Meet L. Stevens… 

Louis Stevens, who writes as L. Stevens, has contributed some outstanding stories to our SeaQuill Writers Co-Op Creations page. He’s currently writing a historical crime novel that involves some well-known pirates and privateers and a modern day scam artist. What ties them together? We’re all waiting to find out! We’ve asked Lou some questions that we’re curious about. 

SQW: In your bio, you said you and a friend collaborated on a series of mystery tales based on Sherlock Holmes when you were in fourth grade, and you wrote them on notebook paper. Is there any chance you kept them, and if so, would you consider rewriting them as an adult?

SQW: If you could tell your younger self anything other than to give your mystery tales to your mother, what would it be?

Lou: Are you kidding? Space doesn’t permit.

SQW: Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

Lou: I was inspired by O. Henry and Mark Twain. I enjoy humor, surprise endings, and stories that keep the reader guessing.

SQW: In college, you contributed writings to the Orange Peel, the University of Florida’s humor magazine. Go Gators! Do you still write humor?

Lou: I do aim for humor, and especially like to write (hopefully) funny dialogue. I love to give the reader a good laugh if I can, or show irony in a situation.  

SQW: How important do you consider research, particularly considering your current work-in-progress, which, according to your bio, is a historical crime novel? How much time do you devote to research?

Lou: My research, which I consider very important, only aims to keep the story credible, not to educate. I can’t compete with true historians. I want drama and fun more than 100% historical accuracy.

SQW: Are you more of a plotter or a pantser? What is your writing process like?

Lou: I’m mostly a pantser. With dialogue, I try to ‘eavesdrop’ on my characters’ conversations, and I’ll ask myself, “In this character’s shoes, what would be my next likely thought, action, or reaction?”  I doubt that’s unique to me.

Thank you, Lou, for allowing us to get to know you better. I can attest to the fact that you do write funny dialogue and you have a gift for irony and for keeping the reader guessing. Your readers can get a taste of it by clicking on any of the buttons below.

Lou’s newly released historical crime novel, Peck’s Plantation: The Lost Madonna, tells of a Spanish galleon laden with gold and precious cargo, a treasure stolen and lost in a raging tropical storm. Now, over three hundred years later, Liam Burns, a calculating con man, has discovered the key to finding the treasure and will go to any lengths to take it for himself, no matter who is hurt along the way. 

Connect with Lou via email: lou6550@gmail.com

Click below to read more about Lou’s new book, Peck’s Plantation: The Lost Madonna, or read some of Lou’s entertaining writings on our Creations page.