Grace’s Comments (group member since Feb 03, 2013)

Grace’s comments from the Ask Grace Best-Page group.

I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful. It's been quite a few years since I did the research. You could also try the documentary series "Silk Road," though I'm pretty sure I watched that after completing the book.

Hi Susan,
Thanks for asking! My resources for Tibet were the World Book Encyclopedia, the internet, and Michael Palinʼs TV series “Himalaya,” episode five: “Tibet.” I also recall watching the documentary series "The Silk Road," but now I'm trying to remember if that was before or after publication. I don't have it in my appendix of sources, so it must have been after.
I hope this helps!

David wrote: "And now you have entered the world of Holmesian literature, is there more to come?"
Good question! I've been asked that by friends and family, and the answer is I really don't know. I'm letting ideas roll around in the back of my mind and we'll see what happens. Perhaps something focusing on the Irregulars?

Tracey wrote: "Obviously you were very familiar with Sherlock since you love the books. What other things did you have to research to put your book together? I would think you would have to have done quite a bi..."
Hi, Tracey! The TN, retail store, London, and Europe parts came from actual experience, as well as some of the names (I worked with an Anne and a Jessica, I was nanny to a Philip and a Christopher, I worked as a server in Melanie's Bistro-and yes, the food made you glad to be alive). As the saying goes, write what you know!
But for points east and Khartoum, I did have to do real research, and I mention my sources in the acknowledgements. As for time period, just having read and watched a lot of period pieces helped, but I still had to go back and look things up to make sure I got it right. I now know the difference between all those many types of cabs and other horse drawn vehicles used back then (or at least I did when I was writing the book!). I learned quite a bit and had misconceptions corrected, so it was an enjoyable experience all around.

Diane wrote: "How did you come up with the idea for this book? It's very unique!"
Thank you for your question, Diane! I've been a Sherlock Holmes fan ever since I can remember, but this book didn't start out having anything to do with him. In actuality, I started writing a book about my experiences working in retail, which I was in at the time, but while daydreaming during the slow periods at work, it became more fun to think about the fascinating character of Sherlock. In the end, my trains of thought became entwined. I wanted to explore how Doyle's Holmes would act and react if faced with a character like Jackie from the retail storyline, but I also wanted to know how a woman like Jackie, average, normal, intelligent, with modern sensibilities, would act and react if confronted with Sherlock.

Thank you so much for your interest in my book and taking the time to join this group! I'll do my best to stay on top of things and answer all your questions in a timely manner. Let's have some fun!