Brendan Slocumb is the author of the new novel The Dark Maestro. His other books include the novel The Violin Conspiracy. Also a violinist and music educator, he lives in Washington, D.C.
Q: How much did your lifelong love of comic books inspire your new novel, The Dark Maestro?
A: My love of comic books was an enormous inspiration for the new novel. I've been collecting comics and action figures since I was 15 and they've always reminded me of happy memories.
We’ve all heard the expression, “write what you know.” I know comics, and this added a layer of fun to the process. I’m also hoping that some readers who might not normally read a novel may be drawn to the comic book angle and give Dark Maestro a try.
Q: How did you create your characters Curtis, Zippy, and Larissa?
A: Curtis is every beginner I've ever taught. Seeing that light switch on when the instrument hits their hands is a joy in itself. Curtis is a very innocent, sweet kid. It was important to me to capture this on the page. Fortunately, I've had years of teaching kids just like him.
I drew my inspiration of Larissa from knowing many strong Hispanic women. I’ve met many who spent time in “the street life” who end up taking care of other young women in need of guidance and support. Despite a gruff exterior at times, these women care deeply for their girls and want nothing but the best for them.
When I was growing up, a friend of my dad’s was named Zippy, and I had him in mind as I was writing. His name only, not his occupation. I’ve also lived in several urban centers across the country – most recently Washington, D.C. – and that experience, too, I tried to fold into the novel.
Q: The writer Alex Segura said of the book, “The Dark Maestro is my favorite kind of book—one that keeps you riveted in the moment, turning pages feverishly. But then, long after you’re done, the book creeps into your mind and lingers.” What do you think of that description?
A: Coming from a writer like Alex, that’s easily one of the best compliments anyone could receive. I always loved his work because I can relate to it. We are both comic lovers, and love well-crafted stories with sympathetic, believable characters. He's one of the best in the business.
Q: Did you need to do much research to write the novel, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?
A: This book had so much research in it – from the Witness Protection Program (Witsec) to the process of creating video comic books to reading about various aspects of the black market (I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll keep that last point vague!).
I interviewed F.B.I. agents, U.S. Marshals, people who work
in the Witsec program, and many others.
So much surprised me! It’s incredible the amount of care and thought that goes
into protecting people and creating new identities for them – I was
particularly stunned by the grueling mental and emotional evaluations involved
in preparing applicants for placements across the USA. It was both what I
expected from seeing this in the movies, and somehow completely different.
One of the most shocking things I read about was how a woman was making dinner when the Witness Protection people knocked on her door and spirited her away – leaving her dishes on the table and the spaghetti in the pan. That image haunted me for months – the cooling meal in that empty house, while the inhabitants suddenly dove into different lives and prepared different meals.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Currently, I'm outlining my next book, which explores the ideas of trust, identity, and grief … all in a classical music world, of course.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I’m excited for people to pick up The Dark Maestro, and can’t wait to hear what you think!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Brendan Slocumb.