THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
Hidden Gem: the Secret of St. Augustine
Get a behind-the-scenes all-access pass to M.S. Spencer's HIDDEN GEM: THE SECRET OF ST. AUGUSTINE
***Synopis***
What is the sub-genre and trope? Did your characters lead you to this genre or
was that decided before the story began?
Cozy mystery/Romantic suspense/Humorous romance.
The theme is taken from The Secret: a Treasure Hunt, which I describe below, plus I wanted to do a story set in St. Augustine where my father lived.
It’s a wonderful, beautiful town steeped in history. Combining the city with a treasure hunt meant my characters could roam the monuments with a purpose.
Are you more character or plot driven?
Both. In a mystery the plot is crucial, but the story won’t work if the characters aren’t believable and authentic.
The characters evolve as I write, but I do have a general idea of who they are when I start.
With many main and secondary characters, how
do you keep them separated in your mind?
Do you have a story/vision board above your workspace?
I keep a list of names (all names, even the waiters etc.) with their descriptions. That way I can avoid duplicate names for tertiary characters, and having too many that sound alike.
It is easier for the reader if you don’t introduce so many characters that they lose track. The main characters are sufficiently unique that it’s not a problem!
I know from previous interviews that
characters take on a life of their own.
Were any of the characters in this book determined to take their own
direction instead of where you initially wanted them to go?
One of Barnaby’s students turns out to be unexpectedly important. I’ll say no more.
Are any of the male POVs based on anyone you
know?
Golly, no. Barnaby Swift is unique. I don’t know anyone else who is both eccentric and lovable!
Are any of the female POVs based on anyone
you know?
Not really, although since I write what I know about, Philo has familiar character traits to the author.
Was there any one scene
that was harder to write about than the other?
The final scene is always the hardest. You want to get the perfect ratio of romance, surprise, and originality into it.
I know that we aren’t supposed to have “favorites” as far as our children, but seriously, who’s your favorite character and why?
Seriously, I can’t answer that question. I love each of my heroes & heroines, although I will say that my heroes tend to be more quirky than the females and regularly endear themselves to me.
How do you get inside these character’s heads to find their perfect HEA?
The way the romance unfolds relates to the type of personality the characters have.
Barnaby is brilliant, quick-thinking, creative while Philo is a bibliophile, likes quiet and dusty library corners. I have to rub the sharp edges off each so they fit together.
What scene in this book sticks out the most
for you? Why?
I enjoy most writing the humorous scenes. The one where our three protagonists are stalked by a crocodile is great fun. Here’s a tiny taste:
The crocodile turned its head to regard her with an amber eye as cold as it was calculating. Barnaby threw an arm in front of her. “Back up slowly.”
“Back up where?”
“Then jump over him!”
Joseph halted. “You’re kidding, right?”
Time stood still while the three humans stared at the animal, who stared back at them. In Philo’s fevered brain, he seemed to be casually taking their measure. “I think we should link arms and march on him. Maybe that’ll disconcert him.”
The two men dragged their eyes from the behemoth in front of them to focus on the idiot woman beside them. “Huh?”
How long did it take you to write this book?
It usually takes a year first draft to release. I go through MANY drafts—my mysteries can get complex & I have to be sure everything works.
How did you come up with the title for your
book?
It has to do with the treasure hunt that forms the basis for the story. In 1982 Byron Preiss published The Secret: A Treasure Hunt. The year before, he had traveled to twelve spots in North America, at each of which he buried a ceramic box or casque. Each casque contained a small key that could be redeemed for one of twelve jewels Preiss kept in a safe deposit box in New York. To find a casque, the seeker had to match one of twelve paintings to one of twelve poems. Between them they held all the clues to the key’s location. Once he found the casque, he would be rewarded with the gem depicted in the painting.
Since the book was published, only three of the twelve hiding places have been uncovered. Many of the participants are convinced that the sixth box—with a sapphire as the prize—is in St. Augustine. Hence: the Hidden Gem.
If you met these characters in real life
would you get along?
Oh yes. I love bookstores and libraries, so Philo and I would have a lot in common. I also love crosswords and eccentric characters like Barnaby.
If your book was made into a movie, which actors do you see as playing your characters?
Honestly, most of the current actors/actresses look alike to me. I could see Cary Grant as Barnaby (wait, wasn’t that his name in Arsenic and Old Lace?), or Adam Sandler. As for Philo, Bonnie Hunt, maybe Helen Hunt.
Can you give us a hint as to what we can
expect next? Whether a new book and
series or a sequel to an existing series?
Can you share a small tease?
I have a new mystery ready for submission, as soon as my editor has time to look at it. Entitled The Wishing Tree: Lies, Spies, & Romance on Chincoteague, here’s the blurb:
Although M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled in five of the seven continents, she spent thirty years in Washington, D.C. as a librarian, Congressional staff assistant, speechwriter, editor, policy wonk, non-profit director, and parent. After many years in academia, she worked for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Department of the Interior, in both public and academic library systems, and at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, a diploma in Arabic Studies from the American University in Cairo, and Masters in Anthropology and in Library Science from the University of Chicago. All of this tends to insinuate itself into her works.
Ms. Spencer has published fifteen romantic suspense or mystery novels. She has two fabulous grown children and an incredible granddaughter. She now divides her time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine.
Connect with M.S.:
Thanks for letting me spew, Deb! I hope your readers enjoy the interview & want to read the book!
ReplyDeleteYou can spew anytime! Loved interviewing your my blog!
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