Chasing Shadows had an unusual genesis. It transpired from a suggestion I made to a friend about a psychic detective who worked with police to solve murders. In the end, it became my project instead. In the beginning, the hardest part of writing this story was the research into areas with which I was not familiar. Researching the home base of Williams, Arizona, not to mention the various locations up and down Route 66 resulted in my becoming close friends with Google Earth, Bing maps, and regional websites over the course of the book.
Once most of the research was in place and a couple of preliminary chapters written, I was energized to write the story. I chose to isolate myself from everything and everybody for two weeks. At the end of that time, Chasing Shadows was ready for editing. This is undoubtedly the fastest I have every written a novel, but my muse was in high gear.
Once most of the research was in place and a couple of preliminary chapters written, I was energized to write the story. I chose to isolate myself from everything and everybody for two weeks. At the end of that time, Chasing Shadows was ready for editing. This is undoubtedly the fastest I have every written a novel, but my muse was in high gear.
Why the Paranormal?
The Brita Madison Paranormal Mysteries series is special to me. I named the main character after my late brother Brit. Later in the series, two of the characters are named after my sisters. Of course, the paranormal aspect intrigues me. You can see this in several of my other novels.
Why am I drawn to the paranormal? Paranormal abilities related to the mind fascinate me because they draw attention to the possibilities which lie outside the acceptable range of thinking for most people. Stories that embrace the paranormal make the reader want to dig deeper and reach higher to partake of such miraculous experiences, to step outside the humdrum of one's normal life. Whether the stories are mysteries, suspense, or romance, the paranormal element allows a writer to present a unique perspective on conventional circumstances.
Because I am a strong believer in the potential of everyone to reach beyond what they believe they are capable of experiencing, to reach beyond the mundane and the tangible, writing about the paranormal seems perfectly natural to me. Dealing with strong intuitions and experiencing strong empathic feelings all my life has sensitized me to that which can be experienced but not touched.
The Brita Madison Paranormal Mysteries series is special to me. I named the main character after my late brother Brit. Later in the series, two of the characters are named after my sisters. Of course, the paranormal aspect intrigues me. You can see this in several of my other novels.
Why am I drawn to the paranormal? Paranormal abilities related to the mind fascinate me because they draw attention to the possibilities which lie outside the acceptable range of thinking for most people. Stories that embrace the paranormal make the reader want to dig deeper and reach higher to partake of such miraculous experiences, to step outside the humdrum of one's normal life. Whether the stories are mysteries, suspense, or romance, the paranormal element allows a writer to present a unique perspective on conventional circumstances.
Because I am a strong believer in the potential of everyone to reach beyond what they believe they are capable of experiencing, to reach beyond the mundane and the tangible, writing about the paranormal seems perfectly natural to me. Dealing with strong intuitions and experiencing strong empathic feelings all my life has sensitized me to that which can be experienced but not touched.
My Inner Muse
My inner muse and I have an interesting relationship. First, let me say I am a ”pantser,” that is, I do not outline my books ahead of time. I have a general notion of where I’m going, but I may not have any idea where the end lies. This is when my muse and I are simpatico. Every time I’ve tried to be a “planner,” my muse has become extremely flighty.
When my muse and I are in sync, I experience an altered state when I sit down to the keyboard. When I am away from the keyboard, I’m not able to daydream about my story or work it all out in my head. Once my fingers are on the keys, I easily step into the characters emotionally. In writing the story, I experience intensely personal relationships with them, despite their being fictional. I feel their pain, their joy, and allow them to lead the way in unfolding the story. In writing all my books, including the nonfiction, it has been a dedicated investment of energy, and I am truly grateful for the experiences.
My inner muse and I have an interesting relationship. First, let me say I am a ”pantser,” that is, I do not outline my books ahead of time. I have a general notion of where I’m going, but I may not have any idea where the end lies. This is when my muse and I are simpatico. Every time I’ve tried to be a “planner,” my muse has become extremely flighty.
When my muse and I are in sync, I experience an altered state when I sit down to the keyboard. When I am away from the keyboard, I’m not able to daydream about my story or work it all out in my head. Once my fingers are on the keys, I easily step into the characters emotionally. In writing the story, I experience intensely personal relationships with them, despite their being fictional. I feel their pain, their joy, and allow them to lead the way in unfolding the story. In writing all my books, including the nonfiction, it has been a dedicated investment of energy, and I am truly grateful for the experiences.
Chasing Shadows
Brita Madison is at best a reluctant psychic, and Chief of Police James Weston is the "poster boy for conservative." Can he accept the unimaginable?
Brita Madison has found a sanctuary in Williams, Arizona, a refuge from the multitude of visions and voices that have chased her all her life. Then one vision touches her soul, and she finds herself embroiled in the middle of a missing person's case with a woman’s life at stake. Little does she know that this is only the beginning.
Brita's visions uncover a trail of murders centered around the historic Route 66. As Brita steps deeper into the world she has been trying to escape, she and Weston are in a race against time to identify the serial killer. This journey threatens to tear apart their lives as well as those closest to them.
Chief James Weston put it best: "Chasing after the shadows left behind by sick minds was damaging to one's soul when you were just following the clues. Vicariously experiencing the trauma through visions like Brita's would have to tear at the very fabric of your being."
Brita Madison is at best a reluctant psychic, and Chief of Police James Weston is the "poster boy for conservative." Can he accept the unimaginable?
Brita Madison has found a sanctuary in Williams, Arizona, a refuge from the multitude of visions and voices that have chased her all her life. Then one vision touches her soul, and she finds herself embroiled in the middle of a missing person's case with a woman’s life at stake. Little does she know that this is only the beginning.
Brita's visions uncover a trail of murders centered around the historic Route 66. As Brita steps deeper into the world she has been trying to escape, she and Weston are in a race against time to identify the serial killer. This journey threatens to tear apart their lives as well as those closest to them.
Chief James Weston put it best: "Chasing after the shadows left behind by sick minds was damaging to one's soul when you were just following the clues. Vicariously experiencing the trauma through visions like Brita's would have to tear at the very fabric of your being."
Grab your copy of Chasing Shadows and start the journey with Brita as the learning curve for her paranormal abilities begins. Then continue on with Shattered Hearts and Unraveling Memories as her world enlarges in ways she never thought possible. Book 4 of the Brita Madison Paranormal Mysteries series is in the hands of my muse at the moment. We’re hoping to have it for you sometime in 2023.
 | Available at Amazon.com. Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Shadows-Madison-Paranormal-Mysteries/dp/1507743491 Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Shadows-Madison-Paranormal-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00SU5YV70 Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dannye-Williamsen/e/B004KEAFE8 |
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