QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Beverly Barton answers readers' questions about Southern stereotypes, the inspiration behind her characters and the release of her next book.

Janice from Hicksville, NY: Do you see the heroine, Jordon Price, as strong and vulnerable, typical of the women of the South?
 
Beverly Barton: Jordan Price is a strong, vulnerable heroine who personifies the saying that sometimes gentleness is the greatest strength of all. At her very core, Jordan is a caretaker. She often sacrificed her own needs in order to look after those she loved.
 
I don’t think there is any one “type” of woman who personifies the modern Southern woman. We’re too diversified in age, education, ethnic heritage and socio-economic backgrounds to all fit a specific stereotype. But in some ways, Jordan is like many women I’ve known in my family and in my community --- a woman who is kind and gentle, yet seems to be emotionally reserved. She is a woman who takes responsibility seriously and is always there for the people who need her.
 
Tiffany from Joliet, IL: Do the characters in your books take on the personas of real people in your life?
 
Beverly Barton: Yes and no. I never intentionally base a character in one of my books on a real person. But since I draw from a lifetime of experience when I write a book, I find that some characters tend to have characteristics of people I know or have known. Usually a character will be a composite of several people. I think that I probably use personality traits I’ve observed throughout my life when I create certain fictional people.

Cynthia from Douglaston, NY: What's the name of your next book? When will it be released?
 
Beverly Barton: SILENT KILLER is set for release in September 2009.

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