An Interview with Author Peter J. Barbour about Fifteen Keys

by Paula Gail Benson

Peter J. Barbour

A few years ago, I was invited to join the Bethlehem Writers Group (BWG), a writing critique and support group that originated in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and now has members across the country. (Here is the BWG’s website.) BWG publishes the online quarterly Bethlehem Writers Roundtable (BWR) and meets each month to critique members’ work. (Here is the BWR’s website with information about its annual short story contest.)

One of the BWG member’s stories I’ve had the pleasure to read in part is Peter J. Barbour’s young adult novel, Fifteen Keys. It’s a wonderful exploration of life lessons that both older and younger generations will find fascinating. To read more about the publication process, see the post from yesterday on The Stiletto Gang. Here's a link: https://www.thestilettogang.com/2025/06/16/a-labor-of-love-working-to-publish-a-fellow-authors-book.

Peter’s own journey to writing is an interesting one. He was kind enough to agree to an interview. Welcome to Writers Who Kill!

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

PETER J. BARBOUR: When I was younger, I don’t think I ever set a goal to be an author. I was a poor English student in high school and am a very slow reader. I view writing as painting with words. I enjoy drawing, painting, and sculpture. In general, I like to create things. Writing a story is one way to create something.

I wrote everyday as a physician. Neurologists, generally, pride themselves in being able to tell a patient’s story. At the same time, I found myself sharing my personal story with patients to help them deal with loss. I decided to write my story, “Loose Ends,” sharing my experience handling the loss of my father, first through divorce, and the through death. I published “Loose Ends,” and enjoyed the experience of writing and sharing that way. I subsequently started writing short stories. I enjoyed the challenge of getting them published. I think that’s when I realized I wanted to continue to write.

How did you decide to write for younger readers?

PETER J. BARBOUR: I aimed Fifteen Keys at middle-grade and young adults because that was the stage my grandchildren were at. The project began as an attempt to share what I was learning about ethics with them in a painless, humorous way. Mussar, Hebrew for ethical training, a feature of the process is keeping a journal of how you are doing throughout the day as you incorporate into your experience the virtue on which you are working. Instead of journaling, I chose to write short stories. I published a few of them, read them to the grandchildren every opportunity, and enjoyed the feedback. They called them life lessons. Although the stories are primarily aimed at the young, adults enjoyed them as well.

What gave you the idea that led to your writing Fifteen Keys?

PETER J. BARBOUR: After writing short stories illustrating the virtues that I was studying in Mussar, I decided to weave them together into a novel. I chose fifteen virtues from the teaching of Alan Morinis, Everyday Holiness: the Path of Mussar, and Greg Marcus, The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions. For the genre of the book, I especially like the format of a hero goes on a journey. Fifteen Keys became an action-adventure with a hint of fantasy and a subtext of mindfulness.

Are the characters based on people you knew when you were growing up?

PETER J. BARBOUR: The main characters are based on my grandchildren. I incorporated some traits and behaviors, that allow me to identify who’s who and keep them true to their characters. The odd folks sprung from my imagination.

I’m intrigued that you also illustrated the book. Were the drawings part of the writing process or did they come after the novel was finished?

PETER J. BARBOUR: The descriptions in the story live as images in my mind in part based on my experiences and the places I’ve visited. It was just a matter of putting the images into drawings.

All the illustrations were added after the book was completed. My friends at BWG suggested illustrating the book. I had published three illustrated children’s books in the past, Gus at Work, Oscar and Gus, and Tanya and the Baby Elephant. So, I was familiar with the process.

When did you decide to publish the novel through the BWG?

PETER J. BARBOUR: I had considered publishing with BWG from the beginning. Publishing with BWG was one of the advantages of joining the group, although, I must admit, it was not my first choice. Getting a publisher or an agent is no mean feat. After several years of trying and receiving multiple rejections or no response, I decided to go with BWG. BWG is a small independent press. I knew they would be responsive to my needs. I was familiar with their other publications that demonstrated their attention to detail.

Tell us about the publication experience, particularly working with Carol L. Wright, Marianne H. Donley, and Dianna Sinovic, who provided editing and formatting assistance.

PETER J. BARBOUR: I found the entire experience rewarding and fun. Carol, Marianne, and Dianna took a personal interest in the project and, as it developed, I felt their pride in the final product as we completed it. I trusted in their direction, opinions, and support. They responded immediately to all my concerns and questions. I deeply appreciated all their effort. Also, as I went through the process of vetting each chapter with the group at our bi-monthly meetings and long form reviews, (I had two), I benefitted from the help of the whole group at BWG.

Why is this a book that parents should share with their children or grandparents should share with their grandchildren?

PETER J. BARBOUR: My hope is that people will find the book interesting, exciting, and engaging. The lessons are woven into the plot subtly with the hope that they will provoke conversations, and the lessons will be internalized, and the message that balance is the key endures.

Will you write for this age group again?

PETER J. BARBOUR: Absolutely. I already have an idea in what direction the sequel might go. Someone has also planted an idea for a children’s book regarding the fifteen keys.

What are you working on now?

PETER J. BARBOUR: I have three short stories that need a home. I’m thinking about an anthology for my short stories, some of which need work. I’ve enjoyed working on that.

Peter, we wish you every success for Fifteen Keys and for all your writing projects. Thanks for being with us!

ABOUT PETER J. BARBOUR:

Dr. Barbour retired his reflex hammer and, in 2020, moved to Lake Oswego to become a full-time writer and illustrator. His previous works include a memoir, Loose Ends, three illustrated children’s books: Gus at Work, Oscar and Gus, and Tanya and the Baby Elephant. In addition, he has published over forty short stories that have appeared in e-journals and magazines. One of them, “The Fate of Dicky Paponovitch,” earned him Raconteur of the Month from Susan Carol Publishing Company. He belongs to the Bethlehem Writers Group, LLC, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Barbour has long been actively involved in Mussar, an ancient study of Jewish ethics, virtues, and mindfulness leading to character development. He participates in the process as a group facilitator and brings Mussar’s timeless wisdom to the writing of Fifteen Keys. He and his wife, Barbara Barbour, who is an accomplished photographer, now live in Oregon. Whenever they get a chance away from their vocations, they enjoy traveling and the outdoors.