What inspired you to write The Fallen Architect?
The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder. As several people are crossing a rope bridge, it fails and they plunge to their deaths. They are strangers to each other and just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. A balcony in a building could collapse killing strangers, but I thought what if the failure wasn’t accidental and these victims have something in common.
When writing historical fiction, what kind of research do you do beforehand? Are there details you pay extra attention to while writing to set a realistic scene?
I spend a few months looking through books and newspapers before writing. It was important to describe the theatre setting and the different types of acts accurately.
What quality do you admire most in Layton?
His resilience and determination to start a new life when most men would have given up hope and killed themselves.
What drew you to a music hall setting?
I had seen a TV program on the BBC that re-created the music hall experience and saw how much people enjoyed themselves, especially singing along with the performers. Also, the wonderful architecture of the old British music halls.
Which character did you find the most difficult to write?
Layton’s father.
How has your writing evolved from your first book to now?
I think I’m better at character development.
If you had one piece of advice for prospective writers, what would it be?
Write what you know. It’ll be easier.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your free time?
I still practice as a historic preservation consultant, so my free time is taken up by the writing.
What’s currently on your to-read list?
The short stories of John O’Hara.
What do you want readers to take away from The Fallen Architect?
That no matter how bad life crushes you down, you can still pick yourself up and start again.