“It’s a mystery with a lot of potential suspects and dead ends but it’s also in a complicated era. People think of the 1920s as a time when folks danced the Charleston, drank bootleg gin, and had a good time, and of course, those elements were definitely a part of it. But they weren’t all of it.”
– Carolyn Summer Quinn
Explore the colorful world of narrative and artistic inquiry with novelist and fine art photographer Carolyn Summer Quinn. Carolyn was born and reared in Roselle and Scotch Plains, New Jersey, to the sounds of show tunes, and she remembers her family as colorful and quirky. Having graduated from Kean University with a B.A. in Theater/Media and English, she now resides in New York City and draws inspiration from the vibrant energy of the city.
Carolyn’s most recent work, “Now and Forevermore Arabella,” is the first of an engaging series that will take middle-grade readers to fantastical worlds full of wonder and excitement. Expanding on the popularity of “Keep Your Songs in Your Heart,” her love of sparking young listeners’ imaginations knows no limits as she enthralls them with her wondrous stories.
Most notable is that Carolyn Summer Quinn takes readers on an exciting voyage in “Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit” – winner of the BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award Historical Mystery of the Year 2023. Quinn’s novel explores the depths of a family shattered by betrayal and a national mystery, set against the backdrop of a period characterized by dancing, music, and bootleg gin. Travel back in time to the roaring twenties, a time when vaudeville flourished due to its alluring shows and well-kept secrets.
In the bustling streets of America, August La May and his family take center stage and dazzle audiences with their performances as “The Three La Mays.” But behind the curtain lies a web of secrets and deceit, as August’s wife, Violetta, disappears, leaving him and their daughters, April and Florabelle, for the treacherous world of vaudeville. As Quinn aptly describes, “It’s a mystery with a lot of potential suspects and dead ends but it’s also in a complicated era.”
One thing becomes evident as we venture further into Quinn’s gripping story: “Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit” is more than simply a mystery; it’s a voyage through time that offers a window into a world of passion, intrigue, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Go further behind the scenes and discover more in this exclusive interview with Carolyn Summer Quinn, award-winning author of ten books plus more to come.
TWB: Congratulations on winning a BREW book award! Can you share with us a brief overview of your award-winning book and what inspired you to write it?
CSQ: I have always loved the songs and stories of the 1920s, which was my wonderful grandparents’ era. I also was enamored with the idea of traveling vaudeville entertainers who went around the country performing in one theater after another. One day I was sitting outside enjoying a coffee and the idea of a new book came to me of a song and dance man with two daughters, and one goes missing…I finished the coffee, ran into the house, and immediately started writing VANISHED ON THE VAUDEVILLE CIRCUIT. I was so happy when it won The BREW Fiction Book Excellence Historical Mystery of the Year 2023 title!
TWB: What elements of writing do you feel contributed most significantly to your book’s success in this regard?
CSQ: I try to create a well-plotted mystery story with a lot of potential “red herrings.” I also try to be as descriptive of every scene in each book as possible. In my mind’s eye I can “see” the characters. Other than that, I just sit down, start writing and go for it!
TWB: The BREW book awards emphasize literary quality and excellence in writing. What specific techniques or literary devices did you employ to ensure your book stood out in terms of craftsmanship and storytelling?
CSQ: I knew a lot of information about the era of the 1920s and I also did quite a bit of research as well. That always helps to make for a more authentic story.
TWB: The BREW book awards celebrate books that offer unique perspectives or explore important themes. What do you hope readers take away from your book, and what message or theme were you most passionate about conveying?
CSQ: With all of my books, even the mysteries, which can contain some rather somber elements, I try to convey the idea that you just never know what tomorrow might bring. There’s always an element of the restorative in what I write, and it’s especially true with this book. I could say more but don’t want to add any “spoilers.”
TWB: Writing a book often involves significant research and creativity. Can you share any interesting anecdotes or challenges you encountered during the writing process of your award-winning book?
CSQ: Google helps to make the research easy. I like to fact-check everything, which can be a lot of fun because there are times, especially with a book based in another era, when checking the facts can result in some pretty wild surprises. I did a lot of research on how investigations were run in the 1920s for this one. The technology they had then wasn’t a fraction as stupendous as what we have now, so that made everything a much bigger challenge for the characters in the book who are trying to solve a little girl’s disappearance.
“Google helps to make the research easy. I like to fact-check everything, which can be a lot of fun because there are times, especially with a book based in another era, when checking the facts can result in some pretty wild surprises.”
– Carolyn Summer Quinn
TWB: The BREW book awards recognize excellence in various genres and styles. How do you think your book contributes to or challenges the conventions of its genre, and what sets it apart from other works in the same category?
CSQ: It’s a mystery with a lot of potential suspects and dead ends but it’s also in a complicated era. People think of the 1920s as a time when folks danced the Charleston, drank bootleg gin, and had a good time, and of course, those elements were definitely a part of it. But they weren’t all of it. In those days there was also a lot of prejudice and a resurgence of membership in the Ku Klux Klan. I threw some of that into the mix of this story. My main character is Jewish and in some parts of the country that’s enough to make him a target.
TWB: As a BREW book award winner, your work is recognized for its outstanding quality. What advice would you offer to aspiring writers who are striving to achieve similar success and recognition in the literary world?
CSQ: I write because I love it and enjoy the whole process to the hilt. I think that’s the first element of good writing. You have to love what you’re doing and keep at it.
TWB: Winning the BREW book award can open doors to new opportunities and audiences. How do you plan to leverage this recognition in your future writing endeavors or literary career?
CSQ: I love it that I won the award, and I publicize it wherever I can.
TWB: Finally, what’s next for you as an author? Are there any upcoming projects or ideas you’re excited to pursue following the success of your award-winning book?
CSQ: As a matter of fact, I’m working on three more mysteries! They’re in various stages of development at the moment. In fact, I’ve been working on all three for the past couple of days. Two are contemporary and one is set during the Second World War. I should have a new one to enter into the BREW awards program soon and can’t wait to be part of the competition again. ⭐
“I write because I love it and enjoy the whole process to the hilt. I think that’s the first element of good writing. You have to love what you’re doing and keep at it.”
– Carolyn Summer Quinn
For more information about the BREW Book, Blog, and Poetry Awards, click here.
We’d love to know your thoughts.
What aspect of Carolyn’s creative process resonated with you the most? Are there any themes or messages from Carolyn’s work that particularly stood out to you? Which of Carolyn’s books are you most excited to read, and why? Do you have any questions for Carolyn about her writing journey or inspirations?
Share your insights and reflections in the comments below!
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I love a story that can make us rethink our idealized versions of past eras. And the authors enthusiasm for research brought a smile to my face. Most authors mention research as a rather tedious part of writing, but I guess it can be fun, too. What a lovely interview!
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I’m glad you enjoyed the interview! I agree.
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