|
Until
Beryls novel is published, she keeps its
title unknown and refers to it as a psychological
thriller. I plan for this novel to become
the first of a series that will continue as
long as I wish. In each novel, my hero will
accept a new assignment that will offer the
reader a learning opportunity, related to an
ecological crisis. After I write a number of
sequels in the series, I will have taken the
reader around the globe. The journey begins
with a psychological thriller that takes place
in the United States. I bring readers to a city
they have never meticulously looked at before,
although most have traveled there many times.
Why
does Beryl write techno thrillers and not romance?
I marvel at romance writers, but Im
not one of them. Even a romantic passage is
difficult for me to write. Also, having a specialized
scientist for a husband has added a scientific
slant to my thinking. I now share his concerns
for the survival of life on or underneath this
earth. Swimming in a sea of scientific information,
I feel inspired to write about it, inside the
framework of fiction.
At
this point, Beryl mentions Patricia Cornwell,
one of her idols. Ms. Cornwell writes
about forensic medicine and crime and is quoted
as saying, Its important to me to
live in the world I write about. I believe
that following this advice is essential, when
one is composing realistic novels. If I want
to write about the environment, I must first
understand its current situation.
When
asked about her main character, Beryl replies,
Remember, Im a surgeons daughter,
and now Im married to a scientist. The
template for my hero comes from both these men.
She
laughs for a moment and then explains, With
my background, one might expect my subject matter
to be glamorous. But it goes like this: Although
my father enjoyed his seat as a judge for the
Miss America Pageant; as a surgeon, his
main contribution to humanity was saving lives.
I want to follow his greater path. Writing about
ecological concerns brings awareness that will
improve or save the human condition.
When
we discuss Beryls paintings, shown in
galleries around the United States, it makes
one speculate that if she spends her time writing,
will she no longer indulge in the creative endeavors
of her past? Oh, no! she exclaims.
Those expressive outlets are not lost
in vain. My creative side has a new voice, as
it speaks through prose passages. Rather than
paint an image with oils on canvas, I describe
what I would paint.
We
converse over the importance of maintaining
a healthy ecological environment, and Beryl
explains, People dont give much
thought to ecological matters. They load up
their trash cans and have no idea where their
garbage ends up or the problems it creates.
They hear about environmental concerns on the
news, but they dont know the fine details.
Its really too bad, because if they did,
they might change their habits.
Married
to a scientist, I have learned many fascinating
facts related to ecological and environmental
matters. And although Im anxious to blast
them to the mainstream population in my novels,
I must be patient. First, I spend months of
preparation, verifying that my facts are concrete.
Next, I create characters and a rough outline,
staying true to my concept that an outline is
a guide and not the final word. Finally, I begin
my novel with the intention of writing a story
that will transport the booklover to our real
world.
|
|