Rita
asked
Clay Boutwell:
Thank you for answering my question. Have you already written a book based on something you read in the paper/true crime?
Clay Boutwell
Life is stranger than fiction, right?
Not specifically--at least not for a whole story--but I have spent a lot of time reading 19th century newspapers. Some of the odder tidbits in my stories are based on real occurrences.
For example, in Remember thy Oath, Otto reads from the "lonely-hearts personal advertisements" to find Carl his true love. While I did change the content, something like this would not have been out of place: (From Remember thy Oath)
“Young lady wishes to make the acquaintance of an elderly gentleman with considerable financial means. Mother says I’m pretty.” Otto pursed his lips and teetered his head in a dainty fashion. He continued. “I can darn stockings and make soup. I’m very fond of pickles but quite detest liver. Man must have a good set of teeth. Object, matrimony.”
Not specifically--at least not for a whole story--but I have spent a lot of time reading 19th century newspapers. Some of the odder tidbits in my stories are based on real occurrences.
For example, in Remember thy Oath, Otto reads from the "lonely-hearts personal advertisements" to find Carl his true love. While I did change the content, something like this would not have been out of place: (From Remember thy Oath)
“Young lady wishes to make the acquaintance of an elderly gentleman with considerable financial means. Mother says I’m pretty.” Otto pursed his lips and teetered his head in a dainty fashion. He continued. “I can darn stockings and make soup. I’m very fond of pickles but quite detest liver. Man must have a good set of teeth. Object, matrimony.”
More Answered Questions
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more