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QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Lawrence Goldstone answers readers' questions about his writing process, the use of historical figures in a work of fiction and the possibility of writing more novels in the historical mystery/thriller genre.

Lawrence Goldstone: The book took about a year to write and, between editing and the pre-publication process, about another 16 months before it was in the stores.

Dick from New York, NY: How long did it take you to figure out the spins and turns of the plot?

Lawrence Goldstone: I don’t do detailed outlines in advance. I know where I’m starting and where I think I’m ending up, and from there try to let the story unfold organically. Things don’t always work as planned, however. The characters dictate the course of a book --- or should --- more than the writer. In THE ANATOMY OF DECEPTION, I had to make a major change in the final relationship between two of the characters during the editing process because, after some alterations to one of them, my original outcome seemed phony.

Barb from Mechanicsburg, PA: Why did you choose to write about known names in medical history?

Lawrence Goldstone: Pure serendipity. During the research for a nonfiction book about Michael Servetus, my wife and I came across William Osler, who was an admirer of Servetus and a collector of his works. Dr. Osler was a man almost as fascinating as Servetus himself. I read extensively about Dr. Osler, and when I learned of the great secret concerning Dr. Halsted that Osler had embedded in “The Inner History of the Johns Hopkins Hospital” (not opened until 1969), I knew I had a great story. Fiction seemed to be a better vehicle to explore the ethical conundrum, so I decided to take a shot. I’m thrilled you seemed to have enjoyed the result.

Patrick from York, ME: Even though you mention that there is no proof, do you have any misgivings about using a real person and accusing him of murder?

Lawrence Goldstone: I hope (and expect) readers understand that fiction means “made up.” Moreover, my treatment is not unique. Many other writers of historical fiction, including Shakespeare, have treated real figures harshly. (Richard III, for example, appears to have been nowhere near the monster the Bard made him out to be. But Shakespeare was writing for a Tudor audience, so demonizing the man from whom the Tudors wrested the throne was commercially savvy.) For me, the task was to pen a good yarn while remaining true to the essential character of each of the historical figures I incorporated into the story. I hope I’ve done that.

Phyllis from Louisville, MS: Will you write more historical mysteries/thrillers?

Lawrence Goldstone: I very much enjoy writing in this genre. Combining the fun of learning about a new period with the challenges of stitching together a tight story satisfies both of my professional loves at once. How many more of these I do, however, is really a question for my editor.

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