Yesterday we wrote about Lily Robinson. The journal Clinical Chemistry series “Lily Robinson and the Art of Secret Poisoning” is written by a prominent clinical chemist/toxicologist writing under the nom de plume of Lily Robinson. On the basis of the background information and clinical presentation included in each story, readers are asked to guess the nature of the poison used. Today we report on our secret interview with “Lily.”
A stretch limousine with tinted windows pulled up outside of Penn Station in New York City. Lily was presumably in the front passenger seat, and an open door signalled that we were to sit in the back, separated by a mirrored partition. Lily’s voice came through the stereo speakers, distorted by an electronic system that made recognition impossible. This would not be the revelation that we had hoped.
PRN: How did you get interested in writing?
Lily: I was initially an English major in college. This was considered an appropriate avenue of study for a young woman who would then go on to teach. However, although I loved creative writing, my heart was truly in science, so I made the change to become a biology major. This was a way to learn the answers to all my questions regarding the natural world. My master’s degree is in Marine Science. I worked on pesticide effects on algal systems and then got very interested in environmental toxins. My PhD looked more at cancer cell metabolism and environmental influence, but I really wanted to combine my love for toxins/drugs and science, and so I began my work in Boston on neurotoxins.
PRN: What makes scientists/doctors good writers?
Lily: We pay attention to detail. As part of our training we are taught to use all our senses when evaluating a patient. This is true for writing as well.
PRN: How did you get started writing for Clinical Chemistry?
Lily: The editor-in-chief asked me to create a series for the journal that would be educational but fun for readers. Have you ever picked up an issue of Clinical Chemistry? Before he took over as editor, it was pretty dense and dry. Doctors and scientists do seem to have a creative side to their brain, and they like using it.
PRN: What does the future hold for you (Lily)?
Lily: The advice [I have received] is to turn her into a novel. I’ve just started writing that book. What you don’t get much of now in the stories is the thinking and feeling Lily Robinson. Who is she, what motivates her, and how did she come to be an assassin? Lily didn’t start out wanting to be an assassin; she was a doctor and scientist first and foremost. You’ve only gotten small glimpses of her background in the stories.
PRN: Who is Lily Robinson?
Lily: (no answer)
The car stopped abruptly at Penn Station, and we knew the interview was over. But who is Lily Robinson? We will keep trying to find out and let PRN readers know as soon as we do. Stay tuned.
Comments (1)