Q&A with Alexander McCall Smith discussion

I love the bits of philosophy you throw in, and the everyday analyzations and observations that your characters make. I can't help but wonder if these are ideas and observations that you personally have had over the years, that you thread into the characters thoughts/dialogue? (which is done is such a well-balanced manner across the characters that you hardly notice, you just appreciate what they're thinking.) Do you keep track of certain ideas you want to sneak into your books at some point? How do you decide which characters to give that deeper thinking mind, or do you feel all the characters have that to some degree? With Isabel, it's obvious, since that is her background. I.e...one of my favorites: Isabel Dalhousie in The Sunday Philosophy Club, p. 29 "Do past wrongs seem less wrong to us simply because they are less vivid?" But I have also noticed a great deal of honest commentary on life in the 44 Scotland Series, which I thoroughly enjoy, and would presume exists in all your series.

That's a terrific question, Kristin! I look forward to reading an answer. I'm fascinated by all the different minds, from Isabel to Matthew to that awful narcissistic young man, to Bertie, to Cyril, to Grace and on and on. That's what makes all the books so much fun.

I love the way JLB Matakone realizes he is being manipulated by Mma Potokwane, and sometimes even by Mma Ramotswe, but he trusts that they are talking him into doing good or honorable things, so he goes along with it. He is such a good person.

Kristen wrote: "I love the bits of philosophy you throw in, and the everyday analyzations and observations that your characters make. I can't help but wonder if these are ideas and observations that you personally..."
Dear Kristen, What happens is that I find myself thinking of a particular issue or problem and I then write it down and try to remember to bring it up when working on one of the books. Often it is something I stumble upon, perhaps in a newspaper or possibly a book; occasionally it is something that somebody says to me. I must say that I very much enjoy putting these things into the books. All best, AMcS

Connie wrote: "That's a terrific question, Kristin! I look forward to reading an answer. I'm fascinated by all the different minds, from Isabel to Matthew to that awful narcissistic young man, to Bertie, to Cyr..."

Dear Connie, I've given ana answer above, but an afterthought here. I find it very helpful to have so many different characters, as I find that this opens up so many different possibilities for discussion. The other thing that helps is the serial natiure of my novels - this allows one really to get into the mind of the character - and hence become deeply involved in their inner moral life. All best, AMcS

Andrea wrote: "I love the way JLB Matakone realizes he is being manipulated by Mma Potokwane, and sometimes even by Mma Ramotswe, but he trusts that they are talking him into doing good or honorable things, so he..."

Dear Andrea, He is a very honourable and good man. I admire mechanics - and J.L.B. Matekoni is a mechanic par excellence! AMcS