Discover the creative journey behind the Lady Swift Mystery series and the couple’s passion for the 1920s
Verity Bright discusses their writing process, historical accuracy, and the inspiration behind the Lady Swift Mystery series set in the 1920s.
Verity Bright, the creative pseudonym for a talented husband-and-wife writing duo, has captivated readers with their enchanting Lady Swift Mystery series, which transports us to the glamorous and tumultuous 1920s. With a writing partnership that spans over twenty-five years, they have skilfully transitioned from high-end travel articles to crafting delightful historical mysteries that resonate with fans of the genre. Their latest instalment, “Murder on the Nile“, showcases their ability to weave intricate plots filled with suspense and charm, solidifying their place in the literary world.
The duo’s passion for the 1920s shines through in their work, as they meticulously research the era’s social history and cultural nuances. Their commitment to authenticity is evident in every page, making Lady Eleanor Swift a character who not only embodies the spirit of her time but also challenges the conventions of her society. Readers are drawn into a world where wit, heart, and clever deduction reign supreme, reminiscent of the great Agatha Christie while offering a fresh perspective that is uniquely their own. In this interview, we delve into the inspirations behind their writing, the collaborative process that fuels their creativity, and what lies ahead for Lady Swift and her adventures.
What inspired you to set the Lady Swift Mystery series in the 1920s, and how do you ensure historical accuracy in your books?
We’ve always been fascinated by the 1920s. Not only the glamour, but also the social history of the period. It was a great time of change for everybody, not just women. We also inhabit the 1920s as the village we live in is still owned by the Lord of the Manor whose family has owned the Estate for over 600 hundred years. Cricket, polo and shooting are still the mainstays of life here.
We ensure historical accuracy by examining historical records of the day, eyewitness accounts, photographs and early videos and other of-the-time material rather than relying on Wikipedia and Google. We also travel to all the places we write about if possible.
Can you share some insights into your writing process as a husband-and-wife team? How do you collaborate on developing the plot and characters?
Over time we have constructed a fairly organised writing process that still allows room for chaos and conflict (very important for creativity):
- My wife and I brainstorm each new book. As well as setting, plot and characters, we discuss previous books and planned future books to make sure the present one will fit in the series.
- Then I plot a rough outline. We discuss this and I flesh it out.
- We discuss the extended outline and I create a series of acts and chapters.
- My wife then produces the first draft. This is where the magic happens and characters come to life.
- Unfortunately, they often disagree with the direction of the plot. Sometimes to the point I have to re-write large sections of it, including the ending.
- Once the first draft is completed, I edit it and then my wife edits my edits and we send it to our editor who, you guessed it, edits my, and my wife’s edits 🙂
Lady Eleanor Swift is a fascinating character. How did you develop her personality and background, and what do you enjoy most about writing her adventures?
We wanted a strong, but sympathetic character who wasn’t afraid to rock the status quo of the time. To make her character believable, we needed her to have an unusual upbringing and unique life experiences. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of writing about her adventures is the necessity for research. We have travelled the length of Britain to research these adventures, as well as places further afield such as France, Ireland, Italy and Egypt.
Murder on the Nile involves a complex plot with multiple mysteries intertwined. How do you approach plotting such intricate storylines while maintaining suspense and coherence?
We normally construct a main plot and then a subplot that weaves around the main plot before colliding with it towards the end of the book. Suspense is (hopefully!) maintained by the careful placing and revealing of clues (and red herrings) and by varying the danger the characters are facing.
Your series is often compared to the works of Agatha Christie. How do you balance paying homage to classic mystery elements while bringing something new and unique to your stories?
If you write any kind of Golden Age crime, it is inevitable you’ll be compared (favourably or otherwise) to Agatha. We allow for it by including a nod to the great lady in various plots or characters. It may not be unique, but we try to imbue our stories with wit and heart as well as fiendishly intellectual puzzles of deduction.
What can readers expect from future installments in the Lady Swift Mystery series, and are there any other projects you’re currently working on?
The next book in the Lady Swift series, A Midwinter Murder, takes place at Christmas in Yorkshire. Eleanor and her fiance, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, are guests of the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke. Soon Eleanor finds the Duke’s secretary, Mr Porritt, dead, clasped in his frozen hand is a golden pendant. With a blizzard raging outside and the Duke’s behaviour becoming ever more erratic, Eleanor and Hugh must find out who the murderer is in their midst before the death toll rises. But when Auldwyke Hall is cut off and the killer launches a terrifying attack on the Duke himself, Eleanor and Hugh realise the killer is much closer than they thought!
A Midwinter Murder also features Lady Swift’s loyal staff and her inseparable bulldog and tomcat. It also advances the romance between Eleanor and Hugh in a big way, but no spoilers!
