CBB Interview with Ann Margaret Lewis

Born and raised in Waterford, Michigan, Ann Margaret Lewis attended Michigan State University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. She began her writing career writing tie-in children’s books and short stories for DC Comics. She then published two editions of the book Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Alien Species for Random House.

After attacking the Star Wars universe, Ann plunged into writing science fiction/fantasy, historical fiction, and, of course, mysteries. Her first book, Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes was the Independent Book Publisher’s Award Winner for 2010 for best religious fiction, a Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval recipient, and a finalist for the Catholic Arts and Letters Award for 2010.

Recently we discussed her foray into the world of Sherlock Holmes. Enjoy!

PETE:  How did you develop the idea for Sherlock Holmes tales set against the backdrop of the Catholic Church?

ANN MARGARET LEWIS: My ideas came from the original canon of stories. The tales in Murder in the Vatican were suggested from the original texts. The lightbulbs first turned on when I read in the “The Adventure of Black Peter”  that “In this memorable year ’95, a curious and incongruous succession of cases had engaged his [Holmes’s] attention, ranging from his famous investigation of the sudden death of Cardinal Tosca — an inquiry which was carried out by him at the express desire of His Holiness the Pope.” The second was suggested in The Hound of the Baskervilles – when Holmes says he was “ was exceedingly preoccupied by that little affair of the Vatican cameos, and in my anxiety to oblige the Pope I lost touch with several interesting English cases.” (Of particular note is that Pope Leo is one of the few of Holmes clients to consult him more than once!) The last story in that collection was suggested from “The Retired Colourman” – when Holmes says, “”You know that I am preoccupied with this case of the two Coptic Patriarchs, which should come to a head to-day.”

With The Watson Chronicles it was, essentially the same. In the case of “The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier” Holmes, who is writing his own story this time says, “The good Watson had at that time deserted me for a wife, the only selfish action which I can recall in our association.” That one line caused me to take a detour from writing Murder in the Vatican. I had to write the book I had in my head, and then I went back and finished Murder in the Vatican.

PETE: Did you find taking up one of the most recognizable characters in the genre of mystery intimidating?

ANN MARGARET LEWIS:Very much so. I had to learn to imitate a man who was the master of the English language. Also – I was a Midwestern 21st century mommy imitating the voice of a Victorian English gentleman. Luckily I had lots of great beta readers who helped me find many of the flaws. Not all, I’m sure. A native Englishman would see the flaws, but most seem to think it turned out pretty well.

PETE: Since this character is so recognizable and it was not one of your own creation, how much research did you have to do to ensure you kept to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s framework for Sherlock Holmes?

ANN MARGARET LEWIS:A lot. I read the canon of stories over and over and over. I practically had them memorized by the time I was finished. I have so many bookmarks now and a whole library dedicated to writing Victorian. Most of my time was dominated by the research while I was writing.

PETE:What has the general feedback been on your books Murder In the Vatican and The Watson Chronicles especially from fans of Sherlock Holmes?

ANN MARGARET LEWIS:Mostly positive. I have had one reviewer (an atheist) who hated MiV simply because it had the pope in it. That was a rather sad statement on prejudice toward anything religious. But on the other hand I’ve had atheists read MiV and like it…so it was just that one reviewer’s issue. As for Watson Chronicles, I made the prediction that folks would either love it or hate it. It’s a deep book, and for the most part it’s been received well, though it is a different book and not what people are expecting  It also hasn’t gotten the publicity that the first one did. I’m hoping that will change soon.

PETE: Will you be writing any more escapades of Sherlock Holmes?

ANN MARGARET LEWIS:I’ve already written a short story for an anthology, and my publisher wants me to do more, so I hope so.

PETE: Time for my signature ending question. This is a blog about books. What books are currently on your bookshelf to read?

ANN MARGARET LEWIS:Since I’m in the middle of writing a book about 1840s Indiana, I’ve been collecting history books, books on settlement life and weaponry of the period. Though in the middle there I have some sci fi and one or two books people want me to critique. Reading just to read, I’d say I look forward to my friend Karina Fabian’s book Mind over All.

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