1) Where did the
inspiration for Cat’s character come from?
When I set out to write this series, I knew that I wanted a
protagonist who was older and who lived outside the conventions of society. In
The Silent Woman, when Cat is a suspect in her husband’s murder, she set herself
up to be shunned by her friends and the social circles in which she runs. I
spend a lot of time reading mysteries and fiction from the 1930s and 1940s, and
I’m always taken aback by the way women are expected to take a certain subservient
place in society. Even the most forward thinking people expect the woman to bow
to her husband, not have a job, and not be too smart. I deliberately set out to
shine the light on those issues, so I created Catherine Carlisle who is
outspoken, sassy, sophisticated, intuitive, and — most importantly — doesn’t
like to be told what to do. This sets the table for drama and turmoil
surrounding her. The upside of Cat’s character is her commitment to helping
others who are not as fortunate, be they man, woman, child, or animal. She
really does have a soft spot.
I’m looking forward to letting Cat age through this series
as well. Many writers leave their protagonists around the same age during the
course and scope of their stories, but I’m going to let Cat grow old. This will
allow me to explore social/economic conditions during and after World War II.
I’m hoping to fashion her after the great spinster detectives of the past,
namely Miss Silver and Miss Marple.
2) What drew you to this
particular period, before the outbreak of WW2, when the powers that be choose to ignore Hitler’s flagrant violation of the Treaty of Versailles?
First of all, my father fought in World War II, so I have a
soft spot for his generation. I also appreciate that during this time the
people were united — and made sacrifices — to fight for freedom. I think a lot
of things are happening now in the socio-political environment that we don’t
know about. This is a scary time for the world in my view. And I don’t mean to
sound trite, but the lessons of history are so important. I have a passion for
politics, but the topic is so incendiary at this time that it’s difficult to
have a cohesive conversation with anyone with whom you share a different point of
view. This time period—long past—lets me explore issues that are relevant today
without offending anyone. (True confession: I also love the clothes and the
music.)
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| First in the Sarah Bennett Series |
3) Compared to your Sarah Bennett mystery series, how much easier was it to research life in London in the
1930s? How do you prefer to conduct your research?
The Sarah Bennett mysteries were really easy to research
because I lived and worked in San Francisco for a good portion of my life. My
parents lived in the city, so I had stories handed down about the time. It was
really easy for me to feel the vibe of San Francisco during the 1940s.
As for hands-on research, I read novels of the time, watch
movies, plow through newspapers for nuggets, and let my imagination go wild.
The secret is to gather all the historical data regarding day-to-day living,
and then sprinkle it in with a light hand. It’s really important to be mindful of
the reader in this regard. I don’t want to info
bomb with historical facts and take away from the story. After I’m finished
researching, my mind and my research binder are full of a lot of information
that I will not use. It’s important to keep the research and history that I’ve
learned relevant to the story.
4) What drew you to
include characters with an interest in art?
I think I’m a frustrated artist. Someone once asked me if I
could have any job in the world what would it be, and of course I said writing.
But when I stepped away and thought about it for a while I realized how much I
would love to get on a scaffold and restore works of art like the Sistine Chapel.
So having characters in my books who are struggling artists is sort of a
metaphor for me as a writer, and it also lets me explore my passion to create.
I noodle around with pastel crayons. The result is horrible, but the process is
very relaxing. At the end of the day, I love all forms of art and am inspired
by those gifted with the ability to create it.
5) Which authors inspire
your writing? Which books might we find on your beside table?
My favourite book by a living author is The Thirteenth Tale
by Diane Setterfield. The story encapsulates all the things that make a story
great for me: Gothic tropes, a love story, a mystery, superior sentences, and a
twisty plot. I also love the way the author sets the book in a period before
society was taken over by electronics, but she doesn’t specifically tells us
when this is. It gives the book a haunting timelessness.
I re-read all the books by Agatha Christie (especially Miss
Marple and the Beresfords), Patricia
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| Author, Terry Lynn Thomas |
Wentworth, and (another author who is
still alive) the Lady Julia series by Deanna Raybourn. I also love Susanna
Kearsley, Rosamund Pilcher, and Maeve Binchey. I could keep going… My
to-be-read pile is toppling. So many books. So little time. Since I broke my
arm, I’ve been binge listening to audio books. I just listened to When Never
Comes by Barbara Davis. It is rocking the best seller lists for good reason.
6) A little teaser about
book two?
My writing came to a grinding halt after I broke my arm, but
I am now mastering Dragon Naturally Speaking software and am dictating! I will
tell you that Cat Carlisle just cannot seem to stay out of trouble. Can’t
really say much more at this point, but followers of The Novel Points of View
will be first to know developments about this book.
Thanks for hosting me, Rae.
You're very welcome, Terry. Thanks for providing us with an interesting insight into the inspiration for
The Silent Woman and we look forward to following Cat's journey.
Join us next time when author and short story writer, Linda Mitchelmore will be in the spotlight.
Until then, happy reading!
Rae x
