Bryan Kesselman’s first book, Paddington Pollaky Private Detective (a biography of a Victorian private investigator) was published in 2015.
The Madness of Captain Mills is based on real events, and like the first book involved extensive research involving contact with archives in several countries.
Bryan is a composer, musical director and opera singer and lives in the UK. Works include music and lyrics for an opera based on the Dreyfus Affair, first performed in 1998, and “Zimbabwe Suite” for choir and orchestra, commissioned for performances in Zimbabwe and London.
Captain John Powell Mills voyages across the oceans entrusted with conducting emigrants to new worlds, but with a mind gradually losing its hold on reality and an increasing dependence on alcohol. His passengers and crew are threatened with disaster. Based on a true story.
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
I have had two books published so far. The first was a biography of Victorian private detective Ignatius Pollaky, the second, The Madness of Captain Mills, was my first novel, and I think far more readable. Though based on real events of the mid 19th century, I thoroughly enjoyed putting myself into the minds of the characters and watching them develop and grow.
When did you begin writing, and what inspired you or led you to write (person, another author, an event)?
I have written several first chapters of books and not taken most of them further. My first was started years ago, but it was when I began investigating historical events that I really developed the stamina to see a book created from beginning to end.
What book(s) or projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on 3 books at the moment. One will be published later this year. A Gothic mystery called “Going Up in the World”, it takes place in the 1930s, but has no relationship to actual events. The other two have some way to go. One is another piece of historical fiction, the other is a dark fantasy.
What books are you currently reading (for research and/or entertainment)?
I’m currently reading the 3 volume diaries of the composer Prokofiev in an English translation. His writing is incredibly vivid and chatty, and he can be very critical of his fellow composers.
What comes first for you, the plot or the characters? Why? How do you develop your plot and characters?
The plot and characters usually develop together, though sometimes in the middle of thinking I know where I’m going, I say to myself “what if instead of doing this I do that…?” And then suddenly I’m off in a completely different direction.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Write (or create) every day. Even if it’s not good and will be discarded. And even if you only write a few words.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book(s)? Who is your ideal reader?
I hope readers will be entertained, perhaps learn something, and also enjoy the use of the English language which has such a rich vocabulary. But most of all, I hope they will be entertained.
