Unveiling the Inspirations Behind the Zack Tolliver Series
R. Lawson Gamble discusses his diverse writing journey, inspirations for his award-winning series, and the importance of research in crafting authentic, engaging stories across multiple genres.
R. Lawson Gamble is a literary force whose diverse body of work captivates readers with its rich storytelling and meticulous attention to detail. With a career that spans multiple genres, including crime mystery, Westerns, and historical narratives, Gamble has established himself as a master of weaving intricate plots with authentic cultural and historical elements. His acclaimed Zack Tolliver, FBI series, praised for its unique blend of mystery, Native American culture, and mysticism, showcases his ability to create compelling characters and immersive settings. Gamble’s dedication to research and authenticity is evident in every page, ensuring that readers are not only entertained but also enlightened. His passion for storytelling and his commitment to exploring new literary landscapes make him a standout author in contemporary fiction.
In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, R. Lawson Gamble shares insights into his creative process, the inspirations behind his beloved characters, and the adventures that have shaped his writing journey. From his early beginnings as a music performance major to his transition into a full-time author, Gamble’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering love for literature. Join us as we delve into the mind of this remarkable author and explore the worlds he has so vividly brought to life.
Your Zack Tolliver, FBI series has garnered multiple awards and praise for its unique blend of mystery, Native American culture, and mysticism. What inspired you to create the characters Zack Tolliver and Eagle Feather, and how do you ensure the cultural elements are portrayed authentically?
Zack and Eagle Feather were created to be the cultural Yin and Yang of crime investigation in a Southwestern U.S. setting. Zack Tolliver, the FBI agent trained in evidence-based science, contrasts with Eagle Feather, the Navajo tracker/hunter, who is naturally spiritual and intuitive. I wanted to see what each might bring to the table during an investigation and how one might influence the thinking of the other within a growing friendship and collaboration set in various Indigenous environments. The cultures of the many native people in the Southwest differ, and while they share many commonalities, there are significant differences as well. Each tribe I present in a novel requires research, even the smaller bands within tribes.
Living in Los Alamos in the Central Coast of California, how does your environment influence the settings and themes of your novels, particularly those in the Zack Tolliver series?
The mountains and grasslands, the grazing cattle, and the horse ranches of the Los Alamos Valley area, even the frontier look of the town itself, could be a Western film setting. Most area ranches are holdouts from the Californios era and continue the old ways, including the rodeo. It doesn’t require a lot of imagination to write creatively in this setting. The Mexican bandit, Salomon Pico, was headquartered in this valley and bones attributed to his victims have been found in the hills behind Los Alamos. The area comes with a mystique and romance of its own.
You’ve published a diverse range of works, from crime mystery fiction to Westerns and even a pictorial history. How do you approach writing in different genres, and what challenges do you face when switching between them?
The common factor among all my genres is heavy research. A switch from non-fiction to fiction merely changes the amount and intensity of my research. Pure fiction is the easiest, and most fun. It flows from me. The new Western series, for example, requires less research, yet there is more than one might expect. My pictorial history of Los Alamos required the most fact-gathering, including many in-person interviews. One significant difference between my two series is the Johnny Alias books are voiced in the first person while the Zack Tolliver series is voiced in the third person.
In addition to writing, you have made appearances as a speaker and participated in documentary films. How have these experiences enriched your storytelling, and what impact do they have on your writing process?
My speaking engagements began after my first publications, thus my writing impacted my speaking, rather than the other way around, yet audiences’ thoughts do influence aspects of my writing. I enjoy talking about my novels with any audience or even just a friend over a coffee. Ironically, my documentary about Salomon Pico grew from a blog article about a book I have yet to write. I keep unearthing new facts, delaying that project.
Your Western series, Johnny Alias, is relatively new with three books already published. What drew you to write Westerns, and how do you balance historical accuracy with engaging storytelling in this genre?
Westerns have always been my first love. I watched Hopalong Cassidy and the Cisco Kid on black and white TV as a child. My nickname as a youngster was “Two Guns” for the gun belt I would wear. The Johnny Alias series offers me the best opportunity for pure creative writing, yet it is important to understand the historical time frame in Texas when Johnny lives, including details of climate, the impact of the printing press, cattle drives affecting small-town life, and so on. Due diligence in research never ends.
Payu’s Journey offers an analogical journey through the eyes of Australian animals. Can you share more about the inspiration behind this book and what you hope readers, especially younger ones, take away from it?
Payu’s Journey had its nascency in a real tragedy in Australia when a baby disappeared from a tent during a family camping trip. The parents were accused of this crime and the mother spent time in jail. Only years later was the baby’s blanket found in a Dingo cave. This case fascinated me and my mind played “what-if” games. I wanted to offer a Dingo perspective on the event. The story took on a life of its own as Payu the Dingo, her maternal instincts sparked by the tragic loss of her pups, took the baby and journeyed to find a rumored mystical land in which to raise the human child. The religious analogy grew along the way, as did the suggestion of diversity as an asset as individual animals from the widely varied fauna of Australia joined in her journey, offering their unique capabilities in service to the quest. Perhaps the relationships, values, and choices made by the animals will stimulate a positive path for young readers.
