Apparitions

ArcheBookZines!

2007-05-09T18:48:00.000-04:00

My publisher, ArcheBooks, just made an announcement today – they are doing something new and spiffy in the book world! Imagine all the adventures of a book in magazine format (minus the annoying advertisements) and you have the new ArcheBookZine. So check out ArcheBookZines.

Check for all ArcheBooks' titles in the ArcheBookZine format.

And may I take a moment to encourage you to check out John DeDakis' mystery suspense novel, Fast Track, also available in the new format. I've read Fast Track and let me tell you, John's writing is fast! He starts out with a whopper of a beginning (talk about not being able to walk away…) and doesn't let go until the end. So if you like fast, like mystery, suspense and want to know a wonderful character named Lark – check it out!

He's also working on the sequel. If you like Fast Track visit his site and email him…tell him to get the sequel out! (that's a purely selfish request btw…as I want to see Lark again :) )

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About the author:

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Pirates of the Caribbean!

2007-05-07T14:43:00.001-04:00

It's coming out...soon!!! May 25th they say...YAY!!!!!!!

Ok ok...I'll calm down. But I love this series and I've been waiting since Jack was swollowed to see this next one! I might even make Lain take me to go see it in the theater - which we never have done except for the LoTR series. That should tell you how geeked I am.

_________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks 2007)

GenreCon - News Off of LightSpeed PressWire!

2007-05-03T13:09:00.001-04:00

FANTASY SCIENCE FICTION/All Ages/GenreCon 2007/GenreCon 2007 Final List of Panels and Authors

SARNIA, Ont., May 3/LPW – The annual Fantasy Science Fiction Horror gathering, GenreCon, has finalized the list of panels and participants. GenreCon will be held May 12, 2007, at the Sarnia Branch of the Lambton County Library.

Final list of Panels and Panelists:

12 p.m. Genre Jumping a Good or Bad Idea?

Moderator Sarah Zettel, Robert J. Sawyer, Kelley Armstrong, Steve Climer, Jean Rae Baxter

Does writing in more than genre increase or decrease the success of your writing career? If you do jump genres what are the best ways to do it and what are things to avoid? What are some examples of successful and unsuccessful attempts to jump genres?

1 p.m Spear Carriers: The Characters Other Than the Hero

Moderator Jeff DeLuzio, John McFetridge, Peggy Herron, Dennis Collins, Suzanne Church

How are they created? How can they be used to fill out the background of the story giving texture and detail without overwhelming the plot. The writers will talk about where the character came from and how they were developed.

At the end of the discussion the audience can choose a picture, list words describing a person in it and write a paragraph putting the words together and voila: a character is born. At 5:00 PM we will have a follow up where people will then read their paragraphs.

2 p.m. The Art and Science of Evolving as a Writer

Moderator Sarah Zettel, Sylvia Hubbard, Suzanne Church, Peggy Herron, Jake Doherty

In order to improve as a writer you have to practice. What are some of the ways to do this? How can you tell if there is improvement?

3 p.m. Creating an Effect With Your Writing.

Moderator Rick Blechta, Sylvia Hubbard, Caitlin Sweet, John McFetridge, Steve Climer

Many writers strive to create a certain feeling in the reader with their work. How is this achieved and how does it affect the creation of the story.

4 p.m. So How Does it End?

Moderator Dennis Collins, Rick Blechta, Caitlin Sweet, Jake Doherty, Jean Rae Baxter

A good ending leaves the reader satisfied but also wanting more. What kinds of ways can a writer end a story and what are ways to come up with a good ending to your story?

5 p.m. Show and Tell Panel on Characters

Jeff DeLuzio and Kelley Armstrong moderators

Name: GenreCon
Where: Sarnia Branch, Lambton County Library,
124 Christina St. South, Sarnia, Ontario N7T 8E1
Sarnia is one hour north east of Detroit Michigan on I-94 and
One hour west of London, Ontario on the 402.
ConChairs: Jeff Beeler and Ellen Dark

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About the Author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks 2007)

2007-05-03T13:09:00.000-04:00

Bitternest - by Alan Draven

2007-05-01T09:32:00.001-04:00

Fellow horror author Alan Draven's new book has just hit the stands! You can find his book at Amazon.com, Barnsandnoble, Borders and BooksaMillion. It's also available in a PDF form for $6.00.

Here's a brief synopsis:

Synopsis
Bitternest. A Louisiana city of sunken dreams and drunken ambitions. A hidden gateway to hell infused with dark myths and a sinister history where evil lurks in every fog-shrouded corner. A pandemic of avian influenza is slowly crippling the world. Oddly, only this city appears to be resisting, but at what cost? Following a grim discovery, Detective Terry Graves is taken to a secret underground crypt, and thrown into the dark realm of vampires. There he learns that their numbers are dwindling; their only salvation lies in creating an alliance. Together, they must face a new breed of creatures waging war to both man and vampires while a drug lord with a hidden agenda plans the city's downfall. Nothing is what it seems. Terry finds himself drowning in a web of deception. Upon seeking answers, he realizes that something much worse is looming in the city, for an ancient evil has been unleashed-and cannot be stopped.

For more information check out his page here: Alan Draven

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About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Grave Thoughts Interview

2007-04-24T14:25:00.000-04:00

Greg K. at Grave Thoughts Radio did a wonderful job with the interview we did! He asked some great questions and the music he chose to go with the interview and reading were perfect.

Thanks Greg!

Check it out here and take some time to listen to his other interviews as well!

Grave Thoughts Radio

___________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Appparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Apparitions Reading is Here!

2007-04-17T14:13:00.001-04:00

The reading for Apparitions is up and running! dun dun dun! The scene I'm reading in it matches the trailer - so if you listen and then watch the scenes click together nicely.

Two warnings though!!!

This reading streams so when you click it will PLAY! So if you're at work make sure the boss isn't lurking around!

Also, I sound like a dork. But if you manage to get past that the scenes being read are neat :)

So if you're brave...click here: Listen

___________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Friday the 13th

2007-04-13T09:17:00.000-04:00

Eeeeek! I just went through my calendar to see what needs doing today and realized...it's Friday the 13th!

Gah! Stay out of the woods! Lock your doors! Run! To where I don't know but still...

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About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May/June 2007)

Apparitions' Trailer is Out!!!

2007-04-13T09:15:00.000-04:00

The trailer for Apparitions is done and ready to be viewed!!! Hashy did a fabulous job on it!

Check it out at my web site. To view it scroll down to the bottom of the main page and click on 'See The Trailer'.

__________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May/June 2007)

"Living in a Fantasy World" Chat!

2007-04-06T09:55:00.000-04:00

Sandy Lender, author of Choices Meant for Gods, is having a live chat about "Living in a Fantasy World". It'll be on Tuesday the 10th at 7pm EST and is hosted by ArcheBooks.

Come join us for some talk and fun!

ArcheBooks Chat Room

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About the Author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Blood Stains On My Hands

2007-03-27T19:43:00.000-04:00

We just shot a scene for Apparitions' trailer! I got to play with a bottle of blood! Woooohooo! (Fake of course) Splattered it all over. It was a lot of fun :)

Except now I've got blood stains on my hands! And the floor...I think I hit the curtains too...ah well.

If Hashy keeps up the excellent work he's been doing - it'll be scary!

___________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

ArcheBooks' Writers Forums!

2007-03-23T14:55:00.000-04:00

My publisher, ArcheBooks, introduced new boards today! We have all sorts of forums where you can talk to authors from fantasy to sci-fi to horror to contempory and self-help.

There's also an area for Conventions, Events, marketing tips, general writing conversation and lots more.

Drop by and check out the forums!

____________________
About the Author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks, May 2007)

Apparitions

2007-03-22T09:18:00.000-04:00

My debut horror novel, Apparitions, just got its first blurb! I'm very excited about it as it comes from one of my favorite authors - Steve Alten (Author of MEG, The Trench, MEG: Primal Waters and The LOCH).

Check out what Steve has to say about Apparitions here!

Take a gander at Steve's books here!

____________________
About the Author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Grave Thoughts

2007-03-15T19:49:00.000-04:00

I've got exciting news! Greg from Grave Thoughts will be hosting me on his show on April 10th. There will be a short reading from Apparitions and an interview. He seems like a really interesting guy and I can't wait to talk with him.

In the meanwhile, check out his site and listen to the other authors and artists he has featured including - Steve Vernon, Gary Braunbeck and Scott Nicholson.

______________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Time Change

2007-03-08T06:58:00.000-05:00

[Start Public Service Message] This is a warning. This is real and not a test. Starting this Saturday at Midnight (our beloved hour even...blasphamy...) the clocks turn forward by one hour. Yes. We lose one hour of darkness. Find and prepare your shelters now! Again, this is not a test........This has been a public service message from the dark side.[/End Public Service Message]

________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks 2007)

New Method!

2007-03-05T10:39:00.000-05:00

On my web site I mentioned that I'll be using a new method with Windigo (horror / suspense) than I have with my previous two novels - Apparitions (horror / suspense) and Night Wing (dark fantasy). Here's a brief summary of the new system -

All characters (big and small) are written out on 3x5" cards.
Each character with major to moderate roles are color coded with different markers
Each character with minor roles are color coded all in yellow.

I'm keeping a running set of cards on 'Detail' - ie the details of the fictional town I've created for Windigo.

Each scene or sequel is written out on a card and color coded in the VP (view point) character's color. Included on the card is a list of details (sensory type stuff - this addition is thanks to M.B Weston), list of actions, brief summary, list of emotions and most importantly the RESULT (effect) of the scene.

Working with a cause and effect system I list out each scene and sequal, make a calendar allotting for when each happens in 'fiction time'. Then I break these cards into chapters usually consisting of 4 average sized VPs or up to 7 short ones.

Then all of these are placed neatly into an index file with appropriate segments ie - Characters, Details, Chapter 1, Chapter 2 and so forth.

On top of this file I keep a 3 pronged folder with print outs of the major characters' bio sheets, intensive write up of the area and general plots (broken into the main plot and the various sub plots).

Annnnd I keep a spiral notebook (usually a matching color - I lean heavily to purple ;) ) where I do my bubble charts, notes and various other doodling.

It seems intensive but for anyone that's taken on a novel length work organization is key! Or in my case, organised chaos...

So this is my new system. Once Windigo is out you can let me know if it worked!

____________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks 2007)

World Fantasy Convention '07

2007-03-05T09:33:00.000-05:00

I just got an email from the WFC - their hotel rooms are already half full. If you're planning on attending please book your room soon!

For more info visit them here

____________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks 2007)

Banners for Apparitions

2007-02-26T12:38:00.000-05:00

Banners for Apparitions - regular and animated - are ready and up at the web site. We also have a mini-trailer ready that has a neat ghost image in it.

This week we'll be working on the 'movie' trailer for Apparitions. I'll keep you guys up to date on that and put it on the web site to view when it's done.

___________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks, May 2007)

New Web Site Design

2007-02-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

Whoever works on web design for a living is an angel or demon...in either case they possess unearthly powers of patience.

After lots of trial and error we present the new and greatly improved Raven Bower web site!

Take a gander. It's design has been spiffed up and 98% of the content is available. There are some links to horror sites, Halloween sites and other fun stuff.

_____________________
About the author:

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

The Guardian

2007-02-19T10:45:00.000-05:00

Since I'm between projects I was able to eek in a second movie this week. I choose The Guardian because of the trailers I saw of it with the stormy seas. Being a huge fan of the seas and lakes I just had to see this one.

I'm glad I did! It was an all around excellent movie with great cast and story line. I particularly liked the ghost spin at the end of it. That the ghost of Randall continued on with the life saving work he did when he was alive.

I've read stories of ghosts in forests saving people that were lost within them by leading them to houses or roads. It was pretty neat to hear of a nautical story that had the same slant of helpful ghosts.

_________________
About the Author -
Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Free Ebook!

2007-02-15T11:51:00.000-05:00

My publisher is offering a free e-book to anyone that visits their web site. Take a gander! You might even find some neat new authors.

ArcheBooks

_________________
About the author -
Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks 2007)

Gist of the Novel

2007-02-15T09:38:00.000-05:00

As the release date gets closer I figured I'd give a taste of what Apparition's is about:

In Apparitions the supernatural meets modern reality in the tourist town of White Sands, Michigan. Bailey Khane is a renowned author visited by ghostly guests; murder victims seeking the peace of the grave. Unbeknownst to her, they were all slain by the same man. Caught between the growing shadow of his knife and the unholy fury of the dead he has left in his wake, she is forced to call upon obscure knowledge of the occult, superstition and myth to survive.

…will she succeed?

When Andy Bennett searches for the answers to his sister’s murder he is drawn into a web of horror and shambling corpses. With Bailey high on his list of suspects -

Will he draw her from their clutches and risk becoming their prey?

Sheriff Jay Carson and Deputy Raines fight to form a line between their citizens and the creatures that crave to destroy them.

Will they fall and leave their town defenceless in the face of death?

So it's a mix of a ghost story, heavily supernatural and also includes a nasty serial killer and zombies! whoo

I don't know about you, but Zombies have always frightened the daylights out of me.

___________________
About the author -
Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks April 2007)

ITW Contest

2007-01-05T16:37:00.000-05:00

Here's a fun contest from the International Thriller Writers --

150 Thrillers!

It's a thriller lover's dream - the chance to win 150 novels by some of the biggest and best thriller authors in the business. That's right, 150.

Imagine receiving books written by Joseph Finder, Tess Gerritsen, John Lescroart, Gayle Lynds, and David Baldacci for free. Then multiply that by thirty, because they represent only five of the 150 books you will receive if you're the winner in the International Thriller Writer's "150 Thrillers" contest.

The best part? Just by entering you'll begin receiving the free ITW newsletter, a monthly email newsletter that contains loads of information about upcoming thriller novels, thriller authors and thriller news.

All you have to do is go to www.150Thrillers.com, or email contest@150Thrillers.com before February 15th and sign up to get the free ITW newsletter. That's it.

Once you've subscribed, you're entered. The winner will be picked randomly from all entrants, and will receive 150 thriller novels from some of the top novelists writing today. Three runner-up entrants will each receive a copy of the 2006 Thriller Anthology, edited by James Patterson. But really, everyone who signs up to receive the ITW newsletter is a winner.

So go on, sign up. You know you want to.

Please note: one entry per person, and, as usual, ITW will not share your email information with anyone.

For further information, contact M.J. Rose at MJRoseAuthor@aol.com

Happy New Year!

2006-12-28T10:15:00.000-05:00

The time has come to say farewell to 2006 and usher in 2007! YAY! 2006 was a rough year for us and I can't wait to kick its arse out the door.

Sticking with tradition I've concocted a list of New Year's Resolutions. I find that if I use the word 'will' instead of 'I'll try' etc. and keep things doable it's easy to obtain most if not all of your goals.

So for 2007 I WILL:

Spend more time with positive friends and family members
Support hubby in his artistic endeavors
Work more with the kiddos
Do my best editing job on Apparitions and get it out to you
Find a home for Night Wing
Have Windigo done by November
Continue to learn and grow in my chosen fields
Work out regularly so I can be around to write for a good long while

_______________________
About the author -
Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks April 2007)

Raven's Blog

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

To everyone out there, mortal or ghostly, have a Merry Christmas!

Enjoy the season and all it brings. Remember that life is short, too short to be serious all the time. Too short to worry about the trifles like... 'oh I can't possibly have another piece of pie.' Sure you can! Like I said about Thanksgiving, add in a few more reps to whatever thing you do to keep in shape and no one will be the wiser come mid-January that you splurged at the table.

Anywho, as an update my second novel, and first in my fantasy series, Night Wing is done! Took a wee longer than I expected but...done none the less. Once the final reader does his edits then I'll print it out. After that it gets a final reading by me and a final polish and then...dun dun dun...off to the publisher!

After that I can get to work on the outline and character sheets for Windigo, the sequel to Apparitions.

It's exciting! 2007 here we come!

________________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks April 2007)

Raven's Blog

WFC

2006-12-10T16:16:00.000-05:00

Just got the approval handed down by DH…we're going to the World Fantasy Convention in Saratoga NY! From what I've been reading on it, it sounds like it'll be a grand time!

To make it even better the topic of the 2007 WFC is 'Ghosts and Revenants' :)

Seems like they'll be covering all sorts of ghostly goodies in works of fiction past and how it relates to our current works -- particularly the fantastic. Here's their site if you want to take a look --

http://www.lastsfa.org/wfc2007/index.html

It'll be a great time. Hope to see you there!

__________________

About the Author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks April 2007)

Raven's Blog

Release Delay

2006-11-28T18:48:00.000-05:00

Apparitions' scheduled release month has changed from March to April of 2007.

Which gives me an extra month to get Night Wing wrapped up! Phew.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-21T11:01:00.000-05:00

Take a few moments out of the hectic Holiday rush to give thanks for all your blessings. It's what Thanksgiving is about!

I think my dentist has a fabulous idea too. Instead of promising yourself you won't stuff yourself this holiday season...just admit that it'll happen and have fun! Eat and enjoy! It's better than feeling down on yourself or guilty about the fun and good times you had.

Just increase your activity for the next month by a few minutes a day and your body will never know you splurged.

Writing About the Supernatural

2006-11-17T17:06:00.000-05:00

The supernatural, ghosts and all the howling, growling creatures have all ways enthralled me. When I was young I used to sneak downstairs to peer into the living room late at night when my mom was watching movies about mummies or those short ghost stories they used to show on T.V. I thought I was being the ultimate sneak. Now I'm sure she knew I was there and just didn't say anything. My earliest recollection of a movie was the B&W version of the Mummy.

My novel, Apparitions, was my first venture into actually writing a book length work of fiction that revolved around ghosts. Like the films of old it's very much a ghost story yet it also has a human side. For right now though we'll stick with the ghosts and their creation.

Whenever you're working with a critter that isn't known to science -- whether it be ghost, werewolf, dragon or anything in-between -- plausibility is your main obstacle. The apparitions you show must be 'real' and to be real they must have a set of rules that they abide by. Once you set these rules they shouldn't be broken.

If you've done any reading into the supernatural or the occult you'll know there are hundreds of different theories. Which do you choose, if any?

My answer -- whatever suits your fancy and your story so long as you can set the rules and maintain them throughout your story.

If at the beginning of the novel you show that a ghost cannot leave the place it is bound to then none of your ghosts can move outside of their allotted area. If they do then the reader will rightly assume that since one rule is void they all are and they may cease to believe in your ghosts.

For Apparitions I chose to follow Greer's view on ghosts for the most part. You will see however that I tainted it as well. I twisted a few rules and made their nature more sinister than he puts forth. I took a few of their known abilities and enhanced them.

Perhaps one of the oddest things I did (for me the writer) was to insert myself into a few of the ghosts' viewpoints. Now that was an eerie experience!

Whichever way you choose to work your ghosts and beasties unknown -- be very careful when deciding. Keep your plot and characters in mind at all times. Stick to your rules and let the shudders begin!

______________________
About the Author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming supernatural horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks March 2007)

Raven's Blog

Ghosts in The Attic

2006-11-06T10:06:00.000-05:00

…or bats in the belfry.

I've always wondered why most people view supernatural events, ghosts or horrific sightings with such a negative eye. Some people sensitive to the supernatural have been accused of taking mind-altering substances or being wonky in the head.

Why?

Is it fear? Are skeptics so afraid of what might exist that they endow themselves with the arrogant right to declare infallibly that ghosts, spirits and monsters do not exist?

If so, what causes this fear? Is it that it opens an entire realm that they cannot control? Or is it more personal…if there are spirits there is life after death and perhaps our actions or inaction here do play a role in our final destiny?

Or are they really that arrogant to believe that their view of reality is the true view of reality and nothing else exists?

Points to ponder.

Me, I'll stick with admitting my ignorance thanks.

I can say ghosts exist because I've seen and felt them. Spirits too. I've had supernatural experiences too and you can call me batty if you want -- I think they're cute.

As for the rest…I've never seen anything out of cryptozoology (such an intriguing field by the way) but I don’t see why such strange and interesting animals couldn't exist.

In the end I think the question is more -- why wouldn't they exist and who are we to place limits on this world and this universe when really…we know so very little about it.

____________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror / suspense novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks March 2007)

Raven's Hollow

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T09:18:00.000-05:00

For those who love to create the thrill and chill of fear! For darklings, strangelings, the morbid and the imaginative --

Have a grand time on this most hallowed of holidays!

Perhaps take some time out and read a ghost story or better yet, read it to someone else too.

________________________

About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks March 2007)

Raven's Blog

Part 2

2006-10-28T15:30:00.000-04:00

I ranted and raved, steamed and stewed…and did various other non-productive things that really only amounted to procrastinating.

Then I decided to get productive and actually solve the issue with Apparitions. I had Bailey, the ghosts and the serial killer. Happy with those three elements they were slated to stay. I also found upon further examination that the heightened horror factor actually worked very well, better in fact than the pure thriller I had intended.

In hindsight I shouldn't have been so shocked or stumped. Books with a high aspect of horror, monsters and darkness have all ways enthralled me and so it stands to reason Apparitions would also have this slant.

With a shrug of the shoulders and a moment of lament that the time I'd spent stewing would have been better spent accepting and rewriting…I changed flow of the story to better fit a ghostly horror / suspense story.

I sat down with the text I had and noted the changes I'd need to make at the beginning of the story to make the new plot focus work. Interestingly enough I found these changes would make the story far stronger and engaging. From there I tinkered a bit with the supporting characters and then finally wrote a new and extremely loose outline of the final three-quarters of the book.

As a note that outline went off course too and eventually got ditched. But the topic of outlines and plotting deserve a section of their own. If you're interested look for that one on Raven's Hollow.

Anyway, it may sound more complex than it was and it wasn't nearly as time consuming as it sounds. In the end Apparitions became a better book and I learned a lot about myself as a writer.

When plots, characters or genre go awry sit back and take a close look at whatever new possibility is being presented by this twist. Sometimes we find that if we let it go the way it wants to we uncover a brilliant, lively story. Other times we realize there's been a mistake along the way that needs to be corrected -- perhaps even something we forced. Either way and no matter what the main issue is rest assured it can be fixed with a little thought and trust in yourself.

_________________________

About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel Apparitions (ArcheBooks March 2007)

When Plots...And Genre Go Awry

2006-10-26T11:04:00.002-04:00

I conceived the idea for Apparitions during one of my stints of interest in serial killers. At the time I was also (and still am) intensely interested in the phenomenon of ghosts and their supernatural links to our realm. Another area of interest is how some people are sensitive to the presence of ghosts and others seem unable to even consider their existence.

That said, my main character Bailey Khane was born of these branches of interest. She is able to sense and communicate with the ghosts of the serial killer's victims.

Now I had my main character, Bailey, and my serial killer. More than enough to start with I thought. I proceeded to outline a straight suspense / thriller novel and then got to work on it. Honestly, there was all intent on keeping it that way. Unfortunately the muses that be vetoed my original concept roughly…oh a quarter of the way through the first draft.

I was shocked.

As if abundant ghosts and a rampant serial killer were not enough…my precious, pure suspense thriller had somehow become creepier and darker than I intended. At that time it mutated into a cross genre of horror/suspense.

It was at that time too that my plot came to a jarring halt. Bailey wasn't acting Baileyish and I was stumped. I had wanted a pure genre and well…what I had was not that.

What is an author to do at that point? When their entire plot outline is rendered useless in one dramatic twist? Well, there are as many answers to that as there are authors. In my next post I'll tell you what this author did and why.

Greetings

2006-10-24T21:27:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my little home in cyber space where ghosts and creepiness abound. Settle in for my next post - When Plots...and Genre Go Awry.