Our Cover Picture, "Arthur Conan Doyle With Holmes & Watson," by Betsy Daggett.

This is an interview with the Spirit of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the British physician, novelist and creator of the famous mystery story detective Sherlock Holmes. His words are channeled through Speaker Gerald Polley

1. As we know you were interested in Spiritualism, was Sherlock Holmes all your creation, or did you have help from your Spirit Guides with your books about him?

A. I would say he was mostly the work of my own imagination, especially the earlier works. When I lost interest in Holmes, however, I do believe I was prompted by outside forces on the latter works.

2. What psychic abilities did you possess?

A. None, in the way that YOU possess them. I had abilities like everyone does, and desired them to manifest themselves greatly, but unfortunately had little success.

3. In actuality, who were Holmes and Watson based on?

A. Contrary to popular belief, Holmes and Watson were not based on actual personalities. Instead, each was actually the combination of the characteristics of several of my acquaintances, taking the best from each and neglecting their shortcomings.

4. Who are your favorite detectives in today's literature, and, television?

A. Well, to tell you the truth, I do not pay much attention to television unless it is older classical performances, so I would not dare comment. I think there is a vast difference however, between my character Holmes, and the flamboyant, bungling detectives of today, who solve most of their cases by accident.

5. What do you believe, is the best version of your stories?

A. There have been so many good, sincere efforts to portray my work I think it would be unfair of me to say this one or that one is the best. I think very few did Holmes injustice.

6. Was it difficult for you to write mysteries?

A. Agonizing! The first were easy, but then each successive one became harder. I often put my hero in situations that I had difficulty getting him out of! That is why I grew tired of Holmes.

7. What were your favorite types of stories to write, and why?

A. I think science fiction, because you could let your imagination run wild, and do the impossible. This I rather enjoyed!

8. If you had the chance to write a book now, what subject would you choose to write about?

A. I think I would write something historical, something where I wouldn't have to work out the plot myself, but merely put the characters into it. I do a lot of this, in my present writing. I like to do 'What if' stories, like, 'What if the South won the Civil War?' and things like that. These have been quite successful.

9. Did you mean to imply in your Holmes stories that Holmes and Watson were lovers, or what was your intent?

A. No, I did not mean to imply that Holmes was a homosexual. I meant to imply that he suffered from an ailment common to the aristocrats of his day. Because of the frequent intermarriages impotency was common among the aristocratic males of my era. Holmes simply had no desire for the female species. What little desire he had had been burned out in his youth. This accounted for his total preoccupation with his detecting endeavors.

10. When you were involved in The Spiritualist movement and introduced Houdini to it, were you upset by his exposure of fake mediums?

A. Definitely not! There are fakes in every religious movement, as proven by the recent scandals in your own country. I was as anxious as Houdini to expose those misleading the public, for I believe they did irreparable harm to those who truly protected the Spiritualist faith.

11. Why did you make Holmes a drug adict in your stories?

A. This practice was something else that was commonplace among the aristocrats of my era. By making Holmes an addict, I could express through Watson, my repulsion for this practice.

12. Were you ever disappointed that your major recognition was for your writing and not for your many other excellent accomplishments?

A. Hmmmm! Not really. Perhaps sometimes a little tiny bit. I am only human. But I was not really seeking admiration or fame in anything I did. Most was merely to put bread on the table, or merely to do a job that needed to be done. Someone once wrote...I'm not sure who at this moment...'Those who seek fame rarely find it, where those who simply do what must be done find themselves acclaimed.' I think this is the story of my life!
13. What do you do now in The Spirit World?

A. Well, first of all I'm a representative in our local parliment. This occupies a great deal of my time...a position I did not seek, by the way, but which I was brought to by public outcry. And of course I write for periodicals, the theater, and, television; as I stated before, mostly historical fiction, with a touch of science fiction now and then. Besides this, I also teach Spirit Guides who help their charges in the material world write speeches and such. And, of course I am in considerable demand for public appearances, so I do tend to keep quite busy!

14. Will you be available for further questions in later issues?

A. Oh, yes! I do not intend to be going anywhere for some time. I am quite content with my present circumstances. Death being what it is to those who led a good life, I see no reason to take another romp through life. Let the younger souls, and those with causes to fight for have those pleasures!

Our interview next time is with the Spirit of psychic Jane Roberts, author of The Seth Books. If you have any questions for her there is still time to send them in. We would also like some suggestions on who you would like to see interviewed in future issues.