The Sherlockian Interview - Ashley Williford
Posted by Steve Emecz on
The final four volumes (49-52) of The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories are now on Kickstarter (click here). Every day we will be featuring one of the authors in the collection. Today its Ashley Williford.
What’s the name of your story in the collection?
The Adventure of the Black Diamonds
How did the story come about?
My three year old little boy was enthralled with all the presents under our Christmas tree this year and continuously found sneaky little ways to abduct and open them throughout the season. I thought, “I bet Holmes was consulted to find a number of missing gifts throughout his career,” and giggled throughout writing this fun little adventure.
Have you contributed to anthologies before?
I haven’t; this is my very first publication. I’m thrilled to have had my story chosen and can’t wait to publish many more!
Where did you first discover Holmes?
As a lifelong mystery fanatic, I have had a loose knowledge of Sherlock Holmes for a long time. However, during COVID I read “Moriaty” by Anthony Horowitz and knew I had to learn more. I then listened to Stephen Fry (my favorite narrator of all time) read the Sherlock Holmes canon on audible and I’ve been devouring everything Holmes I can find since then.
Are there any writers/adaptations of Holmes you particularly enjoy?
My favorite piece of Holmes writing is a very short piece found in “For the Sake of the Game.” It’s called “Dr. Watson’s Song” by Peter S. Beagle and I often play the audio version on repeat for inspiration while writing.
The list of my other favorites could fill pages! In short, I have really enjoyed works by Lyndsay Faye, Bonnie McBaird, Theordora Ross, Leslie S. Klinger, Laurie R. King, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Thomas Wheeler, David Stuart Davies, James Lovegood, Christian Klaver, Tim Major, Anthony Horowitz, Otto Penzler’s Big Book of Sherlock Holmes Stories, and of course, Stephen Fry reading the Canon.
Apart from books, I really enjoy playing the Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective Games.
Do you write on any other subjects?
I write some fan fiction involving Holmes and The Wizarding World and have several non-Holmes related projects on the side, but Holmes pastiches are my favorite stories to write and are my focus at this time.
Where can fans find more about your work?
This is my first publication, but stay tuned!
