Beverly Jeanne Dunlap Scott was born
in 1937 in Mason City, Iowa. She was the first born child of
Dale and Rosetta Dunlap. 
Oldest
sister to Barbara, Larry, and Charles Dunlap. Beverly will celebrate
her 45th anniversary on Valentines day of 2003 with her husband
Dwayne O. Scott. The Scotts are the owners of "COLONIAL
BUILDERS INC" which they started in 1975. Beverly says,
"My husband and I currently serve as treasurers of the International
Edsel Club. We are members of the Edsel Owners Club and of our
Iowa Edsel Club. Attend local monthly meetings and have vacationed
yearly with the IEC since 1977."
Righteous Revenge is Beverly's
first published novel -- She says,"Writing keeps me centered
on all that is good in my life." A few of Beverly's favorite
authors are James Michener, Tony Hillerman, Mary Higgins Clark,
John Grisham, Sue Grafton and Mary Stewert. Beverly says she
is a "Wife, mother, grandmother, child of God, avid reader,
joyous person, author, friend, and, with my husband, owner of
more Edsels than you can drive in a month are words that describe
who I am and proclaim the life experiences that created my writing
voice."
Righteous Revenge has garnered
sixteen 5-star reviews at Amazon.com and received honorable mention
in Book Review Cafe's first book contest. Beverly was awarded
"Outstanding Author" by Book Review Cafe'. Vist Beverly
Scott online at http://www.beverlyjscott.com/
"Righteous Revenge seems pertinent in today's world.
Sure, it is a fast-moving mystery that will keep the reader turning
the pages to its satisfying conclusion. It also has an immediacy
for the present day when we know that just about anything can
happen to the guy next door or to us.Although it doesn't feel
as if Scott ever minces words, this book also contains a valuable
review for our time as well. There are gentle reminders (so gentle
a reader might not notice) that "forgiveness" and "acceptance"
are words every bit as mighty as "revenge." Reviewed
by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the novel Harkening
Booksandauthors.net: Where did you
grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life? Who
were your earliest influences and why?
Beverly J. Scott: I’ve always
lived in Iowa, early years were spent on a farm but family moved
to Des Moines when I was 17 and It is my home even today. By
the age of six I was hooked on books. Wrote my first story when
I was seven. I’ve always believed that the first grade teacher
who drummed phonics into my head rescued me from ever being bored.
Once I could read, I was never far from a book, it became my
major entertainment.
One of my best memories from the early years is time spent with
my Grandmothers, one always had a book on hand to read aloud
to me, the other could quote the most wonderful poetry (from
Memory) as we worked together in the kitchen cooking or doing
dishes. Also I was blessed with great teachers.
Booksandauthors.net: Why do you write?
Beverly J. Scott: Why do I write, that
is a big one? Novel writing was always a dream but I never felt
skilled in that area. My life was full with Marriage and raising
5 children. When the oldest was 10, the youngest 3, I was diagnosed
with Rheumatoid Arthritis and my life took a new direction. The
Arthritis was rampant, debilitating and very painful. It was
difficult to put more than 2 pages of writing on paper.
The computer changed all of that for me. Using one knurled knuckle
on my left hand and the eraser end of a pencil in the right I
could write. What a joy it was to discover that painting pictures
with words backed off the pain. My family was growing up, leaving
home and I had more time to write. I Read “Writers Digest”
religiously but the best advice came with the words, “stop
reading about writing and just do it.” The books began to
follow. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Booksandauthors.net: Tell us about
RIGHTEOUS REVENGE. Where did the idea for this story come from?
Who is Bethany Bridgewater? Do you have a sister?
Beverly J. Scott: “Righteous Revenge”
began as an Idea, one sister’s betrayal of the other. As
the words flowed the story seemed to grow, take on a different
direction. The unusual ending seemed to almost write itself.
Bethany Bridgewater and her twin Andrea are representative
of who I am and who I’d like to be. I think many of us would
like to be less inhibited. It is a bit more complicated of course.
And If I couldn’t write, owning an Angel store would be
perfect. Yes, I have a sister. We are great friends. We are both
late-bloomers. My sister was ordained three years ago, just a
few months before I signed my first book contract.
Booksandauthors.net: In RIGHTEOUS REVENGE,
you do an incredible job of weaving suspense, murder, romance
and mystery into the plot -- Do you feel plot is as important
as character or more important? Please explain.
Beverly J. Scott: Characters are an
important part of any story but they alone can not carry a novel.
A great plot can carry weak characters but not the reverse. Still
the best writing combines multi-dimensional characters and an
interesting plot.
Booksandauthors.net: What has been your
feedback from readers? What do they say to you about their interpretations
of RIGHTEOUS REVENGE?
Beverly J. Scott: Most of the people,
both men and women, who read “Righteous Revenge”, are
impressed. The reviews have been 5 star and, even more impressive;
many of the reviews are from other published authors. What an
ego booster to have other writers admire my writing. Phrases
like, ‘hard to put down’ ‘holds your attention
from beginning to end’ ‘action-packed’ and ‘nail-biting
suspense’ are definite compliments.
Booksandauthors.net: Who are your favorite
writers and why?
Beverly J. Scott: My list of favorite
authors is long and varied though all write fiction. Aside from
best-selling favorites like Mary Higgins Clark, Tony Hillerman,
Cynthia Voight, Nicholas Sparks, Nicholas Evans, Sue Grafton,
John Grisham, Terri Blackstock, Lee Child, Jeffery Deaver and
Janet Evanovich and so on and so on. I enjoy reading the works
of beginners such as Christy Tillery French, Victoria Taylor
Murray, Evelyn Horan, and Lynn Barry.
Each of these writers has a special skill, Evanovich writes,
“Pee your pants” hilarious humor. Her novel “Hot
Six” was so funny that I had to take a break from it just
to stop laughing. Sparks and Evans can reduce you to tears. Deaver,
Child and French do great thrillers. No one does suspense like
Clark and Blackstock. Hope that answers your question and lends
some insight into what I like to read.
Booksandauthors.net: What's next?
Beverly J. Scott: My second novel ‘Ruth
Fever’ (a contemporary romance crafted around the subject
of the classic car hobby) is in the process at Publish
America. Book three, a historical saga, is written and
I am working on book four.
Booksandauthors.net: What was the last
book you read?
Beverly J. Scott: I just finished “2nd
Chance” by James Patterson and I am reading “City of
Bones” by Michael Connelly. I am also rereading “Peace
Like A River” & “Lovely Bones.” Both of these
books are uniquely written but not quick reads.
Booksandauthors.net: Do you have any
hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing.
Beverly J. Scott: Hobbies? Aside from
reading and writing, my husband and I collect Edsels and are
actively involved in both our local and National Edsel clubs.
We have served as treasurers of the International Edsel Club
since ‘86’ or ‘87’. Our local club
will be the host of the 2003 National Rally, the next few months
will be busy as we make all the arrangements. Edseling fits in
perfectly with my love of meeting new friends and enjoying my
‘already friends.’
Characters are an important
part of any story but they alone can not carry a novel. A great
plot can carry weak characters but not the reverse. 
