In my novel, Crevice, I created an elaborate background for Jacob Waltz, aka The Dutchman, and his relationship to the Lost Dutchman gold mine. But how much of what I wrote is true? Who was the real Dutchman? First, let me say, please do not try to find the Lost Dutchman gold mine based on my novel. Although, I did pick a physical place for the mine—a peak on the northwest side of the Millsite Canyon trail—I chose this because it was outside … [Read more...]
CREVICE Author Janice Boekhoff’s “Behind the Scenes: Is Setting a Character in Itself?”
I’ve heard many writers say that setting is just the place where your story happens. In a literal sense, this is true. Every character I dream up needs a place to lay their head at night, a place to fight for, and a place to fight with other people. But I’ve always thought setting should do more than provide a bed (or as in many of my novels, a sleeping bag) for my characters. I wrote the first several drafts of Crevice before visiting the … [Read more...]
Janice Boekhoff Gives the Quid Pro Quills Blog a Behind-the Scenes Look at CREVICE
Janice Boekhoff, author of WildBlue's upcoming romantic suspense novel CREVICE, was featured on the Quid Pro Quills blog on July 22nd. Janice gives a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and story that lead to the creation of CREVICE. Check out the full article here: https://quidproquills.com/ "A few years ago, I was watching a TV show that had a segment on the Lost Dutchman gold mine located somewhere in the Superstition Mountains of … [Read more...]
Richard Godwin’s Thriller Noir THE PURE AND THE HATED Countdown Deal Days!
For a limited time, get international bestselling author Richard Godwin's thriller noir, THE PURE AND THE HATED, for only 99cents beginning Friday, July 15th! But hurry, the price will gradually increase after each day of the countdown. THE PURE AND THE HATED is a psychological crime novel that explores family relationships and the mind of a dangerous psychopath. Get your copy here! From the book: “Marigold and Joyce lived in a farm house by … [Read more...]
Suspense Author Janice Boekhoff: Are Writing and Storytelling the Same Thing?
All of us who write love to pour our words onto the page in new and different ways. We strive to get just the right image, just the right tone, just the right nuance. But are these efforts in vain? Has anyone ever recommended a book because of the tone? Sometimes when I get book recommendations from friends, this is what it sounds like: Friend: You’ve got to read this book by so-and-so (name withheld because I don’t want to get sued … [Read more...]
Now Is Your Chance to Get Cameron Bane’s Suspense Thriller Book PITFALL For FREE!
For a limited time, get Cameron Bane's hit suspense thriller, PITFALL, for free! But hurry, this offer only last from July 10th through July 14th. PITFALL is the story of former Army Ranger John Brenner, a wounded Iraqi war vet and ex-cop. Brenner finds himself face to face with a ruthless killer on a mission that hasn't gone quite as planned. From the book: “Son.” My voice degenerated to a guttural rasp. “Don’t make me kill you.” I was … [Read more...]
Don’t Miss the Countdown Deal Days for Cameron Bane’s Suspense Thriller PITFALL!
For a limited time, get the first book in Cameron Bane's suspense thriller series, PITFALL, for only 99cents beginning Wednesday, June 29th! But hurry, the price will gradually increase after each day of the countdown. PITFALL is the story of former Army Ranger John Brenner, a wounded Iraqi war vet and ex-cop. Brenner finds himself face to face with a ruthless killer on a mission that hasn't gone quite as planned. Get your copy here! From the … [Read more...]
Noir Author Richard Godwin Discusses The Connection Between Crime and Horror
I have said that The Pure And The Hated is a cross between crime fiction and horror fiction. That is because the events in it involve an intersection of styles. While it is more crime than horror, the reason there is an overlap is what I am exploring in these articles. I believe crime fiction, especially Noir fiction lends itself to hybrid genres. In these articles I have explored the themes of horror fiction and how it has evolved. I now … [Read more...]
The Double: Richard Godwin On the Idea of Split Personality
In The Pure And The Hated the idea of split personality is a central theme. It relates to what identity is and how irrational impulses may drive a character. As I trace the roots of horror fiction in Gothic and look at how it has evolved, I want to look at some of the themes of the genre. The theme of the double occurs early on in works such as Poe’s story William Wilson, in which the protagonist encounters his negative doppelganger. It is … [Read more...]
Richard Godwin on the Gothic Roots of Horror
There is much that is Gothic in The Pure And The Hated, my novel about the past, about revenge and lawlessness. In many ways revenge may be seen as lawless justice. As I examine what horror fiction means to us and how it relates to crime fiction, I want to trace its roots. I want to show that the two genres are not that distinct. In the latter part of the eighteenth century there was flowering of Gothic literature in England that ran … [Read more...]
