While my latest novel, 'Before the Light' sits to one side simmering, before I decide what still needs tightening or rewriting (yet again), or whether it might finally be done (if a book can ever really finally be done) I seem to have started something new.
This very newest novel will be a ghost story (the clue was in the title), or at least, a kind of ghost story. And I am loving it, especially since it has given me a wonderful excuse to revisit some favourites this summer - The Turn of the Screw, The Haunting of Hill House, Rebecca, The Woman in Black, Beloved . . .
Ever since I was a child, I've had a thing for spooky stories, but not for just those in books. I loved all those fireside/sleepover tales too, the ones about hitchikers who vanish and people missing heads. One of my fondest kid-memories is of holing up in an airing cupboard with my sister and some friends and sharing stories. And how we all jumped out together screaming when the gory ending was revealed. Once more, I realise that I'm refusing to grow up, but if you have any recommendations or favourite tales I'd really like to hear them . . .
In other things, after receiving a few enquiries, I've been thinking about beginning another interactive blog story. Please let me know if you'd like to get involved ( :
And, finally! Huge congratulations to fabulous Caroline Smailes whose incredible new novel Black Boxes is about to take the world by storm!
17 comments:
Thanks honey.
I love ghosty stories very much.
great tile, btw :)
x
I heard a scary story - goes something like this (clears throat):
My pension calculator say's I'll be working until I'm 68.
Scary no?
But, actually, a blog story could be fun. You're last one was really good...
Please make it genuinely spook! So much of modern writing fails to conjour the same reactions as the classic ghost stories. But your inspiration list is certainly strong enough and I wish you all the very best for the project. I say if it spooks you when you are writing it, then it'll spook your readers, too.
Hello Tablerappers - yes I would so love to genuinely spook! though it won't be a straight out and out ghost story, I definitely want to create some genuine shivers. You appear a bit of a shiver-expert yourself. Any top tips?
Nick - your 'pension calculator'!! Now that is real horror, I'll have none of that talk here, please.
Though I would be very, very happy for you to join in with another blog story, if it happens . . .
Caroline - no, thank you, both for 'Black Boxes' and for your amazing self (:
Hi, called in via the Box - the idea of an interactive blog story sounds like a good one that could be adapted widely...
Good to see you here - isn't the Black Boxes widget great?
We ran an ongoing, interactive blog short story a few months ago (the resulting piece 'The Cabin' is on my website www.megantaylor.info if you're interested)
If I begin another, please o get involved!
Hi Megan
I read in the latest Mslexia that Ghost novels are going to be the next big thing. Thanks for visitng my review blog.
Now everyone will be writing ghost stories - but perhaps that wouldn't be such a bad thing ..?
Your review blog's great DJ, I'll definitely be visiting again - and many thanks too, for returning the favour
I love ghost stories. I know quite a few folk tale ghost stories and just some funny ones. If you ever want to hear any just stop by and ask.
Fabulous -I'm popping right over to ask
Your writing is made for a ghost story. How We Were Lost was so atmospheric.
Thank you Shanta - you're very lovely. I'm certainly enjoying it
See you tonight!
M(-:
I love ghost stories and telling them. I have my own true ghost story which is very freaky...and true!
Hello
I am going to send you the ghost story I talked about through e-mail. Bye
Sorry, I forgot to sign in and I came up as my mother.
I will e-mail you my ghost story.
Bye - Sarah
Thank you so much jon and elizabeth and sarah!
Yes, please, please, please send me your ghost stories. I'd LOVE to hear them
Looking forward to being spooked,
Megan x
Hi Megan,
sorry I doesn't have to do with ghost stories... although Laura Marling does have a song called 'ghosts'... ! ; )
Awww, ace that you might see her. I've seen her 3 times this year... want to see her again in Mancunia, but tickets have sold out... : (
still, I can see her next yr. I'm just loving 'Rambling Man'... love the sentiments 'let it always be known that i was who i am'... glad you're enjoying 'alas i cannot swim'.
Post a Comment