Is BARONNE
STREET your
first novel?
- Yes, but I am working on a second novel that finds Burleigh Drummond caught in the crossfire
of racial politics in New
Orleans. The third novel is still a glint in my eye but will most likely be about the intertwined horrors of missing
children and sexual slavery.
I read in an interview
you've been known to hang out with wise guys. Does this mean you have friends in the Mafia?
- If you mean thugs with dark shirts, olive-oil perfect hair, and .45 caliber bulges under their
shoulders, the answer is no. In New Orleans,
they’re anachronisms. Local godfather Carlos Marcello went to prison in
the early eighties and the New
Orleans Mafia fell apart
for various reasons, including apathy. When Marcello died in 1993 no one assumed
his role and the territory became open. A new breed of Mafioso moved into town. Young men who are sophisticated and college-educated; men who surround themselves
with modern day torpedoes - lawyers. The business is the same, just slicker.
Yes, I socialize with these guys. Look for them in a future Burleigh Drummond
novel or story.
We don't know
much about Drummond's background. Why?
- I don't subscribe to current writing practice of loading down the reader with the characters'
histories. I hope I can keep the reader interested in what is happening in the
present.
In BARONNE STREET, we learn that Drummond is not a native of New Orleans.
During the short
story Part of the Plan, Drummond mentions his grandfather. Serious mystery
buffs will catch the reference. Of course, the comment could be more philosophical
than genealogical.
In the short story Price Tag Attached, Drummond states his knowledge of the antiques business came
from working at an antiques shop. Though not mentioned in the story that was during his high school days.
I plan to drop
more clues about his background in future.
Will you write
fiction that doesn't feature Burleigh Drummond?
- All of my planned work is about Drummond, though I can see the possibility of a novel or short
story featuring Morgan Cross ( a character in BARONNE
STREET).
