Unveiling the Enigma: The Collaboration Between a Reporter and a Psychoanalyst in Creating a Mystery Novel
In a unique joint venture, psychotherapist Kate Hilton and journalist Elizabeth Renzetti have authored the Quill & Packet mystery series. Their debut novel, "Bury the Lead," sold exceptionally well in Canada in early 2024, paving the way for their second installment, "Widows and Orphans," which will be released on May 1.
In "Widows and Orphans," Cat Conway, a journalist at a small-town newspaper, investigates the murder of a wellness influencer, all while evading attacks from locals who spread misinformation. Ahead of the book's publication, Hilton and Renzetti shared insight into their collaborative writing process.
"It's amazing to be at this point, launching the second book in the Quill & Packet series and working on the third," said Hilton. The team's success seems surreal to Hilton, sparked by their collective talent and shared vision.
Renzetti echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the timeliness of their noteworthy subject matter: "In an earlier era, we might have been accused of witchcraft for our depiction of a story encompassing the wellness industry, anti-vaccine protests, and a chaotic dumpster fire of misinformation." She noted that her experiences as a journalist often positioned her as an outcast, making the themes of the book especially relatable.
Hilton added, "We've captured some of the detrimental impacts of living in a stressful and uncertain era," referencing people's yearning for control, heightened vulnerability to dubious products, and the deceitful spread of "information."
Renzetti and Hilton discussed the seductive nature of the wellness industry, and the fun they had satirizing some of its more extravagant and predatory aspects. According to Hilton, the rise of the wellness industry is a reflection of humanity's instinctive need to make sense of the world, despite the complications inherent in contemporary knowledge systems.
Politics and family dynamics also factor into their work, as both the investigation and character development delve into these elements. "We initially tried to write Cat as a young journalist, but she only came alive as a middle-aged woman grappling with career upheaval, divorce, and parenting challenges," Renzetti revealed.
Small-town newspapers have been a passionate interest of Renzetti, who collects them while on the road. She believes these publications play a crucial role in addressing local environmental and political issues, despite prevalent misconceptions about their viability. During their initial book tour, they encountered journalists like Cat Conway, who own the spirit of their fictional counterpart.
Embracing the challenges of their collaboration, both authors underscored the importance of open communication and trust. They also acknowledged their strengths and weaknesses, such as continuity concerns, throughout the writing process. ButRenzetti and Hilton expressed delight in working together, sharing that their partnership offers more joy and less self-doubt compared to other creative endeavors.
"Perhaps the secret to a harmonious partnership is constant communication through Google docs," quipped Renzetti, echoing the opening note of their collaboration.
Hilton added, "Our outline forms the basis for our writing, providing stability and flexibility. It allows us to diverge from our initial plan while keeping the story on track." They emphasize the importance of mutual trust, enabling them to convincingly portray Cat's experiences through a genuine narrative voice.
As the series continues, fans can revisit the quaint town of Port Ellis in "Widows and Orphans." Readers can look forward to future installments in the Quill & Packet mystery series, as Hilton and Renzetti explore the complexities of their characters and storylines.
"As they prepare for the release of 'Widows and Orphans,' the second installment in the Quill & Packet mystery series, Hilton and Renzetti shared that the book offers entertainment in the form of investigating a murder while satirizing the wellness industry and other contemporary themes."
"Fans can anticipate continuing their journey in the quaint town of Port Ellis, with the series providing not only books for reading but also thought-provoking exploration on relevant social and political topics."
