Author A.W. Baldwin joined us for an engaging conversation about his book Moonshine Mesa, his inspirations, and the ideas that fuel his writing.
Q1. Welcome! Your new novel explores the tension between suspense and environmental conspiracy. What inspired you to delve into the complexities of such a mystery?
Uncovering the environmental scam presented a unique mystery (what was killing bees, crows, and humans?) and thwarting the scheme required life-changing courage for a would-be attorney who partners with a moonshining hermit in the desert wilderness. The stunning beauty of the American Southwest, and our need to protect it against too much human encroachment and pollution, was a large part of my inspiration for this novel. Industries designed to mitigate climate change hold promise for the entire planet; a conspiracy that misuses those is especially corrupt and dangerous. So, I’d say that emerging environmental technologies also provided some inspiration for the story.
Q2. How did you develop the intrigue in the storyline? Were there any real-life dynamics that influenced your writing process?
The co-conspirators (Betty and Charles), were drawn together by greed, but also by love, and then torn apart by betrayal. But it was important to me to add another layer of intrigue. A would-be attorney (Parker) and a moonshining hermit (“Relic”), were cast together unwillingly by the environmental dangers and were challenged to uncover and ultimately monkey wrench the nefarious scheme. The cultural contrasts between Parker and Relic provided ample opportunities for miscues, humor, intrigue, and courage. I think interactions between people of differing backgrounds and experiences reveal their assumptions and core characteristics, and I find that fascinating.
Q3. For new or aspiring writers, especially those wanting to write mystery and suspense, what advice would you give about creating emotionally complex characters and relationships that feel authentic?
Observe human behavior, and misbehavior, and be true to what you see when you develop your characters. People deal with black and white issues fairly readily; they either do the right thing or they don’t. But complex issues, where moral concerns are mixed or convoluted, lead to complex emotional reactions. And someone who might react one way to a complicated issue in the abstract might behave very differently when the issue is presented by a loved one, or by an enemy. You have to pull from your own experiences, so be observant.
Q4. Do you have any writing rituals or habits that helped you stay grounded and creative while working on this book?
They’re more habit than ritual, but I find that writing first thing in the morning is best for me. I have a small bedroom that’s got a card table, bookcase, and a compact recliner. I balance my laptop on my lap and type away. But before I begin any project, I’ve thought long and hard about the characters, story line, plot twists, and settings. Details arise as I work the story through on “paper.”
Q5. When you’re not writing, what kinds of books do you enjoy reading? Are there any authors or novels that you feel influenced your style or themes while writing Moonshine Mesa?
Certainly, I enjoy mysteries and thrillers. Clive and Dirk Cussler are big hits with me (as well as those who write with them) but I also like Elmore Leonard (especially for his characters), Edward Abbey (for his love of the Southwest), Buck Tilton (for his entertaining hiking guides), Nevada Barr (for her settings), Jeff Edwards (for his military thrillers), Nate Granzow (for his dark comedies), Robert Crais (for his detective tales) and anyone else new and different. I enjoy their stories as well as their writing techniques. All of the above, and more than I can list here, have inspired or influenced my own writing.
About the author: A.W. Baldwin has written five thrillers featuring “Relic,” a moonshining hermit living deep in the remote canyons of Utah. Raptor Canyon received the Grand Master Adventure Writers’ Finalist Award and was a finalist in the 2019-2020 Screen Craft Cinematic Book Contest. Wings Over Ghost Creek received the Grand Master Adventure Writers’ Finalist Award and the Global Book Awards Silver Medal. Broken Inn received the Grand Master Adventure Writers’ Finalist Award, the Global Book Awards Silver Medal, and the New York City Big Book Award Featured Favorite Award. Each have received rave reviews from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Dirk Cussler.
