Authors often get questions about their work or their creative process. Here are a few questions I have received about the main character in the Bailey Summers Mysteries and my answers.
How did you come up with Bailey as a main character?
I was doing a Master’s program at Seton hill University. In a meeting with my mentor, she suggested that I base my main character’s profession on some area in which I had experience. Since I had been a reporter/editor for The Canadian Press at one time, I decided Bailey would be a journalist.
How did you pick the locations where the stories would take place?
Summers in San Somás was based on a brief chapter I wrote many years ago about a woman sleuth vacationing in a Caribbean Island and getting involved in local events. I threw in a revolution plus conspiracy and it turned into an adventure. Summers in Wolf Falls was based on a visit to a small community near Rouyn-Noranda, north of Montreal. A good dose of imagination and my plot emerged. Summers in the City is based on an article I read some years ago about the need for affordable housing and studio space for artists. Again, a dose of imagination and off Bailey went on her adventure.
Where did you get the idea for Derek Carstairs, Bailey’s photographer boyfriend?
Derek is based on some news photographers I knew at one time plus I added a background in the military to give him special skills that could help move the plot along. The flirtation between Derek and Bailey emerged as I wrote the books. They work well together to solve mysteries and cover news stories.
Tell us please what happens to their relationship. I have to know.
All is explained in Summers in the City. That book will be out just before Thanksgiving on amazon in ebook and paperback formats. Meanwhile if you haven’t read the previous two books, they too are available on amazon. Check out my author page on amazon for more information. Amazon.ca: A. J. Fotheringham: books, biography, latest update
