This is the first of a two-part feature.

This week we have an interview I conducted in recent days by email with mystery writer Robert Parker. A week from today I will submit for publication a review of his three last books as well as thoughts on his career in recent years.

In addition to his famous Spenser novels, Parker has started up two new series.
Last month his first young adult book, Edenville Owls, was published. Blogcritic Mel Odom gave it a positive review. He also had a new book, High Profile, published in February, and his next one, Spare Change, comes out on June 5.

I have been able to interview many of my favorite authors for Newsvine and for Blogcritics, but since Parker's writing means so much to me I don’t think I have ever been as nervous or excited as I have been with this interview. I have struggled, in reviews, in explaining why I'm such a fan. I have even been known to suggest I share some qualities with Spenser.

Scott Butki: In recent years you have started two successful new series, one featuring Sunny Randall and one featuring Jesse Stone. Why did you decide to do that?  

Robert Parker: It takes me about three months to write a book, so I had time. In Jesse's case, I thought it would be interesting to try another character, different than Spenser, younger, less evolved, of the law, rather than outside it, told in the third person. In Sunny's case, I was asked by Helen Hunt to create a character for her to play in a series of movies. I created the character, but the movies didn't materialize.  

Where do you see these series going over time? 

I have no idea where the series will go, or if they will go. I don't plan ahead. When I start a book I don't know where it's going, let alone a whole series. I just plow along.