BB: How long did it take for you to come up with
the Ernie Bisquets character?
RMP: The character, Ernie Bisquets, came to me while I
was painting a copy of Manet’s, Le Fifre for an old museum frame I acquired. I’m a
trained artist and I keep at least one painting going at all times. Since
painting is a solitary endeavor, my mind has a tendency to wander freely. So,
there I was, painting a copy of a famous painting, and I had this “What it…” moment. That “what if” was
Ernie Bisquets–a retired pickpocket tricked into helping a couple Mayfair
swells solve a museum forgery case. It took me 3 months to finish the painting,
but by the time I was done I had the bones of a character and the outline for
the first book. An added bonus–I was able to use the finished painting for the
cover.
BB: Do you see more
of yourself in Ernie or Inspector Flannel?
RMP: I’d like to think there is more of me in Ernie
than in the good Inspector. Ernie is a pleasant sort, a bit mischievous, but he
knows right from wrong. If someone asks his help he’ll jump in with both feet,
never worrying about himself in the process. He also has a remarkable way of
sifting through clues to get at the solution, much to the irritation of the
good Inspector. Ernie is also fiercely loyal to his friends.
BB: Of your two
characters, Flannel and Bisquets, what would be their favorite Boneyard Coffee
and Tea drink? A strong black Oolong tea or a flavorful Boneyard latte?
RMP: Inspector Flannel would certainly lean more
towards the Oolong tea–being as strong and dark as the hearts of the villains
he chases.
Ernie, on the other hand, would favor the Boneyard latte. His
tastes are more refined, which allowed him to blend seamlessly among the
Mayfair swells that fell prey to his nimble fingers.
BB: Do you chart out the
events ahead of time or do the characters first scramble onto your page and you
have to organize the plot later?
RMP: I start each book with a basic synopsis and a
brief outline of chapters. Once the setting is established, and the antagonist
revealed, I
reach a point where the characters take over the direction of the
story. I find this very exciting, hoping that if the twists and turns in the
plot have surprised me they will also surprise my readers.
BB: I loved book
three so much she truly wants to review books one and two and kindly requests a
copy so that all three books can be reviewed at once.
RMP: I would be delighted to forward the first 2
books. The first book, Along Came A Fifer,
really gets into the character’s backgrounds, along with the introduction of
the treacherous Phynley Paine. The second book, Rook, Rhyme & Sinker, gives a glimpse of Ernie’s rough childhood
and the surprising appearance of his old mate Simon “Slippery” Railes.
BB: Your setting
descriptions are very well done and include all five senses. Do you write
those moments from memory or do you take notes as you visit places?
RMP: Thank you very much. Some are from memory, but I
will modestly admit that my talents as an artist have a great deal to do with
the painting of the scenes in the books. I’m also fortunate enough to be able
to pop over to London when I need to walk the streets of a new story, making
notes of the sights and sounds. To me the settings in the books are as
important as the characters. Some dodgy old purists will tell you never to
start out a chapter with the weather, or describing a room, but if you look at
the greats they do just that–it really sets the mood.
BB: Who is your favorite
author?
RMP: This is a tough one. I grew up reading
Conan-Doyle and Christie, which is where my love of mysteries came from. Even
though my books take place in contemporary London I like to think I keep a
little of the mystique of turn-of-the-century London in the characters and
mood. As for current mainstream favorites? I would say Robert Parker has always
been a must read for me, along with Lisa Scottoline. I also enjoy finding a
good book amongst the independent writers who have blossomed from the
self-publishing boom. There are some great writers out there just waiting to be
discovered.
BB: At what age did you
feel you were a writer?
RMP: Last week . . . Only kidding. I think the
realization I was a writer came to me at the first book signing I did in 2009.
Walking in, seeing the books stacked up, and hearing my name announced over the
intercom was a thrill. And, I must admit, it still is. It’s one thing to create
a character and write a mystery, but it’s the readers who decide if you are a
writer or not. I’ve feel very fortunate Ernie has become endeared to so many.
To that end, I try ever so hard with every book not to disappoint. The greatest
compliment a writer receives comes from the enjoyment expressed by those who
have read his/her work. If they’re looking forward to the next book, you’ve
done a good job.
BB: If Ernie and Flannel
were dropped off at a cinema, what movie would each one prefer to watch?
RMP: I think Ernie would most identify with Jack in Titanic. Here’s a street-wise, young guy
from a rough beginning, thrown into the
cauldron on High Society. To some he
fits right in, but to others he will never be more than what he is. Like Jack,
Ernie will ignore the doubters and continue to follow his dreams and ambitions.
As for the good Inspector, if you dropped him off in front of a theater he
would probably scoff at the idea of wasting time on such sentimental nonsense.
An unsavory character in the crowd would then capture his attention; upon which
he would call him out for the villain he is and haul him down to the station
for booking.
BB: If you do book
signings, what was your most memorable moment or phrase from a fan?
RMP: Book signings are the best part about being an
author. Meeting readers, getting their insights about what you did right and
what you did wrong, and enjoying the experience is without measure. “What does
the “R” stand for in your name?” is usually the first question and the one I
enjoy most. I’m a bit of a lad with the responses– Ridiculously-charming, Rudely-abrupt,
Remotely-amusing, Relatively-handsome, etc., etc., etc. It
helps me relax and sets a friendly atmosphere. And, after all, I’m a mystery
writer; there should be at least a little bit of mystery about me.
It was great talking to Betsy Bean and her readers. You’ll never find me too far from a good cup of coffee,
so this was such a delight. When you get a minute, stop by and see what Betsy has brewing.
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