I had the opportunity to ask the author, Phillip D. Curwood some questions and was definitely surprised by his answers. His intriguing paranormal novel, Arabella: A Picture of Beauty may be inspired by his real life.
1. What inspired your latest novel, Heather in May?
I was simply inspired to write this novel because of my love for the North York Moors. The surrounding moors that I love to tread hold such mystery, which in turn has always fired my imagination. The town of Helmsley sits on the edge of the lonely moors, and the Black Swan Inn is the hotel I stay when hiking. It’s the same black and white timber-framed hotel that became The Rivvis (Yorkshire slang for Rievaulx village and Abbey) in my book.
2. What advice do you have for new writers?
My advice would be to never give up and only listen to constructive criticism that would help you grow as a writer.
3. What is your favorite genre to write and why?
My favorite genre(s) has always been the Paranormal and Sci-fi. Living in a haunted house for 13-years lent weight to my curiosity of the Afterlife in my later years. Sci-fi, on the other hand, is my escape and refuge. It all began with a single book by James Blish entitled – Welcome to Mars.
4. What are you working on now?
I’m working on a fairly complex time travel novel entitled – Time Light. It involves alternate realities, time manipulation, a Jason Bourne-style feel and other paraphernalia I cannot divulge, at this moment in (time).
5. Arabella was a great ghost story. If you had to be haunted by another fictional character who would it be?
If I had to be haunted by another fictional character, it would have to be a lady as beautiful as Lady Arabella herself.
6. Have you ever had a paranormal encounter?
Referring back to question 3; I’ve had several encounters of the paranormal over 13-years of living in an extremely haunted house. The ghosts name in question was Mary Anne Belle, and she killed herself by throwing herself down a well 150-years ago, due to the abuse from her husband. I’ve witnessed balls of light, grey mist, a disembodied hand waving at me, faces peering through our windows.
7. You are a self-described history geek. If you had to leave in another century which one would you chose and why?
I’d love to live in the early nineteenth century, mostly because I loved the way they dressed back then. They prided themselves on good manners and etiquette and I feel they had more freedom back then… no computers or Smartphones either.
Author of YA suspense 