #6 is in pre-order with a release date of April 20! and Book #7 will hopefully be out later this year. Thanks so much for checking in, and I hope you enjoy "Deadly Dance"!
B.V. Lawson
When I was a child, my grandmother used to say my father's American ancestors who emigrated from the Netherlands were known as "Black-Dutch." I didn't think about that phrase again for years until I reached adulthood and researched it out of curiosity. But what I found was puzzling as there's quite a bit of mystery surrounding the term, with many different interpretations regarding its ethnic origins: does “Black-Dutch” refer to a Native American genealogical link? The mysterious Melungeons of the Southern U.S.? Or Dutch people of Spanish or Portuguese extraction, or possibly Sephardic Jewish colonists?
Of course, the mystery author in me began conjuring all sorts of subplots and branching intrigue regarding these people and their origins. Was the meaning behind "Black-Dutch" purely ethnic or was there a more sinister, criminal underpinning? Were my ancestors a bunch of rogues or gypsies? Did they leave the Netherlands for new opportunities or were they running from the law? This line of thinking naturally led to various storylines for either historical or contemporary crime fiction settings, although I haven't decided in which direction the trail should lead. One thing’s for sure: I appear to come from a long line of rather mysterious people, which makes my choice of occupation seem somehow predestined. #MysteryWeek
Of course, the mystery author in me began conjuring all sorts of subplots and branching intrigue regarding these people and their origins. Was the meaning behind "Black-Dutch" purely ethnic or was there a more sinister, criminal underpinning? Were my ancestors a bunch of rogues or gypsies? Did they leave the Netherlands for new opportunities or were they running from the law? This line of thinking naturally led to various storylines for either historical or contemporary crime fiction settings, although I haven't decided in which direction the trail should lead. One thing’s for sure: I appear to come from a long line of rather mysterious people, which makes my choice of occupation seem somehow predestined. #MysteryWeek
B.V. Lawson
My favorite "bromance" has to be Holmes and Watson due to their classic idiosyncratic and symbiotic relationship. As far as traditional m/f couples in fiction, I have a fondness for Lord Peter and Harriet Vane, in Dorothy Sayers’ Lord Peter mysteries - probably because they were one of the earliest couples in mystery fiction I was exposed to, but also because Vane's character is appealing due to her struggles for independence and personal freedom at a time when women were supposed to be seen and not heard.
B.V. Lawson
I find story ideas everywhere. I've even gotten a few from my dreams. I carry around a little notebook with me at all times and sometimes use an app like FastNote on my Smartphone to jot down quick ideas. I had one story idea pop into my head while walking on the treadmill at the gym. The only problem is finding the time to flesh them out into complete works.
B.V. Lawson
I'm continuing work on the Scott Drayco mystery series with three more novels and one short story collection in the pipeline. I'm also working on a second novel series, featuring Vermont detective Adam Dutton and con woman extraordinaire Beverly Laborde.
B.V. Lawson
It may sound like a cliche, but more than anything else, keep reading and writing! Those are the two best tools any author has for improving their work.
B.V. Lawson
Fortunately, it's never a problem. I always have at least half a dozen stories I'm working on and sometimes more than one book. The only problem is switching back and forth between them and getting back into that new literary world.
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