Today Kathryn Brown, author of Discovery at Rosehill, is my guest and talks about why she wrote paranormal. Last year I reviewed her novel which you can read by clicking on the link below.
Why I wrote Paranormal Romance
It had to be paranormal genre for my debut novel, I couldn’t possibly write about anything else. Inspired by my father’s visiting spirit, I decided to turn my experiences of the spirit world into a book after publishing some of them on my blog in the early days. I wanted to create a character who was strong but gentle, intelligent if not a little gullible, and above all, mysterious. Camilla Armstrong was based partly on myself. My fascination with the paranormal and the incredible experiences I’d had, were brought to ‘life’ and woven together to make a somewhat complicated existence make sense once the mystery surrounding Camilla’s life was unveiled.
For many years, I have been fascinated by the spirit world. My sensitivities to a world beyond our own were heightened when my father passed away in July 2001. Just like Camilla, I found my dream home, but unlike Camilla who was led to Rosehill by her grandmother, I was led to my home by my father. I could sense energy in the house since the day I moved in, the ambience was calm yet it was like a thousand eyes watched me constantly. I have never been afraid in my home because the spirits who share it with me, welcomed me with open arms. I believe everything happens for a reason and I most certainly believe moving to my home in Northumberland only six weeks after my father’s passing, was very much meant to be.
It wasn’t until 2007 that I decided to start making a log of the paranormal experiences I was encountering, some that were more prominent than others. I would feel someone watching me when I swept the staircase; I would see faces in the mirror on the half-landing, thus naming it, “the mirror with a thousand faces”. I would sense a woman walking up and down the stairs and then be greeted by the aroma of beef stew whilst walking through the halls. One day, I heard someone running down a corridor as though heading towards the bathroom where I was drying myself after having a shower. But when I called out my daughter’s name, assuming it to be her, I then glanced through the window and saw her playing outside. Sharing my home with previous occupants has never bothered me, not least because they have given me much to write about and a purpose to fulfil my dream of being published.
I wanted Camilla to be a real person, not just a part of me. So I introduced a love interest to her life, making him slightly controversial in the form of a vicar. Knowing that the two personalities wouldn’t mix, I wanted to give them a “will they-won’t they” type of relationship and keep the reader guessing about whether they’d ever get together. I’m not a very romantic person but I do like to read romance, and watch it on the television. Adding a twist to the love story of the book was a must, if only to make the reader see that Camilla is indeed a strong woman that does have a lot more to offer apart from mediumship.
LINKS ETC
Review of Discovery at Rosehill click here
Discovery at Rosehill – available at Amazon
Blog: Crystal Jigsaw
Paranormal Blog: Marvellous Mable
Email: crystal.jigsaw7@btinternet.com
Twitter: @CrystalJigsaw
Facebook: CrystalJigsaw
Love Reading, Love Books 
Sue, you know I adore your ‘audience’ feature and this one is no exception. Terrific insights into the story behind Discovery at Rosehill–and a big thanks to Kathryn for sharing! I can’t wait to get stuck into this book. Good luck with launch day!
What an absolutely brilliant feature. Loved it! x
Lovely insight into a lovely read. Goodluck with relaunch, Kathryn.
I am becoming more and more facinated by the ‘story behind’ Discovery at Rosehill, Kathryn! Wishing you lots of success and sales with your relaunch celebration. Xx
The story behind the story is indeed fascinating, Kathryn. Absolute best of luck. I can see that this truly came from the heart. 🙂 xx
You certainly achieved everything you aimed for with your characters Kathryn. It’s a great read and will delight anyone interested in the paranormal, but also wanting a romance! Congrats and can’t wait to read the next one.
Thank you for everyone who left a comment – Discovery at Rosehill was certainly a discovery for me. I was really captivated by Kathryn’s style of writing and even though I wouldn’t normally go anywhere near paranormal, I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommend it.
I love how Kathryn can calmly talk about keeping a log of paranormal experiences. I think I’d have run a mile!
A huge thank you for all your comments and support. And a massive thank you to Sue for hosting me on your blog – it’s very much appreciated.
Ellen – the experiences I encounter (touching wood here, lol) have all been welcoming and very warm, bar one…!