British and French flags and paper poppies centered each table at the Vero Beach Country Club at the recent American Association of University Women’s annual Book Author Luncheon. The décor for the sold-out event honored this year’s featured speakers, a mother-and-son writing team whose nom de plume is Charles Todd. Their best-selling series is set in England and France in the World War I era and poppies commemorate those who died in that war in defense of their countries.
Charming and witty, Charles Todd and his mother Caroline Todd are unusual in the publishing world because of their pairing as well as the unusual era they have chosen for their mysteries.
They have published 29 novels — an Inspector Ian Rutledge series and a Nurse Bess Crawford series and two stand-alone novels — and have won the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark Award, among others.
The pair spoke of their rich storytelling heritage and their creative process, displaying an impressive depth of historical knowledge and a great sense of humor. They also share a deep commitment to accuracy in every detail and do extensive, feet-on-the-ground research involving a good deal of travel.
“You can’t get the nuances with Google,” Charles explained. “You have to go to the places; see the people and their culture.”
Self-described anglophiles, the two had been batting around the idea of writing together “just to see if we could do it,” said Charles. “We love mysteries and puzzles, turning chaos into order.”
After sending the first manuscript to their editor they waited. For months.
“I thought it must be so awful she doesn’t even want to send a rejection slip,” Caroline said. “Then, I was cleaning the house and the phone rang. It was the editor, asking for Charles Todd. I pretended to be his assistant.”
The book was a huge hit in the States and in England and, just like that, Charles Todd unexpectedly became wildly successful.
Asked how they picked their name, Caroline explained, “It was whichever had the fewest letters,” noting that fewer letters meant larger type on covers. The pair has had offers for TV and movies but, hesitant to relinquish control, are still awaiting the right deal.
The popular fundraiser, co-chaired by Sally Fitzgerald and Becki Manning, provided not only a visually and gastronomically pleasing lunch, but also a choice auction of an enticing variety of items donated by always generous local merchants.
Funds raised support the AAUW’s mission to promote education and equity for women and girls, with a local emphasis on scholarships.
Photos by: Stephanie LaBaff
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