Lindsay Currie - The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street (Halloween Q&A) Interview with Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

With Halloween fast approaching, this is a fantastic book to get the goose-bumps flowing. The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie was published in a gorgeous hardback in the US on the 10th October 2017. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the book and the author. 

I hope you enjoy the questions and that the answers make you want to pick up a copy of the book and read it, maybe in time for Halloween. Welcome, Lindsay Currie, to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books and thank you for taking the time to answer the questions. 

Who would love reading THE PECULIAR INCIDENT ON SHADY STREET, and why?

Well, PECULIAR INCIDENT is a ghost story with some seriously creepy moments, so anyone who likes to be "spooked" will definitely enjoy it! That said, it's also a fun mystery and a story about friendship, family, bravery, and acceptance, so I hope everyone is able to take something away from Tessa's story! 

When the rain starts. When the lights go out. That's when the trouble begins... 

What trouble can we expect in this book?

Oooh, good question! PECULIAR INCIDENT is based on a real ghost legend who is buried here in Chicago. The legend is so fascinating (and creepy) that folks travel from all over the country to visit the gravesite! When I wrote the book, I attempted to incorporate the feeling you get when you look at the grave in as many scenes as possible. This means that PECULIAR INCIDENT has a pretty unsettling tone. There's storms, flickering lights, a spooky, antique ventriloquist doll, and all kinds of ghostly events! 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I have so many! I love to write with candles going, so that's definitely something a little unusual about me. I also write with things surrounding me that make me feel inspired, so my writing desk is a bit . . . eclectic. There's an old-fashioned hourglass, several Harry Potter Funko figurines, and a sculpture made from found-items that looks suspiciously like a cross between a Thanksgiving turkey, and a monster. 

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

I generally have an idea of where my story is going, but I don't plot per-se. It makes me feel more comfortable to let the characters lead the way. 

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?

I’ve been writing my entire life, so the decision to attempt a novel came on the heels of the revelation that writing isn't just a hobby for me. It's a lifestyle. Truthfully, the starting part is always the easiest; it's the finishing part that can be hard. 

Can you pass on any tips regarding the writing process to other budding writers?

Sure! I think when I first started out in publishing, I suffered from wanting things to happen fast all the time. I wanted to finish books quickly, edit them quickly, and see them in agent/editor hands quickly. I've come to learn this is a pretty common rookie error. The publishing industry is not a fast one, and the work of a writer should not be either. You need to take your time to write a good, timely book. It's impossible to know your characters and their goals/dreams/what motivates them unless you slow down and figure out what makes them tick. Same goes for plot. And editing? The more time you can take shining up your work, the better. There's a lot of amazing books out there, so make yours stand out! 

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying/reading process?

Yes. Although we've all heard the old adage "don't judge a book by its cover", I think cover art is immensely important. A striking cover stands out on shelves, and a thoughtfully designed cover speaks to the reader even while they are reading the book. I got very lucky with my cover for THE PECULIAR INCIDENT ON SHADY STREET because the designer - Jessica Handelman - has designed several other covers that I adore, so I knew I'd love whatever she came up with for Tessa's story. The colors in the background are not only a nod to the stormy weather that persists in the book, but also my main character's hobby - pastel drawing. It truly couldn't be more perfect. 

What are your thoughts about how to encourage more children to read? Tough question. I really think this varies from child-to-child. For many children, it seems the key is finding what they enjoy. Finding books that don't feel like a chore to read - either from a content or reading level standpoint. 

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Spend time with my family. I have three children - ages 15, 14, and 11 that are my inspiration for everything. My favorite weekends are the ones where we hang out together, make dinner or rent a movie. 

My husband travels for work so when he's here, we do our best to make the most of it. 

What is your favourite book to read that scares you?

Yikes! Favorite scary book? That's a hard one. I'm going to answer with a book from my childhood called The Dollhouse Murders. That book terrified me as a kid, but was so deliciously wonderful that I couldn't stop reading. I reread it about two years ago and was delighted to discover that it still raises goosebumps on my arms today! 

About the Author 

Lindsay lives in Chicago, Illinois with one incredibly patient hubby, three amazing kids and THREE DOGS! She's fond of tea, Halloween, Disney World and things that go bump in the night!

 

An author of young adult and middle-grade fiction, Lindsay is represented by Kathleen Rushall, of Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Her middle-grade novels are published with Simon & Schuster/Aladdin. Her young adult novels are published with Flux/Llewellyn and Merit Press. For more details on Lindsay's upcoming books, please visit her website:https://www.lindsaycurrie.com

Michelle Harrison - The Other Alice - Blog Tour (Five Characters I'd Wish Into Real Life . . . and Five Villains I Wouldn't)

It's a great pleasure to be kicking off the blog tour for Michelle Harrison's latest book, The Other Alice. It was recently published by Simon & Schuster on the 28th July. This is a fantastically magical book which is very spooky and absolutely thrilling to read. To find out more please check out my book review HERE.  

This blog tour will stop by some of the best book bloggers, so please check the list above and pop along to each of these. I would like to thank Michelle for this brilliant post about Characters and Villains. I wonder . . . . what would yours be? 

Finally, please check my book give away on twitter @Enchantedbooks which is starting today. All you have to do is RT and Follow. I'm afraid that this competition is open to the UK only. 

Five Characters I'd Wish Into Real Life 
. . . and Five Villains I Wouldn't  By Michelle Harrison 

My latest novel, The Other Alice, is about a writer whose characters come to life if she is unable to finish their stories. I've often wished I could bring some of my own characters into the real world, and I've definitely created a few that I'd never want to meet. Here are my top five in each category, from my own books and those by other authors. 

1. The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen 
In the original version this 'poor unfortunate soul' ends up as sea foam after she fails to win the prince's love. If she came to life, I'd use her three days as a human to show her a good time. On day one I'd deck her out with some party feet for her painful tootsies, then take her out for a girly night of cocktails. Day two, we'd recover with a fry up and watch DVDs in our PJs (probably Bridget Jones rather than Splash). Day three we'd go through all my folklore and spell books and find a way to outwit the sea witch. Girl power! 

2. Turpin – One Wish by Michelle Harrison 
Of all the fairies I've created, Turpin is probably my favourite. She's artful, cheeky and a kleptomaniac, but also fiercely loyal and brave. Life would be a lot of fun with her around, provided you don't mind handling stolen goods. 

3. Gobbolino the Witch's Cat – Ursula Moray Williams 
As a child I was enchanted by stories of the little black cat, Gobbolino and his wicked sister, Sootica. Born with one white paw (and so not deemed a 'proper' witch's cat) Gobbolino is cast out by the witch and goes in search of his forever home. As a mad cat lady with a penchant for black cats, there'd always be a place by my fire and a bowl of GoCat for him (and probably Sootica, too) although they'd have to get past my top cat, Pepper, first . . . 

4. Sara Crewe – A little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett 
One of my all time book heroines. Going from riches to rags she manages to stay positive and enrich the lives of all around her with the power of her imagination and love of stories. Not only that but she'd never interrupt you when you're reading, because it's one of her pet hates. Top girl. 

5. Jon Snow – A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin 
No, really. I wouldn't choose the bad guys like Jaime Lannister, or Mr Willoughby. Or James Bond. Nope, no dashing literary ratbags for me. Honestly. WHAT? 


And now for the baddies . . . 

1. Kevin Katchadourian – We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver 
One seriously messed up little creep who is the perpetrator of a high school massacre. In addition he steals a dead person's glass eye, and wears nappies until the age of six just to make his mother's life difficult. A horribly compelling character in one of the best but most disturbing books I've read. But being a monster isn't the only reason I'd never want Kevin to be real. He knows he's unwanted by his mother, and he's so joyless I'd just never wish a human like him into existence. 

2. Jennet Humfrye – The Woman in Black by Susan Hill 
One of the most malevolent and threatening characters I've ever encountered, the ghost of Jennet Humfrye with her wasted face haunts the town of Crythin Gifford. Having pined away after the death of her son, sightings of her result in the inevitable death of a child. The book, stage play and film have each played on my mind when the lights are out. *Shudder* 

3. Asinastra – Poison by Chris Wooding 
If you're not a fan of spiders, you really won't like Asinastra, the Lady of Cobwebs. A pregnant half-woman, half-spider, she peers up through her tangle of hair and speaks to your mind telepathically. I've never hoovered up a spider but I'd make an exception for this one if there was a Dyson big enough. 

4. Cruella de Vil – The Hundred and One Dalmations by Dodie Smith 
'If she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will . . .' Not much else to say about this would-be puppy killer except that I'd love to have thought her up myself. If I was ever unlucky enough to meet her I like to think I'd be brave enough to chuck a box of Nice 'n' Easy her way before scarpering. 

5. Annie Wilkes – Misery by Stephen King 
Every writer's nightmare: 'Your number one fan!' A deranged devotee of Stephen King's author Paul Sheldon, Annie is enraged that he killed off her favourite character, Misery Chastain. Not content with imprisoning and torturing him, she forces him to write a new book bringing Misery back from the dead. I can't help but grimace whenever I get an email from someone claiming to be my 'number one fan' . . .

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Sarah Baker - Through the Mirror Door - Book Review

Since the accident, Angela has been alone. When she is invited on holiday with her cousins, it is her chance to be part of a family again if she promises to behave herself. But secrets lie in the walls of the crumbling French holiday home and the forbidden rooms draw Angela in. Soon night-time footsteps, flickering candlelight and shadows in windows lead her to a boy who needs her help. To save him Angela must discover the truth about what happened in the house all those years ago . . . and face the terrible secret of her own past.

Sarah Baker has worked extensively in film, as a story editor, with roles at Aardman Features. She has now turned her creative hand from fashion blogging to the catwalk of writing books for children. Through the Mirror Door is a very good middle grade read that is incredibly immersive and well accomplished for a debut book. It will certainly attract readers of all ages, in my opinion. The eye catching cover is designed by Will Steele and illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle; it's very in-keeping with the story as it pulls out the mystery and leaves you wanting to find out more inside the cover. 

You get a really good feel about the plot from the very first page. The plight of the main central character is Angela. She is perhaps not the most well formed character and might need just a little more work around her to fully develop her personality. She is a troubled twelve-year old suffering from the death of her family when she suddenly finds herself embroiled into a mystery story that sucks her into the crevices of the French manor house, Maison de Noyer. 

EVERY HOUSE HOLDS A SECRET. 

As you arrive at the foreboding tall dark house, it looms over you in a crumbling state of dilapidated character and rural charm. Three floors, twenty-four shuttered windows, all in total darkness lead you into a world that will intrigue and spook you to the very core as you cross over the threshold. The question is: do you dare? 

Every door that you open, the more secrets you will find as you follow Angela on a twisty and turning adventure that will have you rooting for her. The climatic adventure turns into a pulse gripping race against time to save Julien, a boy, from 1898 France. You will be transported back in time to a time slip period adventure that vibrates into a tale of deceit and survival. It will work up the imagination and lead you down the path of a gripping fantasy novel. It will certainly flex the brain and entertain the sole as you follow the night-time footsteps, the flickering candlelight and a whole host of ghostly visitations. 

This book is essentially a huge atmospheric ghost story, which is layered full of mystery and dark intentions that I really did connect with. The narrative is one of my personal favourites.  You will soon be sucked into a cavernous story; a haunting and enchanted world that has a timeless classic feel. It is historically rooted which leads to pure escapism, but also has a dollop of romance and a big splash of friendship in a tale of hope and fear. 

This is a brilliant debut book and a highly recommended read. It is out now in all good book shops - published by Catnip Publishing.
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