Q&A with Jenn Bregman

 

 

 

Jenn Bregman is the author of the new novel The Last Hamilton. She is also a criminal defense lawyer, and she lives in Colorado.

 

Q: What inspired you to write The Last Hamilton, and how did you create your characters Sarah and Ralph?

 

A: The initial inspiration came from my fascination with the Founding Fathers and Mothers. I’ve always been amazed by what they did. It seemed like they had so much to lose and so little to gain. Most were relatively well off and, while oppressed under the British system, were still getting along just fine. Where did they get the courage and fortitude to take this on and change the world? Stunning.

 

The second point of inspiration came from legacy issues which have also always interested me. This kind of continuum in time that connects us to those who came before us. What traits are our own and which come through our line. Specifically, could there be a curse that could stay in a family for generations?

 

As for Sarah and Ralph, they just fell onto the page. Once I started thinking about the requirements for the plot, the characters needed were clear. They evolve as the story evolves and take on the traits needed to get the job done. This also means that they continue to evolve. The Sarah you see now in The Last Hamilton may be a very different Sarah in the future.   

 

Q: How did you research the novel, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: As a lawyer practicing on Wall Street and in finance for many years, I didn’t need to do a lot of financial research. That came naturally!

 

I did, however, do a lot of Hamilton and revolutionary times research that I absolutely adored. There’s a wealth of information out there now, especially since Hamilton hit the stage and I loved following all the threads into unusual places.

 

What especially tickled me were the coincidences that appeared. For instance, the fact that both Alexander and his son Philip were shot in duels at the same location, with the same pistols, and in the same place on their bodies (just over their right hip). I also loved tracing the history through the buildings that still exist in New York City today.

Q: Did you know how the book would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?

 

A: I had a general idea of where I hoped it would go, but the characters had minds of their own. I let them direct the storyline and, sometimes, I was quite surprised by what they did and where they went. Characters behaving badly!

 

At one point, it became clear how the story was going to end and then I wrote the last chapter and started working backward. I love this organic style of writing. Equal parts “plotter” and “pantser.” When the characters arrive at the only possible end, you know you have come full circle, tied the strings together, and created a twister that works.

 

Q: The writer Julie Klam said of the novel, “The Last Hamilton is equal parts masterful suspense and cool historical drama.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I love it! It’s perfect! I hoped to combine the two successfully. Make both the suspense and the history come vividly alive independently, not leaning on each other nor superfluously added.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: The sequel, of course! I love Sarah so much. She will be back! With a new puzzle to solve and perhaps a love interest. Stay tuned!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb