Inside Evil is a paranormal mystery set in a small town on the borders of England and Scotland. Like so many similar places, its residents cannot help but be drawn into each other’s lives, as they rarely venture from their seclusion. But, with such isolation comes danger, and whilst the world is blissfully unaware, an ancient terror is preparing for murder.
Inside Evil - Synopsis
Life in the secluded town of Ridgewood is charming, simple, safe - isn't it? The bubble that isolates the hamlet protects, or so the eclectic residents believe. Lurking in the background of everyday life is a curse that comes in cycles and picks off the innocent as it pleases. But this time there's something different, this time the curse wants more.
Roberta Arlington's life changes the moment she finds one of her pupils, pale, frozen, DEAD. Her mind is filled with uncharacteristic thoughts, dreams and visions create bizarre scenes, and her blood boils as she lashes out at those she loves. Amidst her turmoil there are friends, and enemies, who come to her aid, piecing together the puzzle laid before them.
But with the ancient evil having struck down so many through the centuries, Roberta will have to muster every ounce of strength she has to survive. An entire world, a strange land, has unveiled itself. If Roberta knows one thing for sure, it's that she alone won't be able to escape as death comes calling...
MB's INTERVIEW
Thank you, Mr.Geoffrey Wakeling
Please, tell us the top five differences between the British and American (and/or the rest of the world) horror literature? What are the principal characteristics of your horror stories?
I actually think modern horror literature is quite similar, regardless of whether it’s from Britain or America. The film industry has had a large impact on modern literature, creating a horror template which many authors stick too to create their framework, before throwing in their original ideas and concepts. I do think, however, that British horror tends to be a little slower. Instead of the fast past rollercoaster ride that many American books have, novels tend to allow the reader time to ruminate on what’s going on, taking breaks between full throttle speed with lighter notes.
In my own horror/mystery, I like to use this light and shade. There are chapters where it’s all action and little else. But I like to breathe after this, and develop my characters too; after all, I don’t want to write books where the people are all carbon copies of one another.
What do you prefer more: thrill or gore? What each of them brings to a horror story and what do you do to obtain the perfect mix?
I like thrill. Once it’s been done, gore is just gore. There’s only so far you can take it, only so many ways you can mutilate someone or bring out a ghost. Thrill, however, is far more fun because you can wind your story amongst a maze of hints and tidbits, building up the suspense as you go.
What a mystery/horror story should have and what should avoid?
The obvious thing here, is that horror stories, particularly if they’re mystery, need to avoid giving too much away, too soon. You don’t want to get a third of the way through a book to realise how it’ll end. One the whole though, with new authors coming to the niche all the time, I would say to try and avoid the traditional horror template and write from the heart; that way horror can be developed in a modern way and take a new route.
What are the challenges when the fantasy/paranormal and horror/mystery are put together?
The hardest challenge can be reader expectations. When you mesh genres together, it’s a bit like marmite; people either love it, or hate it. BUT, I’m a believer of writing what you want and not being tied to what’s come before; otherwise, how on earth will anything original be created again? Horror and fantasy do fit well together, and it’s been done to death in the film industry - you only have to think of all the paranormal activity films and ghoul movies. It’s an exciting genre, though, and I don’t think it’ll ever die.
The Inside Evil series has already four books. What did you do to keep the series fresh and the events “plausible”?
It helped that, at it’s core, Inside Evil is a fantasy series. The first book definitely has a horror edge, but as you progress through the series, it becomes one of parallel worlds and urban fantasy with a splash of mystery thrown in. The series was always preconceived as well, so there’s was always a clear direction for the following book to head in. I’ve just finished writing the fifth and final book, and am extremely pleased how the series turned out.
Book #1 is FREE
Goodreads ** Smashwords ** Amazon ** Barnes&Noble ** Kobo
About the author:
Geoff Wakeling lives in London and escapes the smog of the city through his writing. The Inside Evil, even though being dark and mysterious, was a way to escape the drudgery of every day life and indulge in something a little more fantastical.
With a degree in Zoology, Wakeling is animal mad and has three cats, fish and five chickens in his London home. He is a keen gardener and conservationist. He is also still awaiting the arrival of his Hogwart's Owl!
No comments:
Post a Comment