Interview WILLIAM D. HONEY

by

Christine Janssen

I’ve read the blurb about BLUE BARK. It sounds absolutely fascinating. Please give the reader a thumb-nail sketch.

The story takes place in various locales—Oregon; Montana; Washington, D.C.; Thailand; Laos; and Cambodia. The protagonist, or rather co-protagonist, Murray Favor, a research analyst turned mystery writer, and by accident private detective, discovers the origin of HIV--the virus causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. He is 54 years old and a Vietnam veteran. Favor has just been fired from his job in the state government. The essence of this story is the notion that bacteria and viruses interact and exchange genetic information--creating new and sometimes more virulent microbes such as HIV.

Cambodians play an important role in the book. One woman named Boupha is the co-protagonist. She is in her sixties, but don’t let that fool you. She has a wide range of expertise, and Murray needs her in order to solve the mystery.

You served in the U.S. Air Force during the TET offensive in Viet Nam. How much of BLUE BARK is autobiographical?

The characters in the story are composites of people I met during my tour of duty. I write from my own experiences as much as possible because I think that is what I know best. One of the characters is more autobiographical and the reader will have to guess which one.

Where did you get the idea for this story?

When I arrived in Vietnam, I heard horror stories about a bacterium called the Black Death--a strain of incurable Syphilis. I filed that away in my mind thinking someday I might use it in a novel. When the AIDS epidemic, or pandemic, began, I wondered if bacteria and viruses could interact and exchange DNA. With this idea in place, I began to think about the plot in more detail. How did HIV begin? Who was responsible? Was anyone, really?

You have a doctorate in anthropology and education. Has your work history helped in the writing of BLUE BARK?

While serving in Vietnam, I became keenly interested in the cultures of Southeast Asia. Anthropology serves as a device to research cultures I discuss in Blue Bark. I try not to overwhelm the reader with too much cultural information. Rather, I try to introduce behaviors that are necessary for the development of the character and the story.

How long did it take you to write this book? Describe your writing habits--Detailed outline or seat-of-the-pants? An hour a day or binge writing? Yellow pad on the kitchen table or separate office? Et cetera

Disciplined best describes my writing style. I sit at the computer until I write three pages at a minimum. Obviously some days are more productive than others. BLUE BARK took three months to write, but remember I had been researching and developing the novel for years. I never use an outline, I find outlines too confining.

Who are your favorite authors? If a reviewer compared your writing to someone, who would you like it to be? Why?

My very favorite writer is Herman Melville and my favorite story is Redburn. Melville is a master at developing characters. For me, strongly developed characters keep the story alive even when the plot is going south. Another favorite author is Tom Kromer whose book Waiting For Nothing is a story of survival during the Great Depression. I highly recommend Kromer’s book. If someone compared my writing to Tony Hillerman’s I would be pleased. He is extremely accomplished and I like his detailed descriptions of the southwest environment.

Now that you’re retired, how do you spend your leisure hours?

I am a certified search and rescue volunteer in Oregon. Currently, I am taking classes to become a Hospice volunteer. Also, I love to backpack with my two year old golden retriever Skye. My wife and I camp, too.

Tell us about Skye--a national certified therapy dog. What does that mean? Did you train her?

Skye is a national certified therapy dog which means she and I have undergone fairly rigorous training. This training evaluates the patience and ease of the dog, and my ability to handle her in all kinds of situations. I take her to assisted living centers, hospitals, and so on, so she can provide temporary comfort for seniors, the disabled, and terminally ill. At present, I am preparing both of us for Hospice work. My wife is a Hospice volunteer so we will all work together.

What can the reader expect from Bill Honey in the future? Do you have other books in the works?

The Murray Favor series will include at least five books, I hope. The second novel that I call Black Water--a slang term for a low-grade liquid opium residue--is finished. I am not happy with the results, so I am rewriting it. I have completed researching the material for the third book in the series which will take place in the Golden Triangle.

Can you explain “Golden Triangle” for your readers?

The infamous and lawless Golden Triangle of Burma, Thailand, and Laos (as well as parts of China) has been the opium producing capital of the world for many years. Conditions there are ideal for the growth of the poppy. Off the beaten track, this mountainous area is the home of drug warlords, weapons dealers, bandits, and other nefarious characters. Politically, the British, Americans and the CIA, French, several eastern countries, as well as various tribal governments have played some role in promoting or attempting to control the opium trade originating from the area. Until recently, the Golden Triangle has been under the authority of the WA, a former head hunting group. It’s a fascinating place. 

If you could meet any historical character, who would it be? Why?

This is a hard question to answer. There are so many. Right now I would go with Robert Redfield, an anthropologist whose contributions to theory had a significant impact on my life.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me, Bill. I hope our little chat will make readers want to buy BLUE BARK.