A novel has to have that something special to qualify for the Editor’s
Choice accolade. Something special
can be as simple as making the prosaic interesting – or having an original
theme (which is rare). But most of all, it has to lure, then drag me into its
fabric; be well-contrived and balanced; uncompromising; and most of all,
written with honesty.
And so, with my usual reticence to spoil the plot for
searchers of the eclectic out there, my latest recommendation is to treat
yourself to a copy of The Devil Stood Up
by prolific paranormal and horror author, Christine Dougherty.
And don’t be put
off if this is not your favourite genre, because this latter day parable is as
enticing as it is charming – as charming as it is thought-provoking – as
thought-provoking as it is brutally honest. Not for the faint-hearted (though
not gratuitously graphic) this tale had me hooked from start to finish – I read
the novel in one sitting, literally unable to put it down. If you don’t mind mild
spoilers, mosey along to the Dreadful Tales website, and read a brief synopsis and appraisal from (an
open-mouthed) Colum who reviews there – he pretty much hits all the nails on
the head.
I never read blurb – I prefer to read a book’s opening and keep going if it
provides that rare momentum, but you can find the blurb, a sample and purchase
details of The Devil Stood Up on
Amazon: click HERE
– or HERE
if you’re in the UK.
Christine has kindly agreed to come over and answer a few questions that
(randomly) popped into my head:
I see you have written a total of ten novels and anthologies to date – did
any of them write themselves or just pop into your consciousness, or are you a
serial plotter?
I hate to say it, but they all more or less write themselves. The basic
ideas come from different places (The
Boat from a conversation my husband and I had about the safest place to be
during a zombie apocalypse; Born Lucky
was based on the idea of writing a modern-day ‘Night Stalker’/‘X-Files’) but
I’m not sure where the meat of the stories comes from. I’m not sure where the
characters come from, either, or why they are all so different from one
another.
I think it’s part
of the odd chemistry of my mind. I’ve always been the type who knows the
answers to questions without knowing where I learned the information. I
remember other people’s lives better than my own, too. Although I’m not a
believer of anything metaphysical, sometimes it seems I might be something of
an open channel. That’s the best way to describe the feeling.
I’m guessing that The Devil Stood Up
provoked some kind of reaction from ‘Stepford’ readers who may have expected a ‘cosy’
read – do you ever get flak from scaredy-cat readers or those who prefer
stereotyped plots?
I’ve had quite a few readers who ‘skipped over’ the murder in the beginning,
but even more than that, I get a lot of pushback on the idea that the Devil can
have feelings. It’s an odd objection considering it’s a work of fiction–it’s
not an observation about religion. I’ve also had people comment that the evil
characters are too evil…but the world is packed with ignorance and selfishness
and a distinct lack of empathy. I see these people in real life all the time…doesn’t
everyone?
I get your point there: and the world can certainly be a scary place
sometimes. How do you keep coming up with fresh ideas – do you have a muse
locked up in the basement?
I am lucky that I have a muse who dwells willingly in the basement (from
time to time, at least, as his Star Wars collection is down there.) My husband,
Steve, is an unlimited source of ideas and also my sounding board for works in
progress. It can be difficult to find anyone willing to discuss made up people
as seriously as they would discuss real ones and Steve (his nickname is
Biggie–you’ll see that in the books) is always ready to discuss.
Indeed, you are lucky, Christine, and I’m sure that makes you the envy of
many authors (and partners). And, judging by your devilish novel, the
interaction is effective. Do you have any works in progress?
I am currently working on a book that is based on a conversation Steve and
I had at a Five Guys. We were laughing our asses off at the idea. The book is
not about cheeseburgers but the cheeseburgers sure seemed to help cogitation.
Hmmm, according to The Washington
Post, Five Guys are the “Willie Wonkas of Burgercraft” – perhaps someone
spiked the journalist’s soda with a mind (and description) enhancing drug!
So, Christine – my final
question: what would be your ideal destination for a vacation – and who would
you take along with you?
Jesus Christ, it’s so damn BORING to say, but I would take Steve with me
and if we could go anywhere, I’d pick Las Vegas. If you are a dedicated
observer, this is a great place to do it. Plus all the flashy-flashy, busy-busy,
ching-ching keeps me happy. I’m not much
on relaxing.
Doesn’t sound boring to me: and you gotta keep your muse’s soul fed – and
not just with burgers and fries! Over here in England, an activity holiday
involves a few games of bingo and a ride on a reluctant donkey…but that’s
another story…
Thanks for visiting, Christine – readers: you can find more details about
Christine and her super supernatural thrillers and tales of horror on her
website HERE – and HERE
on Amazon.
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