Archived Novel Spotlight
If You Could Read My Mind
Pamela Labud
Original Date: April 2006
Interviewed by Laurel
If
You Could Read My Mind
Pamela Labud
ISBN# 0821778684
For the readers can you please tell us a little bit about your novel? If You Could Read My Mind.
If You Could Read My Mind is the story of Tristan Deveraux, a surgeon’s apprentice who has the fantastic ability to read minds. When his superior officer suspects his rare ability, he orders Tristan to protect a brilliant scientist and his beautiful niece from a devious murderer.
Your Hero has a very special ability of reading other people’s minds. As the character how would that be an advantage and a disadvantage to him personally?
One would think that he would have a great advantage in knowing the minds of those around him, and this is true to some degree. But his talents do not come without a price. Tristan is constantly bombarded by not only the thoughts of others but also their feelings. He has to deal with an overwhelming mixture of raw emotion and violence every day. In addition to that, it’s very hard for him to shut out the minds of those around him—like living every minute of your existence in a room with hundreds of televisions turned on, the sound up full blast, and never being able to escape.
What are some of the strengths your heroine displays in this novel and why will readers like her?
I think Emily’s strongest trait is her passion. She has an immense capability to love others. Also, she fiercely protects those she loves no matter what the cost to herself.
Do you have a favorite scene in this novel that stayed with you long after you wrote this novel?
I really loved the scene where Tristan and Emily are locked in the wagon. Not only did they have a very intimate encounter, but the emotion and turbulence of their relationship really shows.
What kind of research did you do to prepare for this novel and while you were writing it?
I got the chance to read several journals about the medical and military history of the time. Our biggest advances in medical science seem to come during times of war.
Without giving away major plot lines in this novel, what are some of the challenges your heroine and hero must face together as a couple?
An orphan at a young age, with only her uncle as family, Emily has issues with control. She also has a habit of almost marrying the wrong man because she’s afraid she’ll lose her identity if she ever gives herself to one she truly loves.
Having been forced to live half of his life in hiding from those who meant to use his gift of telepathy for their own greed, Tristan has issues with trust—first in himself and his own abilities and then in others, specifically Emily. With Emily, he must risk everything, including his life, if he’s ever to have a chance at the love and life he deserves.