Happy Halloween

At least I finished Dracula while in Whitby, so had some idea of what to expect....

George Mann at Lindum Books

This time last year (https://theonlyconsequence.blogspot.com/2017/11/georga-mann-wynchwood.html) we went to see George at Lindum Books and we enjoyed the evening (and his books) so much we decided to see him again.  It was great night and a lovely crowd; including myself and Yvonne and we got sat next to Tim which is always interesting.

A year ago I bought Wychwood by George, as well as one of his Dr Who graphic novels for Jamie.  Wychwood was his first book featuring journalist Elspeth Reeves and DS Peter Shaw. Hallowdene is the second. I have to say I love them both - Hallowdene being especially fitting for this time of year with its witches stone, murder and black magic.

George discussed both novels and how going back to Elspeth and DS Shaw was like meeting old friends and asking 'what's next?'  Writing about a Witch Stone being moved from a grave was like the unearthing in Quatermass. 

I loved listening to George and where he gets his ideas / research from for each novel  It was fascinating to hear about the Witches of Belvoir; supposedly hung in Lincoln. (See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witches_of_Belvoir).   It's interesting to think about the consequences of old decisions, the choices people make and the repercussions of history.  On the surface all appears normal but no one is addressing the undercurrent - what lies beneath.  He also talked about the hand of glory at Whitby Museum (See: https://whitbymuseum.org.uk/whats-here/collections/special-collections/hand-of-glory/) a mummified severed hand of a man who has been hanged.  

He also mentioned the Witchcraft museum in Cornwall (Boscastle) See: 

https://museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk/  so that's a few more places on my 'To Visit' list for next year.

George talked of the supernatural elements in his books, but what I enjoy about them is that they are everyday crime novel with a hint of the supernatural thrown in.  You can choose to believe or not to believe.  There is room for doubt as to what exactly has gone on.   And although there are hints to the past, instances such as a dead phone battery bring us right up to date!   I do think both novels; although not necessarily explained in terms of the supernatural, both have a satisfying reveal.  

We were all pleased for him when he said that he was currently in talks with a TV production company who are looking at perhaps doing three stories for the Sunday night viewers (think Vera / Endeavour) that was a bit darker.  I do hope it happens for him.

George discussed his writing process.  He stated he has been a full time freelance writer since November 2015.  He has a file card for each character with all their details on, including motives and considerations.  He also has a web of relationships which shows how close each character is to the others in the novel and who loves / hates who.  He always has a timeline and a scene plan made up of 1/2 lines of what happens in each scene.  His outline is made up of a paragraph per chapter and includes characters and red herrings.  It is this he sends initially to his editor.   He is luck enough to have a 'writing' and a 'reading' room; although one used to be the garage!

I also bought Sherlock Holmes: The Spirit Box, which is one of George's novels writing as John H. Watson.  Loved it!!