CL: How has the telling of the story been affected by the period it was
written in (published 2006)?
PL: I have purposely written the story in a contemporary style, with contemporary language. I was careful not to use expressions or ideas that would not be common during the period of the story, but in checking the etymology of words, I was surprised to discover how far back some words and expressions go, and how recent other terms are. An occasional person has also suggested that some of the ideas are "New Age," and would only occur later in the twentieth century, in the 1970s or 1980s. However, ideas that many people consider "New Age" actually originated in the resurgence of esoteric and occult practices associated with Astrology, Theosophy, Spiritualism, and Magick, all popular in the late 19th century.
CL: Since finishing the novel, have there been any new facts unearthed that
would have affected the way you told this story?
PL: About six months after Madame Zee came out in hardcover, I received an e-mail from the grandniece of Mabel Rowbotham, aka Madame Zee. She was able to tell me that Mabel arrived in Canada with her father and two brothers, and that her mother had actually died in England, before they came to Canada. That information would have added a new dimension to the book that I would have enjoyed exploring.
CL: What kind of response have you been receiving from readers?
PL: Most of the comments have been about Zee, and how they like how I portray her as a real person who makes mistakes but keeps growing in spite of them. Some readers are interested in the psychic side of her, and others like the factual, historical aspect. Some people say they like the sensual quality to my writing. Others find it erotic, which always surprises me. Reviewers have been very kind; several book clubs have asked me to join their discussions, either in person or by telephone, and Madame Zee received a Golden Slipper Award, naming it one of the top 10 works of Canadian fiction in 2006. It has several times been featured as a book pick, and best of all, I have received numerous heartwarming personal e-mails, every one of which made my day! It's incredibly moving to know that people actually like what I write, that they can identify with characters so different from themselves, and that they are waiting for another book. Writing is difficult for me, so knowing readers want another book can really keep me going.
CL: Do you think people had more of a belief or faith in the supernatural in
the '20s or '30s than they do now?
PL: The popularity of such television series as Supernatural, Medium, Crossing Over, and Antique Psychic all suggest not. Books about the paranormal sell well, and there are more people claiming psychic abilities than ever. However, I do think it's natural to look outside ourselves for meaning, whether that is through belief in the paranormal, religious faith, or science. We want explanations, and hope. I don't suppose that changes much from one century to another.
CL: Is there anything you want people to take away from this story?
PL: Samuel Goldwyn said, of Hollywood scripts, "If you want to send a message, use Western Union." That is likely good advice. I'd like readers to enjoy my books, whether they're looking for a bit of knowledge, an emotional experience, or simply a good story. I'd like them to have no regrets that they spent twenty bucks on a book, instead of a movie or a bottle of wine. And I'd especially like them to enjoy Madame Zee enough to recommend it to others.
CL: What discussion points would you like people to bring up at a book club
meeting about this novel?
PL: It may be interesting to discuss the historical aspects of the cult -- did it surprise anyone to learn of the colony and its treatment of colonists? Also, how does Madame Zee's spiritual quest parallel the spiritual quest a contemporary woman might undertake? What does the story say about the nature of love? Or sex, for that matter?
CL: What is the next writing project you're working on? And will you tackle
another historical story after this experience?
PL: True to my process, I just discarded my next project, though I will be able to use much of what I wrote. At the moment, I am writing bits and pieces, mulling over their connections, trying to determine what exactly the story is about, so I can shape it into something someone might want to read. And will I tackle another historical novel? Maybe, once I forget how difficult it was to write this one.
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